Chalice Lighting
We light this chalice for love, bold action, and commitment,
As we gather in the circle of community.
May our inner flames burn bright,
And may we shine the light into a world that needs our saving word.
Call to Worship – "The Word" by Mary Oliver from What Do We Know
The Word
How wonderful! I speak of the soul and seven people rise from their chairs and leave the room, seven others lean forward to listen. I speak of the body, the spirit, the mockingbird, the hollyhock, leaves opening in the rain, music, faith, angels seen at dusk-- and seven more people leave the room and are seen running down the road. Seven more stay where they are but make murmurous disruptive sounds. Another seven hang their heads, feigning disinterest though their hearts are open, their hope is high that they will hear the word even again. The word is already, for them, the song in the forest. They know already how every- thing is better- the dark trees less terrible, the ocean less hungry- when it comes forth, and looks around with its crisp and lovely eye, and begins to sing.
Song to Awaken the Spirit – "The Oneness of Everything" by Jim Scott
Meditation
I invite you into a moment of peace and introspection, in the midst of this GA frenzy.
A Baptist friend who is attending here for the first time with her UU husband could not believe that we are literally scheduled from 7:00 AM until midnight every day!!
All I can say from years of experience is: "Pace yourself."
Rediscover naps.
Don't worry if you miss something, there is always plenty more to be experienced.
Right now, breathe, in and out. Bring yourself present to this time and place.
We'll take a long moment of silence, which I will end with a bell.
Homily – "The Song in the Forest " by The Rev. Sarah Lammert
Some describe GA as the gathering of the UU tribe. It is exciting to celebrate our UU identity, but we are also called to go deeper if we don't want to become the righteous remnant of liberal religion. Like the song in the forest, we need to identify the source of our transformative power – joy, belonging and generating possibility . [The complete text of Rev. Lammert's message can be found here.]
Closing Hymn – #298 Wake, Now My Senses
Benediction
May the flame of our chalice burn bright in our hearts and in our world
Amen
Rev. Sarah Lammert serves the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, New Jersey.
