The history of reproductive oppression and repression in this country is inseparable from our legacy of colonialism and racism. At this moment when reproductive justice is again under attack, join us in welcoming Planned Parenthood/The Brattleboro Health Center, with whom we will be sharing our Sunday offerings for the month of May.
We anticipate that this service will be both in-person and on Zoom. Click right here Sunday shortly before 10:00 a.m. to join via Zoom. Click here to read our protocols
Order of Service
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Greeter: Kathy Squires
Announcements and Board Greeting Catie G. Berg
Prelude: My Bells Bill Evans
Eva Greene, piano
Chalice Lighting: On The Brink By Leslie Takahashi Jamie Gibson
All that we have ever loved
And all that we have ever been
Stands with us on the brink
Of all that we aspire to create:
A deeper peace,
A larger love,
A more embracing hope,
A deeper joy in this life we share.
Lighting our Children’s Chalice
We light this chalice to celebrate Unitarian Universalism. We are the church of the open minds. We are the church of the helping hands. We are the church of the loving hearts.
Opening Words Karen Tyler
Opening Hymn #175: We Celebrate the Web of Life
Story for All Ages: “Speak Up” by Miranda Paul
read by Marty Shaw
Reading Maisie Crowther
We, Unitarian Universalists, who have long been known to be a bit too much in our heads, have been moving towards a more authentic recognition of our bodies, a more genuine relationship with our bodies and in our bodies. Hallelujah and blessed be.
These bodies. These bodies our homes. These bodies our being.
These bodies without which, we can neither have inherent worth, nor recognize it in others. These bodies, without which, we cannot experience the interdependent web of all existence, for it is through our bodies that we are a part of the selfsame web.
Let us pledge ourselves, the whole of ourselves, to the great collective liberation of all bodies.
Let us pledge ourselves, the whole of ourselves, to do the all that we can, to protect against gendered violence against all bodies, known and unknown, near and far, stranger or friend.
Let us pledge ourselves, the whole of ourselves, to inhabit these bodies; to honor these bodies; to celebrate these bodies; to defend these bodies.
So be it. See to it. Amen.
–Rev. Karen G. Johnston
Anthem: “Look at the World” words and music by John Rutter
All Souls Choir, Tom Baehr, Director
Look at the World
refrain: Praise to thee O Lord, for all creation,
Give us thankful hearts, that we may see:
All the gifts we share, and ev’ry blessing,
All things come of thee.
Offering Guest Speakers: Micah O’Connor, Parent Support Specialist, Diana Whitney, Volunteer Planned Parenthood/Brattleboro Health Center
Offertory: You’ve Got a Friend Carole King
Eva Greene, piano
Reflection on Joys and Concerns Karen Tyler
Hymn #123: Spirit of Life
Reading #524 by Starhawk Maisie Crowther
Earth mother, star mother,
You who are called by a thousand names,
May all remember
we are cells in your body
and dance together.
You are the grain and the load
that sustains us each day,
And as you are patient
with our struggles to learn
So shall we be patient
with ourselves and eah other.
We are radiant light
and sacred dark—the balance–
You are the embrace that heartens
And the freedom beyond fear.
Within you we are born,
we grow, live, and die –
You bring us around the circle to rebirth,
Within us you dance
Forever.
Closing Hymn #357: Bright Morning Stars
Extinguishing the Chalice by William E. Gardner Jamie Gibson
Seek for the spirit of life that is within you;
That you might know more fully its power and strength.
Seek for the spirit of life that surrounds you;
That you might know more fully its connection to you.
Seek for the spirit of life that is within others;
That you might enter more fully into the community that embraces us,
This day and every day.
–Elizabeth M. Strong
Closing Circle: “Carry the Flame of Peace and Love” (sung two times)
Benediction
Coffee Hour and Conversation