Click here to watch! Read the sermon by Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell Click here for the Order of Service The 55th annual Service of the Living Tradition opened to a packed auditorium of more than 4,000 people in the Nashville Convention Center with a call to worship given by the Rev. Diane Miller, director of the Department of Ministry. The music of J.S. Bach and Arthur Foote, as played by Barbara Wagner, minister of music from the Buffalo Unitarian Universalist Church, followed, as the well-loved hymn Rank by Rank, Again We Stand marked the procession of ministers, led by the Rev. Ralph Mero, into the convention hall. Mr. Howard Brown, partner of the late Rev. Fred Russell who last served the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Milford, MA, lit the chalice to the following words: "We light this chalice in memory and hope with gratitude for enduring love and service." In "A Litany of Remembrance," the Rev. Rhys Williams, minister emeritus of First and Second Church of Boston, MA, led ministers and congregants in a responsive reading giving thanks and appreciation to our ministers. The Rev. O. Eugene Pickett, chair of the Ministerial Fellowship Committee, welcomed new ministers to the Association and explained the difference between Parish, Religious Education, and Community Ministry, and that between Preliminary and Final Fellowship. In welcoming the new ministers, he offered some advice, which he found in a book of quotations by children: "If you want a kitten, start by asking for a horse." "It's not really giving if you give away all the animal crackers without the heads and feet." "Your Grandmother will always listen to a story over and over again—no one else will." "It doesn't matter how fast you're running with the football if you're running the wrong way." "Hitting the kid with the ball may get you the ball but it won't get you anyone to play with." "If you go to all the trouble of wetting the sink, bar of soap, and the towel, you may as well wash your hands." This year, a total of 64 Parish Ministers, 13 Community Ministers and 3 Ministers of Religious Education received their preliminary fellowship. In addition, 35 Parish Ministers, 10 Community Ministers and 3 Ministers of Religious Education received their Final Fellowship. They were welcomed into fellowship by the Rev. Ellen Brandenburg, Director of Ministerial Education, the Rev. Diane Miller, the Rev. Pickett, the Rev. Gary Smith, President of the UU Ministers Association, and UUA President the Rev. John A. Buehrens. Certificates of appreciation were presented to the 24 ministers who have completed full-time ministries. The Rev. Ralph Mero, director of the UUA Office of Church Staff Finance, explained the purpose of the Living Tradition Fund, which is to provide UU ministry students and ministers with scholarships, grants and financial assistance in times of need. Some of the monies from this fund go to help ministers pay back their student loans. The total amount of loans faced by student ministers is over $3 million with an average of about $30,000. Some ministers accrue debts of $40,000-$50,000 by the time they graduate. Last year, the fund gave grants averaging $1864 to recipients. Last year's offering at the Service of the Living Tradition raised nearly $80,000, $16,500 of which were in the form of pledges written on scraps of paper or paper torn off the programs. A call was made to double last year's total, and a pledge card was included in the program. Following the service, it was announced that a record high amount of $56,777 was collected during the Service to aid ministry programs. The Offertory was provided by the 132-member Children's Honor Choir, conducted by Nick Page, and sponsored by the UU Musicians' Network. The children sang an original arrangement of G.F. Handel's Thanks Be To Thee, arranged by Mr. Page. Two readings were offered, one read by Marilyn Sewell and another by the Rev. David P. Hubner, Director of Continuing Education for the Department of Ministry. "Imagining a New World" was the title of the sermon delivered by this year's preacher, the Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell, Senior Minister at the First Unitarian Church of Portland, OR. Our "living" tradition, Sewell reflected, "calls upon us to respond, to be responsible. What are we as UUs called to be or to do at the turn of this millennium? What kind of world would we be handing to our children?" Sewell spoke passionately against economic injustice, abuse of economic power, greed and classism. She shared the