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Order of Service Archive

 
     May 21, 2017                                                          Celebrating Religious Education & Our Bridging Ceremony
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Prelude                                                     This Little Light of Mine
                                                                  Jack Rizzo (9am)
 
Welcome                                                                                                                        Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
 
Chalice Lighting                                        Pam Teplitz
 
*Opening Hymn                                         #121 We’ll Build a Land
 
*Covenant                                                 Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                                  The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                                  And service is its prayer.
                                                                  To dwell together in peace,
                                                                  To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                                  To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                                  Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                        From all that dwell below the skies
                                                                  Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                                  Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                                  Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages                                      Building Blocks                                                               Kathleen Hogue
 
Song of Blessing                                      #1053 How Could Anyone
                                                                 How could anyone ever tell you you were anything less than beautiful?
                                                                 How could anyone ever tell you you were less than whole?
                                                                 How could anyone fail to notice that your loving is a miracle?
                                                                 How deeply you’re connected to my soul.
 
Life Together
 
Pulpit Message                                        Right Relations Task Force
 
Story Part I:
Growing UU Children                              The Seed, the Pot, the Soil
                                                                The Brownlie/Oakes Family (9am)
                                                                The Duckman/Linnemeier Family (11am)
 
Offering                                                    Faith is a Journey
 
Devotional Time
 
Musical Response                                  The Magic Trumpet                                                            James Burke
                                                                McCartney Hutchins (9am)
 
Story Part II:
Growing UU Children                              The Water & the Sun
                                                                Sabina Mayo-Smith, Jane & Daphne Correia (9am)
                                                                Beverly Shoenberger & Sarah Robson (11am)
 
Sharing the Seedlings
 
Music for the Morning                             This Little Light of Mine
                                                                Ian Oakes (9am)
 
                                                                De Colores
                                                                Charley Duckman (11am)
 
Recognition of Teachers
 
Congregational Response                      RE Teachers and Adult Program Facilitators,
                                                                we thank you for taking responsibility as leaders of our classes.
                                                               We sincerely appreciate your commitment
                                                                 to sharing the great promise of our common heritage and the unfolding                                                                            future
                                                                with our children, youth, and adults.
 
Affirmation (unison)                                We are all part of this one community, children, youth, and adults alike.
                                                               May we all be enriched by exploring spiritually
                                                               and deepening our faith together.
 
Musical Response                                 Naughty                                                                                 Tim Minchin
                                                               Delaney Hutchinson
 
Bridging                                                 Freddy Kafka & Taila Walderman (9am)
 
Responsive Reading                             It Takes a UU Village
                                                              Lois Hutchinson & Larry Weiner (11am)
 
Closing Song                                        The Circle Game                                                                    Joni Mitchell
 
*Benediction
 
Musical Response                                Amen in Bb
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Greeters:                   Roberta Frye, Wendi Gladstone, Audrey Lyness & David Olson
Ushers:                      Bonnie Brae, Hugo Contreras, Kit Shaw & Greg Wood
Coffee:                      Barbara & Kim Andres, Sheila Cummins, Alice Hall & Eileen McCormack
Welcome Table:        Wendi Gladstone
Bookstore:                 Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to Unitarian Universalism beyond our congregation. Today we send our gifts to our Unitarian Universalist Association to promote social justice and liberal religion through public advocacy, leadership development, faith formation, and support for over 1,000 Unitarian Universalist congregations in the United States and around the world.
 
Bridging Ceremony -- Congregational Affirmation
 
We celebrate this new phase of your life's journey.
            We encourage you to continue your own free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
With both joy and sorrow, we let you go to spread your wings.
            This church community will always provide a spiritual home for you.
Your roots are here.
            Wherever life takes you, may you make a place for yourself in a Unitarian Universalist congregation.
It is up to you to show up, get involved, and give something back.
             It is up to us to build a bridge of support for youth and young adults.
 
All: We pledge ourselves to make our congregation a haven for all who are walking the bridge
from youth into adulthood.
 
