This Sunday, First Universalist joyfully celebrates New Member Sunday, a testament to our community’s growth and resilience. Worship Leaders will guide us through a reflective conversation on the essence of openness. They invite us to examine how vulnerability, grace, and kindness are more than spiritual practices—they are vital for deepening our communal bonds. This service challenges us to dismantle the barriers that often lead to isolation, making every interaction a profound connection. As we celebrate this enriching occasion, reflect on your journey: What is your next step toward deeper engagement in our community? Join us for a transformative experience.

Worship Leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Meleah Houseknecht, Rev. Jen Crow, Liz Farmer, Matt Keller

Opening Hymn- Building Bridges (:27)

Call to Worship and Words of Welcome (4:37)

Wisdom Story (10:39)

Singing Together- Come and Go With Me (20:14)

New Member Welcome Ritual (21:41)

Prayers and Cycle of Life (28:50)

Practice of Giving and Receiving (37:17)

Offertory- If You're Out There by John Legend (43:07)

Reading- Safety Net by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer (46:06)

Anthem- Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand) by Diana Ross (47:18)

Message- A Community of Practice (49:35)

Closing Song- Love Will Guide Us (1:08:06)

Benediction (1:10:00)

This Sunday, we kick off a four-week Season of Gratitude, and immerse ourselves in the rich languages of love and gratitude. We warmly invite everyone to join us as we explore how these sincere expressions deepen our bonds and strengthen the fabric of our community. It’s an ideal moment to celebrate the diverse ways we can express our appreciation for each other’s efforts within our beloved community.

Worship Leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Ashley Harness, Rev. Arif Mamdani

Singing to Gather- Morning Has Come (:18)

Call to Worship and Welcome (1:44)

Singing Together- Oh, We Give Thanks (12:15)

Community Prayer (13:23)

Stewardship Update (20:18)

Celebrating Volunteers (27:46)

Offering and Offertory (32:35)

Readings- from All About Love by bell hooks and What is Love? by Haddaway (36:23)

Message- Count the Ways (38:14)

Singing- Make Channels for the Streams of Love (54:29)

Benediction (56:08)

On Earth Day, we come together for a service developed in collaboration with our Environmental Justice Team. This day, we reaffirm our sacred bond with the Earth, confronting the environmental crisis with courage, creativity, and collective action. Stories of resilience from communities around the globe will guide us in redefining our relationship with the planet. This service is an invitation to reflect and find inspiration, a calling to realize our commitment to respectful relationship with the natural world. As one, we forge a path forward to notice our role in the delicate balance of life. Together, we honor our responsibility to shape a legacy of hope and healing for future generations.

Opening Hymn- Love's In Need of Love Today by Stevie Wonder- Paolo Debuque and Choir (:25)

Call to Worship- Nancy Potter (6:10)

Words of Welcome- Cathy Geist (11:43)

Time for All Ages- Rev. Arif Mamdani (17:30)

Singing Together- Come and Go With Me- Paolo Debuque (25:05)

Invitation to Conversation- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (26:53)

Prayer and Meditation- Rev. Arif Mamdani (32:15)

Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Jen Crow (38:55)

Reading from A Life on Our Planet by David Attenborough- Stan Sattinger (49:10)

Anthem- This I Know- Paolo Debuque, Aimee K. Bryant, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (51:38)

Message- Reimagine That!: Earth Day - Rev. Arif Mamdani (57:04)

Closing Hymn- Blue Boat Home (1:23:00)

Benediction- Rev. Arif Mamdani, Bob Friedman (1:26:02)

This Sunday marks a special journey led by our high school youth group, as they invite us into an exploration of abundance and collective growth. They’ve crafted an interactive service that promises not just to engage but to weave our vibrant community energies into a living tapestry of action and shared dreams. With each of us contributing to a communal symbol of unity, we’ll reflect, give thanks, and envision a humanity grown in the spring of our collective efforts. Under the inspired guidance of our youth, we are sowing seeds of hope to nurture the garden of our gathered dreams.

Singing to Gather- Woyaya- Paolo Dubuque (:33)

Words of Welcome- Allison Connelly-Vetter (2:07)

Call to Worship- Willa Maynor (3:19)

Singing Together- Lean on Me by Bill Withers (7:57)

Story for All Ages- Henry at Home by Megan Maynor- Max and Bobbi (11:47)

Practice of Giving and Receiving- Isla Mysenburg and Rev. Jen Crow (17:12)

Offertory- Paolo Dubuque (25:32)

Prayer and Meditation- Isla Mysenburg and Rev. Jen Crow (29:30)

Poem and Blessing- We Need Each Other by m jade kaiser- Rasana Mamdani (34:33)

Planting Together- Rasana Mamdani (41:44)

Singing Togther- Blue Boat Home (44:06)

Benediction- Rasana Mamdani (47:00)

We gather as a community, each of us a unique thread, ready to weave a tapestry that embodies our theme for the month: “Investing Together.” Imagine a morning where every one, young and old and in between, help us make a masterpiece. We’ll share stories with each other, sing melodies that weave through our shared spaces, and create a living mosaic of our collective spirit. This isn’t just about the art we create or the songs we sing; it’s a deeper call to explore the beauty and strength we unlock when we come together, each of us investing our piece of the puzzle. In this gathering, we celebrate not just the power of unity but the joy and growth it brings into our lives.

