Order of Service

July 20, 2025 10:00 AM
Joy

“We are all meant to live in joy. The path of joy does not lead away from suffering
and adversity but through it. “
–Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Led by Aubrey Atwater, Elwood Donnelly

Worship Partner:  John Robinson
Lay Pastoral  Care Associate:  Dani Doucette
Musician:  Atwater and Donnelly
Ushers: Al Jeffries and Ken DiPrete
Tech Host:  Lance Collins

Welcome         John Robinson

Chalice Lighting              words by Rev. Petr Samojsky
                                          Elwood Donnelly
We light our chalice this morning with these words written
by Rev. Petr Samojsky, minister in the Religious Society of Czech Unitarians

Elwood: May this flame go up and remind us that our faith is good.
Congregants: Every one of us can bring love to the world.
Elwood: May this chalice burn with a clear flame as a symbol of our path.
Congregants: Every one of us can find rest, joy, peace,
and harmony in our hearts.
Elwood: Through this flame, may the wisdom of ages speak to us
and stay in us.
Congregants: Every one of us can be a blessing to the world.

Prelude     Morning Song
                  by Daniel Dutton

Opening Words       Aubrey Atwater

*Music      My Bonny, Bonny Boat
                 words and melody A. & J. Dale, 1870.

Chorus: And here in grave or gayer mood, I on the waters float
And cheerly row, and cheerly row, my bonny, bonny boat
And cheerly row, and cheerly row, my bonny, bonny boat

*Unison Affirmation 
Love is the spirit of this church
And service our mission
This is our great covenant
To dwell together in peace
To seek the truth in love
And to help one another

Joys and Sorrows       Dani Doucette
To share your joy or sorrow with the congregation, please fill out a joys and sorrows card located at the front door before service. A lay pastoral care team member will be available after the service if you would like to speak with someone.

Reflections      Joy on the Front Lines
                         Aubrey Atwater

*Song     The Turning of the World
               by Ruth Pelham (see insert for lyrics)

Meditation and Prayer      Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly

Reflections     The Joy of Job Lot
                        Aubrey Atwater

*Song       I’ve Got a Mother Gone to Glory
                 Traditional Primitive Baptist hymn, from Jean Ritchie

Reading     The Joy of Small Talk
                   Aubrey Atwater 

*Song     I’m Part of the Rainbow
               by Glenn McClure

Reflections      Practicing Joy
                         Aubrey Atwater

Call for the Offering Our Summer Share the Plate
The Tomaquag Museum
The Museum seeks to educate all relations (everyone) about Indigenous cultures of the Dawnland, (Southern New England).

Offertory      Hush, the Waves Are Rolling In
                     Traditional Scottish American Lullaby 

Readings and Reflections      Joy as A Ballast to Action
                                                  Aubrey Atwater

*Closing Song            The Rest of Our Lives
                                    by Elwood Donnelly

Closing Words and Benediction             Elwood Donnelly

*Postlude        Bright Morning Stars

*Extinguishing the Chalice:
Carry the Flame of Peace and Love until we Meet Again (Repeat)

*Please rise in body or spirit, as you are able.