Circle Game
 
Yesterday a child came out to wonder
Caught a dragonfly inside a jar
Fearful when the sky was full of thunder
And tearful at the falling of a star
 
Then the child moved ten times round the seasons
Skated over ten clear frozen streams
Words like when you're older must appease him
And promises of someday make his dreams
 
Chorus: And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game *
 
Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now
Cartwheels turn to car wheels thru the town
And they tell him take your time it won't be long now
Till you drag your feet to slow the circles down
 
Repeat Chorus
 
So the years spin by and now the boy is twenty
Though his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true
There'll be new dreams maybe better dreams and plenty
Before the last revolving year is through
 
Repeat Chorus
 
...And go round and round and round
In the circle game
 
 
 
      May 14, 2017
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*Gathering Hymn                                 #1010 We Give Thanks
                                                               Oh, we give thanks for this precious day
                                                               For all gathered here, and those far away
                                                               For this time we share, with love and care,
                                                               Oh, we give thanks for this previous day.
 
Prelude
 
Welcome
 
Chalice Lighting                                  Rick & Peggy Rhoads
 
*Opening Hymn                                  #354 We Laugh, We Cry
 
*Covenant                                            Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                               The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                               And service is its prayer.
                                                              To dwell together in peace,
                                                              To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                              To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                              Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                From all that dwell below the skies
                                                             Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                             Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                             Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
Time for All Ages                              Dedicating Ourselves to Our Children
                                                                      Luna Mariela Quintero Squire
                                                                      Mateo Joseph Quintero Squire
                                                                       Ava Paloma Citizen
                                                                      Alexander Pei-De Hsu Patterson
 
Affirmation (unison)                           We welcome these children to our congregation.
                                                               We rejoice with their families in the promise they brings.
                                                               We will try to live our lives as models of pride and integrity to the young.
                                                               We take upon ourselves the privilege and responsibility of helping to nurture
                                                                        the character and spirit of our children.
                                                               On behalf of the greater community of Unitarian Universalism,
                                                                       we pledge to these children and their families the love and support of our
                                                                       churches as warm and caring places for religious growth.
 
Song of Blessing                                #1053 How Could Anyone
                                                               How could anyone ever tell you you were anything less than beautiful?
                                                               How could anyone ever tell you you were less than whole?
                                                               How could anyone fail to notice that your loving is a miracle?
                                                               How deeply you’re connected to my soul.
 
Life Together
 
Offering                                                 Mona Lisa (9am)                                                 Jay Livingston and Ray Evans
                                                               Dodi Li (11am)                                                                               arr. Doreen Rao
 
Devotional Time                                  #519 Let Me Not Pray To Be Sheltered                        Rabindranath Tagore
 
Silence
 
Sung Response                                   #1009 Meditation on Breathing
                                                                When I breathe in, I breathe in peace.
                                                                When I breathe out, I breathe out love.
 
Reading                                                The Lanyard                                                                                            Billy Collins
 
Music for the Morning                         Mother I Feel You                                                            Windsong Dianne Martin
 
Sermon                                                  Keeping Score                                                        Rev. Rebeccca Benefiel Bijur
 
*Closing Hymn                                      #6 Just As Long As I Have Breath
 
*Benediction
 
Musical Response                              Amen in Bb
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Greeters: Dwight Flowers, Katie Malich & Jila Tayefehnowrooz
Ushers: Tom Early, Nina Emerson, Barbara Kernochan & Michael Young
Coffee: Kit Shaw, Jila Tayefehnowrooz & Linda van Ligten
Welcome Table: Sheila Cummins
Bookstore: Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
 
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to Unitarian Universalism beyond our congregation. Today we send our gifts to our Unitarian Universalist Association to promote social justice and liberal religion through public advocacy, leadership development, faith formation, and support for over 1,000 Unitarian Universalist congregations in the United States and around the world. More information is available at www.uua.org.
 
 
        May 7, 2017
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*Gathering Hymn                                #188 Come, Come, Whoever You Are
 
Prelude                                                  Cuando el Porbre                                                       J. A. Olivar & M. Manzano
 
Welcome
 
Chalice Lighting                                  Jacki Weber
 
*Opening Hymn                                   #360 Here We Have Gathered
 
*Covenant                                            Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                               The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                               And service is its prayer.
                                                               To dwell together in peace,
                                                               To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                               To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                               Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                  From all that dwell below the skies
                                                               Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                               Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                               Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages                                    The Zax                                                                                                   Dr. Seuss
 
Song of Blessing                                  #414 As We Leave This Friendly Place
                                                                 As you leave this friendly place, love give light to every face;
                                                                May the kindness which you learn, light your hearts till you return.
 