experience of spending one day living the life of a homeless person, part of an "emersion experience" program organized by the Social Action Committee of her church. She and 16 members of her congregation spent one night sleeping on the floor of a shelter in their crumpled clothes, cramped together with strangers. The next morning, they were fed a simple breakfast of a bagel and some juice, then given $1 for lunch. They decided to go to the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, which was two-and-a-half mile away. Sewell recalled the dose of reality she got when she suggested that the group drive to the shelter — and then was reminded that homeless people don't have cars. For a complete transcript of the sermon, click here. The Children's Honor Choir delighted congregants with a song from South Africa, Thuma Mina, with four of the youngsters taking turn conducting the choir. UUA President John Buehrens led a solemn prayer and roll call to honor those UU ministers who had passed away since the last General Assembly. After the recessional to the hymn For All the Saints, the Rev. John Weston, Director of Ministerial Settlement, gave the benediction and the Children's Honor Choir closed the service with an original composition by Nick Page entitled, Sing and Shine On. The choir's delightful performance gave everyone a taste of what was yet to come during their next scheduled performance at the Closing Ceremony and served as a reminder of Sewell's message about what our deeds are, and what we tell our children. Order of Service The religious community is essential, for alone our vision is too narrow to see all that must be seen, and our strength too limited to do all that must be done. Together, our vision widens and our strength is renewed. -Mark Morrison-Reed Prelude Fantasie in G Johann Sebastian Bach (18th c.) Cantilena in G, Opus 71, Number 1 Arthur Foote (19th c.) Call to Worship The Reverend Dr. Diane M.W Miller Processional Hymn "Rank by Rank, Again We Stand" Congregation rises John Huntley Skrine Recast by the Reverend Carl G. Seaburg, 1990 Rank by rank, again we stand, From the four winds gathered hither. Loud the hallowed walls demand Whence we come, and how, and whither. From their stillness breaking clear, Echoes wake to warn or cheer; Higher truth from saint and seer Call to us assembled here. Ours the years' memorial store, Honored days and names we reckon, Days of comrades gone before, Lives that speak and deeds that beckon. From the dreaming of the night To the labors of the day, Shines their everlasting light, Guiding us upon our way Though the path be hard and long, Still we strive in expectation; join we now their ageless song One with them in aspiration. One in name, in honor one, Guard we well the crown they won; What they dreamed be ours to do, Hope their hopes and seal them true. Lighting of the Chalice Mr. Howard V. Brown A Litany of Remembrance Adapted from the Reverend Ralph Norman Helverson The Reverend Dr. Rhys Williams Minister: We are gathered in remembrance of all ministers who sought the light of understanding, who extended the fellowship of freedom, and whose words and deeds remain as a living memorial. Congregation: We lift up thankful hearts for all ministers who dealt out to others their lives passed through the fire of thought. We remember ministers who sought wisdom and reached across barriers of belief and doctrine, who affirmed in the spirit of truth the healing hand of argument, who served the needs of others-lifted the fallen, upheld the weak, established community, and preached the living word. We lift up thankful hearts for all who carried on the tradition of asking questions, who went beyond false stopping places that stifled growth and weakened faith. We remember ministers who embodied goodness, embraced the love of all people, encompassed differences of color and creed, age and sex, and surmounted every circumstance of hobbling tradition, to push back ignorance and declare the glory of God and the human spirit. We lift up thankful hearts for the ministry of beauty, for all who have quickened our love of nature and of ourselves, who by line and color, music and ceremony, and the spoken word, helped us to rejoice in life. We remember every minister who taught living religion, who helped us to see the limits of unexamined orthodoxies, and while standing in a particular tradition declared the religion universal, and who led us in the dedication of ourselves to the church of all souls. We lift up thankful hearts for the ministers who have set before us examples to