Click right here Sunday shortly before 10:00 AM to join our next online service.
We know that many of our neighbors in Windham County struggle each day with addiction. The host of problems brought on by the pandemic has made that struggle all the more challenging. Join the Social and Environmental Justice Action Committee this morning as we welcome Turning Point, the organization with whom All Souls Church will share our offerings for the month of February. Staff who have been on the “front lines,” providing services to people dealing with addiction and those in recovery, will speak with us about their critical work during this time.
Click right here Sunday shortly before 10:00 AM to join our online service.
Order of Service
Sunday, February 7, 2021
Gathering And Board Greeting:
Prelude: My Favorite Things, from The Sound of Music
Rodgers & Hammerstein
George Carvill, audiovisual producer
Chalice Lighting: by Rev. Brian Kiely
In times of darkness we stumble towards the tiny flame.
In times of cold we seek the warming fire.
In times of repression we reach for the lamp of truth.
In times of loss we pray for the comforting light.
In times of joy we light a candle of celebration.
Spirit of Life, as we kindle this light, help us find what we need this day.
Opening Words
Opening Hymn: O Life That Maketh All Things New
Samuel Longfellow, words; Thomas WIlliams, music
sung by Marie Gorst
Unison Affirmation
Special Music: I Know I Can Go On Dennis Hamilton and Jeannie Gagne
sung by Jan Chaillou & Steve Squires; George Carvill, audiovisual producer
Story For All Ages: “The 3 Questions” by John J. Muth
read by Ed Burke
Offering Speaker: Susan Walker of Turning Point Recovery Center
Offertory:
Sueño en la Floresta [dream in the wood] Agustín Barrios Mangoré
John Williams, guitar; George Carvill, audiovisual producer
Candles of Joys and Concerns
Reading: “Sweet Darkness” by David Whyte
read by Christina Gibbons
“When your eyes are tired
the world is tired also.
When your vision has gone,
no part of the world can find you.
It’s time to go into the dark
where the night has eyes
to recognize its own.
There you can be sure
you are not beyond love.
The dark will be your home
tonight.
The night will give you a horizon
further than you can see.
You must learn one thing.
The world was made to be free in.
Give up all the other worlds
except the one to which you belong.
Sometimes it takes darkness
and the sweet
confinement of your aloneness
to learn
anything or anyone
that does not bring you alive
is too small for you.”
Closing Hymn: Woyaya [we are going] Sol Amarifio (Ghana)
performed by Yale University Singers
Daniel Kasnitz, audiovisual producer
Extinguishing the Chalice: “Resilience is not easy” by Rev. Scott Taylor
Starting over is never simple.
And yet it is the work that leads back to life.
So trust that the seeds of hope are taking root,
even when the ground is cracked and dry.
Believe grace is hiding just around that bend.
Know there is always a way forward,
even if it’s not the one you wished it would be.
The lights never stay off friends.
The world is too wild for that.
Life never wants to leave us behind,
for there is something unruly and loving at the heart of it,
that is always sneaking in from the side,
wanting us to take its hand and dance!
So be on the lookout, beloveds,
as we go on our way.
Closing Circle: “Carry the Flame of Peace and Love” (sung two times)
Benediction