Life Together
 
Offering                                                  Lucky to be Me (9am)                                                                   Frank Loesser
                                                                 Alleluia (11am)                                                                      Randall Thompson
 
Devotional Time
 
Silence
 
Sung Response                                  #352 Find a Stillness                                                                                  verse 1
 
Reading                                                Isaiah 6:1-8
 
Music for the Morning                         Easy to Love (9am)                                                                              Cole Porter
                                                                O My Dove (11am)                                                                          DeReau Farrar
 
Sermon                                                 God of Our (Mis)Understanding                                                Rev. Greg Ward
 
*Closing Hymn                                   #318 We Would Be One
 
*Benediction
 
Musical Response                              Amen in Bb
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Greeters: Barbara & Kim Andres, Tom Foretich
Ushers: Steve DePaul, Peggy Kharraz, Dan Patterson & Linda van Ligten
Coffee: Deirdre Dietel, Peggy Rhoads, Kit Shaw & Alicia van Ooyen
Welcome Table: Barbara Gibbs & Linda van Ligten
Bookstore: Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
 
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to Unitarian Universalism beyond our congregation. Today we send our gifts to our Unitarian Universalist Association to promote social justice and liberal religion through public advocacy, leadership development, faith formation, and support for over 1,000 Unitarian Universalist congregations in the United States and around the world.
 
Rev. Greg Ward comes to us from a year of healing interim ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver in Washington. He was raised here in L.A. and has deep roots in the Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church in Pasadena and at Camp de Benneville Pines. With 20 years of parish ministry across the US and Canada, Rev. Greg is looking forward to sharing his passion for our faith and to helping optimize our organizational and spiritual health. In four months, Rev. Greg will begin as our Developmental Minister.
 

 

           April 30, 2017                                                                                                                                 YRUU Sunday
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Prelude                                                                    Place of Love                                                                     Betsy Grant
 
Welcome                                                                 Annalivia Martin-Straw
 
Chalice Lighting                                                    Annie Jewel Foxworth
 
*Opening Hymn                                                    #1000 Morning Has Come
 
*Covenant                                                            Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                                               The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                                               And service is its prayer.
                                                                               To dwell together in peace,
                                                                               To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                                               To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                                               Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                                  From all that dwell below the skies
                                                                               Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                                               Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                                               Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Story for All Ages                                                 If Kids Ran the World
                                                                                August Fouts
 
Song of Blessing                                                  #414 As We Leave This Friendly Place
                                                                                 As you leave this friendly place, love give light to every face;
                                                                                May the kindness which you learn, light your hearts till you return.
 
Life Together                                                         Dagny Stahl
 
Meditation                                                             Sanna Legan
 
Offertory                                                                 Water of Life                                                                         Betsy Grant
 
Sermonette                                                           Who Cares? We Should!                                          Alex Michaelson
 
Musical Response                                                                                                                            Annalivia Martin-Straw
 
Sermonette                                                          Afghan Rugs                                                                    Freddie Kafka
 
Sermonette                                                         The SAT Crisis                                                                     Dagny Stahl
 
Musical Response                                                                                                                            Annalivia Martin-Straw
 
Sermonette                                                         Nasty Women                                                                       Sana Legan
 
Sermonette                                                         What Comes With Care                                           Cheyenne Mason
 
*Closing Hymn                                                  #1064 Blue Boat Home
 
*Benediction                                                                                                                                                     Dani Kapowitz
 
Postlude                                                              Beach                                                                                        Betsy Grant
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
                                                                                        ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Greeters: Brian Cahill & Barbara Gibbs
Ushers: Tom Foretich, Peggy Kharraz, Dan Patterson & Jila Tayefehnowrooz
Coffee: Rebecca Crawford, Linda Marten, Susan Stahl & Alicia van Ooyen
Welcome Table: Barbara Gibbs
Bookstore: Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
 
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to Didi Hirsh Mental Health Services . With
locations in Culver City and throughout Los Angeles, Didi Hirsch transforms lives by providing
quality mental health care and substance abuse disorder services in communities where stigma or
poverty limit access. Its Suicide Prevention Center was the first in the nation to provide 24/7 crisis
counseling and receives over 55,000 calls each year at 877-7-CRISIS, or 877-727-4747.
 