follow. May the work and the purpose of our calling show forth in the living and those yet to come, the ministry they proclaimed. Welcoming the New Ministers The Reverend Dr. O. Eugene Pickett The congregation is asked to hold applause until each group of ministers has been recognized. Recognition of Those Ministers Who Have Entered into Preliminary Fellowship The Reverend Ms. Ellen Brandenburg Recognition of Those Ministers Who Have Attained Final Fellowship The Reverend Dr. Diane M. W Miller Extending the Hand of Fellowship The Reverend Dr. John A. Buehrens The Reverend Mr. Gary E. Smith The Reverend Dr. O. Eugene Pickett The Reverend Dr. Diane M.W Miller Recognition of Those Completing Service in Ministry The Reverend Mr. David P Hubner Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation The Reverend Dr. John A. Buehrens The Reverend Dr. O. Eugene Pickett The Reverend Mr. Gary E. Smith The Reverend Mr. Alexander Meek The Reverend Dr. Diane M.W Miller Offering for the Living Tradition Fund The Reverend Dr. Ralph Mero Offertory "Thanks Be To Thee" G.F. Handel, arr. Nick Page Children's Honor Choir Readings "To Softness" by Laurie Sheck Excerpt from Holy the Firm by Annie Dillard Sermon "Imagining a New World" The Reverend Dr. Marilyn Sewell Musical Response Thuma Mina (South African) Children's Honor Choir Roll Call and Prayer The Reverend Dr. John A. Buehrens Congregation rises Recessional Hymn "For All the Saints" (Adapted) William Walsham How Congregation remains standing For all the saints who from their labors rest, Who thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy name, most holy, be forever blest: Alleluia, Alleluia! Thou wast their rock, their shelter, and their might; Their strength and solace in the well-fought fight; Thou in the darkness deep their one true light: Alleluia, Alleluia! And when the strife is fierce, the conflict long, Steals on the ear the distant triumph-song, And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong: Alleluia, Alleluia! Benediction The Reverend Dr. John H. Weston Postlude "Sing and Shine On" Mr. Nick Page Children's Honor Choir Notes on the Service This is the fifty-fifth annual Service of the Living Tradition of the Unitarian Universalist Ministry, which recognizes those ministers who have been granted preliminary fellowship, achieved final fellowship, or completed full-time service and commemorates those ministers who died between May 20, 1999 and May 24, 2000. The service is prepared and led by the Department of Ministry of the Unitarian Universalist Association: Diane Miller, Director of Ministry; Ellen Brandenburg, Ministerial Education Director; David Hubner, Ministerial Development Director; Ralph Mero, Church Staff Finances Director; and John Weston, Ministerial Settlement Director. The offering received today supports the Living Tradition Fund, which provides UU ministry students and ministers with scholarships, grants, and financial assistance in times of need. The preacher for the service is the Reverend Dr. Marilyn Sewell, Senior Parish Minister at First Unitarian Church in Portland, Oregon. Rev. Sewell has served the Portland congregation since 1992. During her ministry, she has also served congregations in Cincinnati, Ohio and Napa, California. She is the editor of two Beacon Press books, Cries of the Spirit and Claiming the Spirit Within. Other worship leaders are: The Reverend Dr. Rhys Williams, Minister Emeritus of the First and Second Church of Boston, Massachusetts The Reverend Dr. O. Eugene Pickett, Chair of the Ministerial Fellowship Committee and President of the UUA 1979-85 The Reverend Dr. John A. Buehrens, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association The Reverend Mr. Gary E. Smith, President of the UU Ministers Association and Senior Minister of the First Parish in Concord, Massachusetts The Reverend Alexander (Scotty) Meek, President of the UU Retired Ministers and Partners Association Representing the surviving families of ministers who have died during the past year is Howard V Brown, partner of the Reverend Fred Russell (1925-2000), along with other members of the Russell family. The organist for the service is Barbara Wagner, Minister of Music at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo, New York. Choral music for the service is provided by the Children's Honor Choir under the direction of Nick Page. The accompanist is Susan Snyder. Co-chairs for the Choir are Lynne Beasley and Elizabeth Norton. The flaming chalice was crafted by Robert Duprey, a member