Order of Service 2-5-2023

“Miraculous Love”

Rev. Eric Cherry, Service Leader
Christine Ariel, Worship Partner
Renee Bucklin, Usher
Meg Carroll, Lay Pastoral Care Associate
Tech Host: Jolanda Walter

“Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within. I use the word ‘love’ here not merely in the personal sense but as a state of being, or a state of grace—not in the infantile American sense of being made happy but in the tough and universal sense of quest and daring and growth.” – James Baldwin

The Unitarian Universalist Association is inviting congregations to consider a change to our Principles and Purposes that formally centers “Love” as our brightest guidepost. What would that mean, what would it change, and what can be done to prevent ‘love’ from becoming a powerless platitude? What must be done for love to remain miraculous?

We are now live-streaming our services on YouTube. To join go to our home page HERE on Sunday at 10:00 AM.

Welcome and Announcements

Chalice Lighting

Prelude:  Ach Gott vom Himmel, sich Darei by J. Pachelbel

Opening Words by Rev. Joan Javier-Duval

*Opening Hymn:  #1008 When Our Heart is in a Holy Place

*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

Time for All Ages:  Love and the “Golden” Rule

Children’s Recessional:  Sung to the tune of Frere Jacques

As you journey – As you journey
May you know – May you know
Love and hope go with you –
Love and hope go with you
Learn and grow – Learn and grow

Joys and Sorrows

Piano Interlude: O Dieu, laisse-nous T’ offrir Toutes nos Vies by L. Ponzio

Prayer by Rev. Wendy Bartel

Sung Response:  #18 What Wondrous Love

Call for the Offering:  Our February Share the Plate is Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the awareness, appreciation, and application of Black Storytelling in Rhode Island through performance, as well as through educational and cultural experiences. The organization offers workshops in storytelling, writing, and related arts as a part of the development of the next generation of storytellers along with professional development workshops for those interested in enhancing cultural awareness, and improving their performances and communication skills. To donate go to: https://www.westminsteruu.org/donate/

Offertory:  Jealous Blues by Pechemelba

Readings by Valerie Kaur and by Rev. David Rankin

Sermon:  “Miraculous Love”

*Closing Hymn: #1021 Lean on Me

Closing Words: by Omid Safi

Carry the Flame