About Betsy Grant, our guest pianist
Betsy Grant is a dedicated composer and recording artist of her own original piano works. In 2016 she released her latest CD Life Serves Life . She has won performance awards and competitions nationally and internationally for more than 20 years. She played Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue as a young piano soloist with the Columbia Artists Young Americans on a nationwide tour, and performed for Aaron Copland and Jose Iturbi before she was 20. She has been a soloist with the Brentwood Symphony, Los Angeles Concert Orchestra, Rio-Hondo Symphony, Metropolitan Symphony and Palisades Symphony, as well as others. She has two blogs: What Are We Doing? at freetospeakblog.blogspot.com and The Learning Heart at betsy-grant.blogspot.com as well as her
own website. Betsy teaches piano and composition at her home in Santa Monica, betsygrantmusic.com. Her CDs are for sale online from any of the following links: http://cdbaby.com/cd/betsygrant or http://www.amazon.com.
 
Undy Sunday: As of Friday we have collected 362 pairs of undies and 447 pairs of socks, bringing us
darn close to our goal of 600 of each. You can still order online for delivery to: Didi Hirsch -
Excelsior House, 1007 Myrtle Ave., Inglewood, CA 90301. All donations received, (or ordered, if you
let us know that you have done so), by April 30 will be included in our total. Contact: fia@uusm.org.
 
 
          April 23, 2017                                                                                                                                      Earth Sunday
 
There is science now to construct the story of the journey we have made on this earth,
the story that connects us with all beings. Right now on our planet we need to remember that story —
to harvest it and taste it. For we are in a hard time, a fearful time.
And it is the knowledge of the bigger story that is going to carry us through.
~ Joanna Macy
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*Gathering Hymn                                  #21 For the Beauty of the Earth                                                Conrad Kocher
                                                                 For the beauty of the earth, for the splendor of the skies
                                                                 For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
                                                                 Source of all, to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise.
                                                                 
                                                                 For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night
                                                                 Hill and vale and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light:
                                                                Source of all, to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise.
 
Prelude                                                  Nature’s Bounty                                                                                  Betsy Grant
 
Welcome
 
Chalice Lighting
 
*Opening Hymn                                   #1068 Rising Green
 
*Covenant                                             Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                                The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                                And service is its prayer.
                                                               To dwell together in peace,
                                                               To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                               To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                               Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                 From all that dwell below the skies
                                                              Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                              Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                              Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages
 
Song of Blessing                               #118 This Little Light of Mine                                                                 Traditional
                                                              This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine...
                                                              Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine...
 
Life Together
 
Pulpit Message                                  Right Relations Task Force
                                                              Emily Linnemeier (9am)
                                                              Vilma Ortiz (11am)
 
Offering                                                Forgive You                                                                                      Leslie Beauvais
 
Devotional Time
 
Sung Response                                #123 Spirit of Life
 
Responsive Reading                       #536 Morning Poem
 
Music for the Morning                       Frozen                                                                                                 Leslie Beauvais
 
Reflection                                            Rick Teplitz (9am)
                                                              James Witker (11am)
 
Sermon                                              Becoming A Green Sanctuary                                Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
 
*Closing Hymn                                 #309 Earth Is Our Homeland
 
*Benediction
 
Musical Response                           Sacred Trust                                                                                         Nancy Nordlie
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Service Participants: Sheila Bjornlie, Bonnie Brae, Hugo Contreras, Nina Emerson, Barbara Gibbs,
Sarah Harper, Glen Howell, Nancy Howell, Audrey Lyness, Barbara Kernochan, Leah Moore, Carol
Ring, Michael Young, Steve Young & Sylvia Young
 
Service Notes
 
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. With locations in Culver City and throughout Los Angeles, Didi Hirsch transforms lives by providing quality mental health care and substance abuse disorder services in communities where stigma or poverty limit access.
 
Two weeks ago, we launched the Undy Sunday Challenge. Your response, including a generous individual who donated over 240 pairs of socks and 90 undies, has been tremendous - thank you! So far we have collected 296 pairs of undies and 349 pairs of socks, bringing us about halfway to our goal of 600 of each, (the equivalent of 100 6-packs, not 100 pairs as we wrote incorrectly last week). Help us reach our goal by bringing a donation to the collection box during coffee hour, or by ordering online for delivery to: Didi Hirsch - Excelsior House, 1007 Myrtle Ave., Inglewood, CA 90301. All donations received, (or ordered, if you let us know that you have done so), by April 30 will be included in our total.
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On March 17, 2017, after a decade of effort, we were formally recognized as a UUA Accredited Green Sanctuary! The Green Sanctuary Program provides a path for congregational study, reflection, and action for today's environmental challenges - including climate change and environmental justice. Green Sanctuary Congregations demonstrate a commitment to examining their current environmental impact, and moving towards developing sustainable practices grounded in Unitarian Universalism in four focus areas:
 
