Welcome

 

Prelude

 

Chalice Lighting
We begin our service with shared ritual, lighting our chalice, the symbol of Unitarian Universalism. Our words by Rev. Kristin Grassel Schmidt

The Jewish New Year
commemorates the creation of the world,
the bringing forth of order where once there was only chaos,
the birth of the building blocks of life.
As Jews among and beyond us prepare to celebrate Rosh Hashanah tomorrow,
let us celebrate, let us marvel, let us be awe-struck
because the same force that brought our planet into being,
the same force that evolved tiny atoms and molecules and DNA into intelligent life,
that same force
is still at work in the universe
and in us,
always bringing about new creations.
Breath of Life,
breathe in us, with us, and through us this day.
As we gather;
one in community,
one in commitment to truth, love, and justice,
open our minds and hearts
for the new that’s always being created
within and among us
Come, my friends,
let us celebrate,
let us marvel,
let us be filled with awe.
Come, let us worship together.

 

Hymn #157 Step by Step the Largest March

 

Gesture of Friendship

 

Message For All Ages

 

Children’s Blessing

 

Offering
There are many ways we give to the life of this church and the monetary offering is just one of these ways. Each month we share the generosity of our collection with a local partner. This month’s partner is Feather-A-Nest which serves individuals and families transitioning from homelessness by preparing empty houses or apartments into welcoming homes using donated furniture and household goods. Since April 2016, we have designed over 278 homes and dropped off items for an additional 78 homes. Feather-A-Nest relies on financial and household goods donations. They are grateful and appreciate our support. Here’s a short video with more information.

For more information on how to donate to OBUUC or to Feather-A-Nest, please visit our church website OBUUC.org

 

Offertory Music

 

Reading
Our reading is the prayer of the farmer workers’ struggle by Cesar Chavez.
Show me the suffering of the most miserable; So I will know my people’s plight.
Free me to pray for others; For you are present in every person.
Help me take responsibility for my own life; So that I can be free at last.
Grant me courage to serve others; For in service there is” true life.
Give me honesty and patience; So that I can work with other workers.
Bring forth song and celebration; So that the Spirit will be alive among us.
Let the Spirit flourish and grow; So that we will never tire of the struggle.
Let us remember those who have died for justice; For they have given us life.
Help us love even those who hate us; So we can change the world. Amen.

 

Sermon

 

Prayer

 

Moment of Quiet

 

Hymn #1028 The Fire of Commitment, by Jason Shelton, performed by OBUUC Choir

 

Benediction

 

Postlude