All Souls member Gary Graff will present a talk on ways we can work with resistance in our own lives; how to get “unstuck” and move forward to live our values in the context of the barriers that can slow us down or stop us cold. Expect elements of Buddhist and 12 Step theories and attempts at self-deprecating humor.

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

“Resistance is Futile!
Try This Instead”

 

 

Sunday, May 21, 2023
Order of Service
Service Leader: Gary Graff
Greeter: Lois Reynolds

                                 

Greeting                                                                                      Christina Gibbons

ASC Board Welcome and Announcements                               Catie G. Berg

Prelude:   Largo, New World Symphony                                   Antonin Dvořák
Peter Gibbons, viola; Eva Greene, piano

Chalice Lighting from Richard S. Gilbert
We bid you welcome, who come with weary spirit seeking rest.
Who come with troubles that are too much with you,
Who come hurt and afraid.
We bid you welcome who come with hope in your heart.
Who come with anticipation in your step,
Who come proud and joyous.
We bid you welcome who are seekers of a new faith.
Who come to probe and explore, who come to learn.
We bid you welcome who enter this hall as a homecoming,
Who have found here room for your spirit,
Who find in this people a family.
Whoever you are, whatever you are,
Wherever you are on your journey,
We bid you welcome.

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.

Call to Worship                                                                               Christina Gibbons
Covenant
We build our church on a foundation of love and covenant with one another:
To freely explore our values and honor our diversity as a source of communal strength;
To accept responsibility for our individual acts and promote justice and peace;
To celebrate the joys of discovery, embracing the fullest measure of our humanity;
To communicate with kindness and support;
To serve with compassion and commitment;
To openly share our laughter and tears; and
To show reverence for the divine in all that is.

Opening Hymn #360          Here We Have Gathered

Story for All Ages: The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds                          Karen Tyler

Anthem: God’s Minute” music by Tom Baehr, words attr. to Benjamin Elijah Mays 
                          All Souls Choir, Tom Baehr, Director

God’s Minute
“I only have a minute. Sixty seconds in it. Forced upon me, I did not choose it. But I know that I must use it, give account if I abuse it, suffer if I lose it. Only a tiny little minute. But eternity is in it.”

Message                                                                                             Gary Graff

Lovingkindness Meditation                                                              Gary Graff

Offering shared with Planned Parenthood

Offertory:   We Shall Walk through the Valley in Peace     trad. spiritual
               Eva Greene, piano

Honoring the Candles of Joys and Sorrows      

Closing Hymn #352  Find a Stillness

Extinguishing the Chalice from Mark L. Belletini
Go in peace.  Live simply, gently, at home in yourselves.
Act justly.  Speak justly.
Remember the depth of your own compassion.
Forget not your power in the days of your powerlessness.
Crave peace for all people in the world,
Beginning with yourselves, and go as you go with the dream
Of that peace alive in your heart.

Closing Circle: “Carry the Flame of Peace and Love” (sung two times)

Benediction:                                                                                     Gary Graff

Coffee Hour and Conversation