        1. Environmental Justice acknowledges that marginalized communities are often hit first and
              hardest by environmental crisis. In partnering with these communities we are able to address
              human and environmental needs at the same time. Environmental Justice emphasizes a shift
              from providing charity to working in solidarity with the communities most affected by climate change.
        2. Worship and Celebration is the heart of Unitarian Universalism. As we work together towards a
                cleaner, more just and sustainable world, worship enables us to stay connected to each other
                 and to celebrate the work we have accomplished.
        3. Religious Education shapes more than just minds. It shapes attitudes and practices.
        4. Sustainable Living requires us to treat the world more gently by using fewer resources and being
               mindful of the choices we make.
 
 
 
       April 16, 2017                                                                                                                                         Easter Sunday
Alleluia!
For the circle, the spiral, the web, the egg, the orbit, the center,
the seed, the flower, the fruit, the opening, the death, the release, the seed.
~ Barbara Pescan
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Prelude                                            Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140                                Johann S. Bach
 
Call to Worship
 
Chalice Lighting
 
*Opening Hymn                              #1000 Morning Has Come
 
*Covenant                                         Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                            The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                             And service is its prayer.
                                                            To dwell together in peace,
                                                            To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                            To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                            Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                From all that dwell below the skies
                                                             Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                             Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                             Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages                              The Wonder of the Easter Story                                                       Kathleen Hogue
 
Song of Blessing                             #38 Morning Has Broken                                                                  Eleanor Farjeon
                                                           Morning has broken like the first morning,
                                                           Blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
                                                           Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
                                                           Praise for them, springing fresh from the word!
 
Life Together
 
Pulpit Messages                             Developmental Ministry Task Force of the Board of Directors
                                                           Jacki Weber
 
                                                           Communications Team
                                                           Bob Dietz (9am)
                                                           Lois Hutchinson (11am)
 
Voices of Community                     Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services
                                                            Liam Mina
 
Offering                                           Jazz Alleluia                                                            Thomas Benjamin; arr. Z. Robles
 
Reflection                                       Kevin Squire (11am)
 
Easter Message                                                                                                                        Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
 
Quiet Time
 
Decorating the Renewal Tree
 
Selection                                        Easter Chorale                                                                                        Samuel Barber
 
Sharing Seeds
 
*Closing Hymn                             #1068 Rising Green
 
*Benediction
 
*Musical Response                   Sing and Rejoice (canon ad lib.)                                                                    Traditional
                                                      Sing and rejoice! Sing and rejoice!
                                                      Let all thing living now sing and rejoice!
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Greeters:                            Roberta Frye, Wendi Gladstone, Audrey Lyness & David Olson
Ushers:                               Nina Emerson, Peggy Kharraz, Kit Shaw & Ned Wright
Coffee:                                Barbara & Kim Andres, Sheila Cummins, Deirdre Dietel,
                                               Alice Hall & Eileen McCormack
Welcome Table:                 Wendi Gladstone
Bookstore:                          Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. With locations in Culver City and throughout Los Angeles, Didi Hirsch transforms lives by providing quality mental health care and substance abuse disorder services in communities where stigma or poverty limit access. Its Suicide Prevention Center was the first in the nation to provide 24/7 crisis counseling and receives over 55,000 calls each year at 877-7-CRISIS, or 877-727-4747.
 
Last week, we launched the Undy Sunday Challenge! Help us reach our goal of donating 100 pairs of new, in-package socks and underwear to clients of Didi Hirsch by bringing a donation to the collection box on Sunday mornings in April during coffee hour, or by ordering online from wherever you buy your undies for delivery to Didi Hirsch- Excelsior House 1007 Myrtle Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301. We also welcome cash donations to go towards the purchase of undies and socks. All donations received (or ordered, if you let us know that you have done so) by April 30 will be included in our total. Thank you for your support!
 
