Order of Service 2-12-2023
“Side with Love” Sunday
Rev. Eric Cherry, Service Leader
Rev. DL Helfer, Worship Partner
Kamila Barzykowski, Lay Pastoral Care Associate
Tech Host: Liz Roper

“Side with Love” is our denomination’s public advocacy ministry that seeks to harness love’s power to stop oppression. But, ‘Siding’ with Love is also a choice that we make – over and over again – throughout our lives. This morning we’ll consider how we can keep the force of love central in our choices.

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

 

Chimes

Welcome and Announcements

Chalice Lighting by Omid Safi

Prelude:  Song Without Words, Anonymous

Opening Words

*Opening Hymn: #1014 Answering the Call of Love

The promise of the Spirit: faith, hope and love abide. And so ev’ry soul is blessed and made whole; the truth in our hearts is our guide.

Chorus: We are answering the call of love: hands joined together as hearts beat as one. Emboldened by faith, we dare to proclaim we are answering the call of love. 

Sometimes we build a barrier to keep love tightly bound. Corrupted by fear, unwilling to hear, denying the beauty we’ve found.

Chorus:

A bright new day is dawning when love will not divide. Reflections of grace in ev’ry embrace, fulfilling the vision divine.

Chorus: 

*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

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

Prayer by Adrian L.H. Graham

Sung in Response: #1053 How Could Anyone

How could anyone ever tell you you were anything less than beautiful? How could anyone ever tell you you were less than whole? How could anyone fail to notice that your loving is a miracle? How deeply you’re connected to my soul.

Special Offering to support the International Rescue Committee (IRC)’s humanitarian relief work in Türkiye and Syria.  Make out checks to “Westminster Unitarian Church” with “IRC” in the memo line.

Offertory:  Meditation Prelude by R. Henriques

Sermon: “Siding With Love, Today”

*Closing Hymn:  #1018 Come and Go With Me

1. Come and go with me to that land, Come and go with me to that land, Come and go with me to that land where I’m bound. (where I’m bound) Come and go with me to that land, Come and go with me to that land, Come and go with me to that land where I’m bound.  
2. There’ll be freedom in that land, There’ll be freedom in that land, There’ll be freedom in that land where I’m bound. (where I’m bound) There’ll be freedom in that land, There’ll be freedom in that land, There’ll be freedom in that land where I’m bound.  
3. There’ll be justice in that land, There’ll be justice in that land, There’ll be justice in that land where I’m bound. (where I’m bound) There’ll be justice in that land, there’ll be justice in that land, There’ll be justice in that land where I’m bound.
4. There’ll be singin’ in that land, There’ll be singin’ in that land, There’ll be singin’ in that land where I’m bound. (where I’m bound) There’ll be singin’ in that land, there’ll be singin’ in that land, There’ll be singin’ in that land where I’m bound.

Closing Words by Rev. Kaaren Anderson

Carry the Flame