of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Brockton, Massachusetts. Interpreting at today's service is Kathryn Deal of Santa Monica, California. Ushers for the service are ministers who received Preliminary Fellowship in 1999. We are grateful to Suzanne Morgan of the UUA Publications Department for the design of this Order of Service, and to the Reverend Douglas Morgan Strong of Plano, Texas for hall arrangements and for the flaming chalice "stained glass" window used in this service. We would also like to thank Robin Bartlett, Administrative Assistant to the Ministerial Fellowship Committee, Jane Greer, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Ministry, and Chris May, Administrator of the Ministerial Education Office, for their help in putting the service together. A brief reception will be held for all participating ministers and guests in room 206 of the Convention Center after the service.   Ministers Receiving Preliminary Fellowship Parish Ministry Sara Elanor Ascher Kathy Fuson Hurt Joshua Mason Pawelek Wendy Lynn Bell Jennifer Elizabeth Innis Sheri Marie Prud'homme Gail Anne Berger Susanne Skubik Intriligator Dana F. Reynolds III Marguerite Elaine Bomford Marti Keller Rachele D. Rosi Lynn Margaret Brodie James Kubal-Komoto Carol Sampson Rudisill Carolyn R. Brown Timothy Allen Kutzmark Ronald Wayne Sala Elizabeth Brown Stephen A. Landale Margaret King Saphier William L. Clark Hilary Landau Krivchenia William Charles Sasso Rebecca F. Cohen Marlin Lavanhar Frederick Emerson Small Melora Lynn Crooker Linda Lawrence Joshua A. Snyder Monica Lillian Cummings John B. LeRoy Donald R. Southworth Paul D. Daniel Judith Long Ellen Rowse Spero Sean Parker Dennison Robert William McKetchnie Elizabeth Hopkins Stevens Michelle L. Favreault Rosemary Bray McNatt Norbert L. Stewart Lydia Ferrante-Roseberry Alane Cameron Miles Todd Michael Strickland Chuck Freeman Peg Morgan Douglas Ashley Taylor Cynthia Paige Getty Peter Larkin Morrison Jane Elizabeth Thickstun Ian Forrest Gilmore Danita Gale Noland Ralph Albert Tyksinski Shana Adjwa Cecelia Goodwin Kenneth Arthur Olliff James A. VanderWeele Robert Perrin Gregson Marcia Evelyn Olsen Barry Thomas Whittemore Joel Fredric High David Neal Owen Amy Isabel Zucker David Michael Horst     Community Ministry Arthur Berman Benjamin Cooley Hall Suzanne Marie Owens-Pike Kathy Valera Seitz Bortner Alyson Edwards Jacks Steven Reinhartsen Anita Farber-Robertson Keith N. Kron Celia S. Thurston Ann Stuart Galloway-Egge Susan Matranga-Watson Joan M. Van Becelaere Teena R. Grant     Ministry of Religious Education Ann Elizabeth Buckmaster Barbara Grace Fast Darcey Laine   Ministers Receiving Final Fellowship Parish Ministry Julia J . Aegerter Lee Devoe Greiner Susan Jean Ritchie Nancy J. Anderson Nancy Jo Haley Jill Job Saxby Allison Mary Barrett Mary J. Harrington Patience Gruber Stoddard Paul Beckel Lucy Manley Ijams Doddie L. Stone Nancee Campbell Paula Annone Maiorano Anne Treadwell Bonnie-Jeanne Casey Amy L. McKenzie Kathleen Cole Tucker Barbara Child Daniel Simer O'Connell George A. Tyger James R. Covington Edward H. Piper Louise L. Ulrich Lisa Marie Doege Patrick Price Bonnie Vegiard William Douglas Feinberg Susan Veronica Rak Kimberly A. Wood Lisa Michelle Schneider Friedman Jean Margaret Rankin Elsa H. Worth Gail Ruth Geisenhainer Danny R. Reed   Community Ministry Judith C. Campbell Thomas Eliot Korson Lisa Romantum Schwartz Laurel Sue Cassidy Christopher J. McMahon Abigail A. Smith Shelley L. Dugan Bonnie J. Meyer Ellen M. Swinford Alicia McNary Forsey     Ministry of Religious Education Emily Manvel Leite Robin W. Renteria John W. Tolley   Ministers Completing Full-Time Ministries Thomas E. Ahlburn Rudi Gelsey Peter Lee Scott Elizabeth H. Alcaide Peter Hughes Charlotte Shivvers Edward B. Anderson William R. Jones Rexford Styzens Dale E. Arnink Richard Allen Kellaway Glenn H. Turner Stanley Aronson Spencer Lavan Glenda Claire Walker Johanna Boeke Donald Warren Male Cynthia Johnson Ward Richard Frederick Boeke John H. Robinson, Jr. Rhys Williams Patricia McClellan Bowen Faith Grover Scott Robert James Wrigley   Ministers Deceased J. Robert Bath Ralph O. Johnson Theodore R. Smith Leroy Congdon Phillip Pennington Dorothy Tilden Spoerl Arthur Foote D. Roen Repp Elizabeth Tarbox John C. Godbey Fred Albert Russell Daniel W Weck William Parker Horton William Gardner

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Reported by Kok Heong McNaughton with Jessica Wright-Lichter, edited by Debbie Weiner, formatted for the web by Kasey Melski. Photos by John Melski, Bill Lewis, Jessia Wright-Lichter, and Debbie Weiner.