 
           April 9, 2017                                                                                                          A Community of Transformation
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*Gathering Hymn                        #155 Circle ‘Round for Freedom
                                                       Circle 'round for freedom, circle 'round for peace,
                                                       For all of us imprisoned, circle for release,
                                                       Circle for the planet, circle for each soul,
                                                       For the children of our children,
                                                       Keep the circle whole.
 
Prelude                                         Hevenu                                                                                                 Traditional Hebrew
 
Welcome
 
Chalice Lighting                           Beth Brownlie
 
*Opening Hymn                           #209 O Come, You Longing Thirsty Souls
 
*Covenant                                    Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                       The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                       And service is its prayer.
                                                       To dwell together in peace,
                                                       To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                       To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                        Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                           From all that dwell below the skies
                                                        Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                        Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                        Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages                           Celebrating Nowrooz, Persian New Year
 
Song of Blessing                           #414 As We Leave This Friendly Place
                                                         As you leave this friendly place, love give light to every face;
                                                        May the kindness which you learn, light your hearts till you return.
 
Life Together
 
Pulpit Messages                         Right Relations Task Force
                                                       Beth Rendeiro (9am)
                                                       Sue Stoyanoff (11am)
 
Reflection                                     Justice District Assembly in Tuscon, Arizona
 
Voices of Community                 Cassie Winters, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services
 
Offering                                         Asturiana (9am)                                                                                      Manuel de Falla
                                                       Kua Rongo Mai Koe (11am)                                        Ngapo Wehi, Arr. Eddie Quaid
 
Devotional Time                         A Prayer for the World                                                                                    Amy Shaw
                                                      Congregational response: We lift up our hearts.
 
Silence
 
Music for the Morning              Theme from Seven Years in Tibet (9am)                                                John Williams
                                                     My Heart Is Moved (11am)                                                                     Carolyn McDade
 
Sermon                                       Call the Midwife                                                                    Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
 
*Closing Hymn                         #301 Touch the Earth, Reach the Sky!
 
*Benediction
 
Musical Response                   Sacred Trust                                                                                                  Nancy Nordlie
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Greeters:                               Dwight Flowers, Katie Malich & Jila Tayefehnowrooz
Ushers:                                  Hugo Contreras, Nina Emerson, Barbara Kernochan & Kit Shaw
Coffee:                                   Phyllis Kory, Jila Tayefehnowrooz & Linda van Ligten
Welcome Table:                   Barbara Gibbs
Bookstore:                             Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
 
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. With
locations in Culver City and throughout Los Angeles, Didi Hirsch transforms lives by providing
quality mental health care and substance abuse disorder services in communities where stigma or
poverty limit access. Its Suicide Prevention Center was the first in the nation to provide 24/7 crisis
counseling and receives over 55,000 calls each year at 877-7-CRISIS, or 877-727-4747.
 
Asturiana
     To see if it would console me,
     I went near to the green pine,
     To see if it would console me.
     Seeing me weep, it wept,
     And the pine, being green,
     Seeing me weep, it wept.
                 ~ author unknown
 
 
            April 2, 2017                                                                                                    A Community of Transformation
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*Gathering Hymn                                  Gracias por el amor                                                      arr. William James Ross
                                                                 Gracias por el amor del cielo, gracias por el inmenso mar,
                                                                 Gracias por el cantar del bosque. ¡Aleluya!
                                                                 Gracias por este nuevo día, gracias por nuestra gran unión,
                                                                 Gracias por todas las bondades. ¡Aleluya!
 
Prelude                                                   A Light in the Piazza                                                                        Adam Gautel
 
Welcome
 
Chalice Lighting                                    Greg Wood
 
*Opening Hymn                                   #163 For the Earth Forever Turning
 
*Covenant                                             Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                                The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                                And service is its prayer.
                                                                To dwell together in peace,
                                                                To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                                To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                                Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                  From all that dwell below the skies
                                                               Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                               Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                               Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages
 
Song of Blessing                                     #414 As We Leave This Friendly Place
                                                                    As you leave this friendly place, love give light to every face;
                                                                    May the kindness which you learn, light your hearts till you return.
 
Life Together
 
Voices of Community                             Joel Wyatt, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services
 
Offering                                                    Winds Be Still
 
Devotional Time
 
Silence
 
Reading                                                  The Growing Edge                                                                     Howard Thurman
 
Music for the Morning                           Dear Friends (9am)                                                                        Daniel Gledhill
                                                                  Acceptance (11am)                                                                        Daniel Gledhill
 
Sermon                                                  Still We Rise                                                            Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
 
*Closing Hymn                                      I Am Willing                                                                                             Holly Near
 
                                                                  I am open and I am willing,
                                                                  For to be hopeless would seem so strange.
                                                                  It dishonors those who go before us,
                                                                  So lift me up to the light of change.
 
