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Saturday Morning
Worship Planning Committee |
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Saturday Morning
Worship Planning Committee |
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RealVideo:
Saturday Morning Worship
Worship Leader: The Rev. Dr. Sarah Oelberg, minister, the Nora Church, Unitarian Universalist, Hanska, MNOrder of Service
(Cleveland, OH - June 23, 2001) Morning worship began in the Cleveland Convention Center's Public Auditorium with a prelude by Gladys Rudolph, choir director/organist of the First Unitarian Church in Toledo, OH. The chalice was lit by service participant Daniel Schatz in honor of the 40th anniversary of the UUA's formation. The congregants were invited to sing the opening hymn, "We Build on Life's Wonders" (to the tune of "We Gather Together").
The service celebrant, the Rev. Dr. Sarah Oelberg, and Schatz led a responsive reading, which was followed by a stirring interlude, "This House," written and performed by David Schafer, a member of the Unitarian Society of New Haven, CT.
Oelberg's homily, "Joining Together," reflected on the events which led up to the formation of the Unitarian Universalist Association, a consolidation of the American Unitarian Association and the Unitarian Church of America. Read the complete text. Oelberg said, "Since then, I think we have seen many changes and benefits from these two denominations - which may have been more different than we realized - casting their lots together.
"Universalism was based on hope and the love of God...they have taught the Unitarians to loosen up and be more accepting of diversity. Unitarians had stood on the foundation of freedom, reason and tolerance...which did not always extend to people who didn't agree with them...Unitarians were more organized top down, but Universalists had more congregational liberty...the mix has been good.
Oelberg continued, "I think it is because of the different attitudes the Universalists brought to the table that we have a more nuanced theology and are as accepting as we are. Most Unitarian churches were and still are in cities and suburbs...the one I serve in a small town, is a notable exception. Some of the Universalist churches were in small towns and rural areas, and because some of its members were farmers, fisherman, and so on, we have received a deeper understanding of the love of the environment and ecology than we might have otherwise.
"In this fortieth year since merger, the strength of the two parts has allowed us to meld in many ways...it is indeed a time to celebrate our joining together."
The closing hymn, "We Sing the Joy of Living" (words by Deane Starr), was sung in celebration of the tradition that is today's UUA.Reported for the web by Deborah Weiner; formatted for the web by Kasey Melski.
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