What is so essential about having the arts present in our lives? What do we hear or see that makes a difference and what do artists tell us that is so universal, subjective and limitless all at once? Many of us have favorite voices and works from artists in music, poetry, sculpture, painting, theatre, dance…Why does it matter?  Art at All Souls is a dynamic team that shares ideas and creative vision in many ways, particularly today during the service as well as through the ever-changing art exhibits in the lobby and chapel.  

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

“The Arts Speak: Possibilities and Freedom of Voice“

Order of Service
Sunday, February 18, 2024

Worship Leaders: The All Souls Arts Team

Welcome!                                                                                         Trish Murtha

ASC Board Greeting & Announcements                                    Leslie Kinney

Prelude      Come Sunday    Duke Ellington
Eva Greene, piano

Chalice Lighting                                             Trish Murtha with Beth McKinney
Shocked to the root by the hurricane—
like the lilac bush in the vacant lot
whose black branch split by wind or rain
has broken out unseasonably
into these scant ash-colored blossoms lifted high
as if to say to passersby
What will unleash itself in you when your storm comes?

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.

Story for All Ages                                                          Reader, Beth McKinney
 The Spot  Peter H. Reynolds, Author & Illustrator
                    
 Hymn #42  Morning, So Fair to See

Introduction to Guest Speaker                                                Maisie Crowther

Reflection    “In My Voice”                                               Jeremy Aldridge, Artist

   
Reflection    “In the Abstract”                                                           Marie Gorst

Offering shared with Brattleboro Area Hospice

Offertory      Let All the Beauty We Have Known
Eva Greene, piano

Anthem:   Draw the Circle Wide! 
Lyrics by Gordon Light,  Music by Mark A. Miller
All Souls Church Choir, Tom Baehr, Director

Reflection     ” A Poetic Pysanka Mosaic”                                  Maisie Crowther

Reflection     “The Artist Who Wasn’t”                                             Trish Murtha

             
Hymn  #112     Do You Hear

Blessing Our Candles of Joys and Concerns                             Trish Murtha

Extinguishing the Chalice                                                         Beth McKinney
Anna Jameson’s words remind us that “What we truly and earnestly aspire to be…that in some sense we already are.”  We extinguish this flame but not the light that spreads our ever-widening circle. We commit to enriching the world with boundless creativity and faith that unquenchable awe, courage, gratitude, and love will make it so.

*Closing Circle
“Carry the flame of peace and love
until we meet again.”                                 
*Please join in standing as you are able.

Benediction                                                                               Maisie Crowther

Coffee Hour and Conversation  
With Jeremy and Sue Aldridge and our Arts Team.  We hope you’ll take time to view Jeremy’s artwork in the Foyer and Chapel.