                                                                 There is hurting in my family,
                                                                 There is sorrow in my town.
                                                                 There is panic in the nation,
                                                                  There is wailing the whole world ‘round.
 
                                                                   I am open and I am willing...
 
                                                                  May the children see more clearly,
                                                                  May the elders be more wise.
                                                                  May the winds of change caress us
                                                                  Even though they burn our eyes.
 
                                                                 I am open and I am willing...
 
                                                                  Give me a mighty oak to hold my confusion,
                                                                  Give me a desert to hold my fears.
                                                                  Give me a sunset to hold my wonder,
                                                                  Give me an ocean to hold my tears.
 
                                                                  I am open and I am willing...
 
*Benediction
 
*Musical Response                              Sacred Trust                                                                                   Nancy Nordlie
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Service Participants : Barbara & Kim Andres, Tom Early, Tom Foretich, Barbara Gibbs, David Goetz,
Denise Helton, Peggy Rhoads, Linda van Ligten, Alicia van Ooyen & Greg Wood.
 
Service Notes
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to Didi Hirsh Mental Health Services. With
locations in Culver City and throughout LA, Didi Hirsch transforms lives by providing quality mental
health care and substance abuse disorder services. Its Suicide Prevention Center was the first in the
nation to provide 24/7 crisis counseling and receives over 55,000 calls each year at 877-727-4747.
 
 
       March 26, 2017
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*Gathering Hymn                                      #21 For the Beauty of the Earth
                                                                      For the beauty of the earth, for the splendor of the skies,
                                                                      for the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
                                                                     Source of all, to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise.
 
                                                                      For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind's delight,
                                                                      For the mystic harmony linking sense to sound and sight:
                                                                      Source of all, to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise.
 
Prelude                                                                                                                                                              Daniel Gledhill
 
Welcome
 
Chalice Lighting                                       Linda Marten
 
*Opening Hymn                                       #347 Gather the Spirit
 
*Covenant                                                Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                                   The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                                    And service is its prayer.
                                                                   To dwell together in peace,
                                                                   To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                                   To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                                   Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                      From all that dwell below the skies
                                                                   Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                                   Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                                   Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages                                                                                                                                                 Margot Page
 
Song of Blessing                                     #414 As We Leave This Friendly Place
                                                                    As you leave this friendly place, love give light to every face;
                                                                    May the kindness which you learn, light your hearts till you return.
 
Life Together
 
Pulpit Message                                                                                                                                                  Beth Rendeiro
 
Offering                                                   Turn the World Around                                                                     Larry Farrow
 
Reading                                                 “Listen to Each Other”                                                              Margaret Wheatley
                                                                 Read by Emily Linnemeier
 
Devotional Time
 
Silence
 
Sung Response                                 #1009 Meditation on Breathing
                                                             When I breathe in, I breathe in peace.
                                                             When I breathe out, I breathe out love.
 
Music for the Morning                       Lament                                                                                               Carolyn McDade
 
Reflections                                         What is Meaningful & What We Value                        Right Relations Task Force
                                                             David Olson, Sarah Robson, Ken Alexander
 
Sung Response                               #1008 When Our Heart Is In A Holy Place
                                                            When our heart is in a holy place, when our heart is in a holy place
                                                            We are filled with love and amazing grace.
                                                            When our heart is in a holy place.
 
Message                                           Heartwood                                                                       Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
 
*Closing Hymn                               #1008 When Our Heart is in A Holy Place
 
*Benediction
 
Musical Response                          Sacred Trust
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Greeters:                                      Barbara & Kim Andres, Tom Foretich & Kris Langabeer
Ushers:                                         Tom Foretich, David Goetz, Rick Rhoads & Jila Tayefehnowrooz
Coffee:                                         Sheila Bjornlie, Nancy Howell, Leah Moore & Sylvia Young
Welcome Table:                         Kris Langabeer & Carol Ring
Bookstore:                                  Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
 
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to Safe Place for Youth. From its recently expanded
location in Venice, CA, Safe Place for Youth seeks to inspire, nurture, and empower the resilient
human spirit of homeless youth (ages 12 - 25) by providing immediate and lasting solutions, one
young person at a time. Safe Place for Youth prioritizes low barriers for entry, harm-reduction, a
trauma-informed approach, and the provision of a safe, supportive environment. They do this
through a continuum of care that includes street outreach, drop-in services, case management,
health and wellness, and education and employment programs. For more information, to volunteer
or to donate: http://www.safeplaceforyouth.org.
 
 
     March 19, 2017
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*Gathering                                              Hymn Bind Us Together
                                                                 Bind us together, oh bind us together
                                                                 with cords that cannot be broken.
                                                                 Bind us together, oh bind us together,
                                                                 oh bind us together with love.
 
Prelude                                                  Looking Forward                                                                              Daniel Gledhill
 
Welcome                                              James Witker
 
Chalice Lighting
 
*Opening Hymn                                   #1064 Blue Boat Home
 
*Covenant                                             Love is the doctrine of this church.
                                                                The quest for truth is its sacrament,
                                                                And service is its prayer.
                                                                To dwell together in peace,
                                                                To seek knowledge in freedom,
                                                                To serve humankind in fellowship,
                                                                Thus do we covenant with each other.
 
*Hymn of Praise                                   From all that dwell below the skies
                                                                Let songs of hope and faith arise
                                                                Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
                                                                Through every land, by every tongue.
 
Offering for the Westside Food Bank
 
Time for All Ages                                                                                                                                       Rev. Michael Dowd
 
Song of Blessing                                 #414 As We Leave This Friendly Place
                                                                As we leave this friendly place, love give light to every face;
                                                                May the kindness which we learn, light our hearts till we return.
 
Life Together
 
Offering                                                 Sonata in G minor                                                                                      J. S. Bach
                                                                Kenneth Alexander, flute
 
Devotional Time                                                                                                                                         Rev. Michael Dowd
 
Silence
 
Sung Response                                #131 Love Will Guide Us
 
Reading                                                                                                                                                      Rev. Michael Dowd
 
Music for the Morning                       Amazing Grace                                                                          arr. Robles/Maddox
                                                             Kenneth Alexander, flute
 
Sermon                                               Intergenerational Justice:                                                       Rev. Michael Dowd
                                                             Sacred Science, Evolving Faith
 
*Closing Hymn                                  #298 Wake Now My Senses
 
*Benediction                                                                                                                                              Rev. Michael Dowd
 
Musical Response                             Sacred Trust                                                                                      Nancy Nordlie
 
*Please stand in body or in spirit
 
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦
 
Greeters:                                      Roberta Frye, Wendi Gladstone, Audrey Lyness & David Olson
Ushers:                                         Hugo Contreras, Nina Emerson, Peggy Kharraz & Kit Shaw
Coffee:                                          Rebecca Crawford, Alice Hall, Eileen McCormack & Jila Tayefehnowrooz
Welcome Table:                          Wendi Gladstone
Bookstore:                                   Sarah Harper
 
Service Notes
 
Today 40% of our non-pledge offering will go to Safe Place for Youth. From its recently expanded
location in Venice, CA, Safe Place for Youth seeks to inspire, nurture, and empower the resilient
human spirit of homeless youth (ages 12 - 25) by providing immediate and lasting solutions, one
young person at a time. Safe Place for Youth prioritizes low barriers for entry, harm-reduction, a
trauma-informed approach, and the provision of a safe, supportive environment. They do this through
a continuum of care that includes street outreach, drop-in services, case management, health and
wellness, and education and employment programs. For more information, to volunteer or to donate:
http://www.safeplaceforyouth.org.
 
Guest Speaker: Rev. Michael Dowd is a bestselling author, eco-theologian and pro-science prophetic
voice whose great joy is sharing a message of inspiration about our sacred responsibility to future
generations. Since 2002, he and his wife, Connie Barlow, a science writer and educator, have traveled
North America and spoken to more than 2,000 secular and religious groups, including some 500 UU
congregations. Michael will deliver a special presentation entitled “Faithful to the Future:
Inspiration for Chaotic Times,” at 3pm today in the Sanctuary.
 
Pulpit Host: Church member James Witker is co-chair of Faith In Action, serves on the Adult RE
Committee, the Right Relations Task Force, and co-organizes AAHS, (Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists
& Secularists).