Singing Together- If I Had a Hammer by Pete Seger- Allison Connelly-Vetter (:30)

Welcome and Call to Worship- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (3:38)

Singing Together- If I Had a Hammer by Pete Seger- Allison Connelly-Vetter (11:11)

Story Sharing- Allison Connelly-Vetter (12:31)

Singing Together- If I Had a Hammer by Pete Seger- Allison Connelly-Vetter (18:20)

Meditation and Cycle of Life- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (20:19)

Investing Conversation- Kaden Colton and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (31:36)

Practice of Giving and Receiving- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (37:29)

Offertory- We Are a Tower of Strength (39:16)

Singing Together- If I Had a Hammer by Pete Seger- Allison Connelly-Vetter (43:01)

Art Piece- Dallas Rising and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (44:45)

Closing Blessing- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Allison Connelly-Vetter (52:53)

This Easter, what if our affirmations served not only as testaments to our capacity to instigate meaningful change but also as prompts to engage deeply with every soul we encounter. Can we mine our shared experiences for tales of resilience or resignation? Will we amplify the echoes of triumph, or will we underscore the moments of faltering? This selection process crafts the larger narrative of our existence. In this season of reflection and renewal, what narratives will you choose to elevate? How will you demonstrate your belief in the boundless potential for peace, love, and justice in our world?

Opening Song- Allelujah- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Congregation (:34)

Story and Words of Welcome- My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart Rev. Arif Mamdani (4:21)

Singing Together- Sing and Rejoice! - Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Congregation (14:54)

Time for All Ages- Allison Connelly-Vetter (19:17)

Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Ashley Harness (29:28)

Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Jen Crow (36:17)

Offertory- I Am Light by India.Arie- Glen Thomas Rideout (38:20)

Reading- Mark 16:1-8- Mark Caswell (41:32)

Message- Rev. Jen Crow (43:49)

Singing Together- Sanctuary- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Congregation (53:53)

Benediction- Rev. Jen Crow (56:06)

In the heart of our journey towards Easter, we turn to the second chapter in our three-part series, inviting you into a contemplative exploration of dying and the profound lessons it imparts on communal living. This service weaves together thought, music, prayer, and story, reflecting on our shared human experience and the bonds that sustain us through life’s transitions. Join us in this reflective exploration of the spaces between life and death, community and solitude, fear and hope, embracing the full spectrum of our existence with open hearts and minds.

Opening Hymn- Gathered Here- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:31)

Words of Welcome and Call to Worship- Rev. Arif Mamdani (5:57)

Time for All Ages/Singing Together-The Universe Song- Allison Connelly-Vetter (16:46)

Singing Together- Come and Go With Me- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (22:01)

Prayer and Meditation- Meleah Houseknecht (23:49)

Practice of Generosity- Rev. Arif Mamdani (33:18)

Offertory- I am a Poor Pilgrim of Sorrow- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (37:03)

Readings- from Wash Your Hands by Dori Midnight;  John 13:1-5- Meleah Houseknecht (40:18)

Anthem- Take My Hand Precious Lord- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (42:42)

Message- Lessons from the Edge of Existence- Rev. Ashley Harness (47:07)

Closing Song- For All That is Our Life- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (1:08:41)

Benediction- Rev. Ashley Harness (1:10:51)

As we embrace this month’s theme of humility, we are called to reflect on our individual needs within the vast expanse of community life. Join us at First Universalist this Sunday for a journey that promises to deepen our collective wisdom, cultivate understanding and love, and reinforce our community’s bonds. This series is not just a retelling of age-old stories but a dynamic engagement with the themes that have shaped humanity’s spiritual journey across millennia.

Opening Hymn- Love Will Guide Us- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (:29)

Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (2:40)

Building Community- Building Bridges- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (7:54)

Singing Together- Come and Go With Me- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (12:25)

Prayer and Meditation- Rev. Ashley Harness (14:18)

Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Ashley Harness, Lynn Broaddus (24:14)

Offertory- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (31:49)

Readings- If bell hooks wrote I Corinthians by Tess Baumberger (34:42); poem by Aurora Levins Morales (36:47)- Lynn Broaddus and Rev. Jen Crow

Anthem- No One Is Alone by Stephen Sondheim- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (38:52)

Message- Willing Love- Rev. Jen Crow (42:18)

Benediction- Rev. Jen Crow (1:03:11)

Join us for a transformative service led by our 8th-grade OWL youth, their advisors, and the worship team, as we explore the impactful journey through Our Whole Lives (OWL) program. “Embracing Humility, Fostering Love: Our OWL Journey” promises a heartfelt glimpse into the courageous conversations and learning experiences that shape our community’s approach to sexuality education. Celebrate the insights, growth, and stories of our youth, reinforced by the dedication of our OWL facilitators, embodying the values of respect, relationships, and responsibility.

Opening Hymn- Come And Go With Me- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (:33)

Call to Worship- (4:34)

Words of Welcome- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Allison Connelly-Vetter (8:03)

Story for All Ages- This or That- 5th grade OWLs (14:14)

Singing Together- Make Channels for the Streams of Love- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (16:22)

Prayer and Meditation- Rev. Jen Crow (18:00)

Practice of Stewardship, Giving, Receiving- Rev. Jen Crow, Sarah Heuser, Jack Daniels (24:33)

Offertory- Kiss! by Prince- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (30:33)

Anthem- People Help the People by Birdy (35:31)

Reading- The Masturbation Song by Claire Tralle (40:17)

Reflections- Jill Ferris, Claire Tralle, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (44:29)

Benediction- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (1:04:24)

Song for Going- Where You Go, I Will Go, Beloved  by Shoshana Jedwab

This Sunday, Rev. Rolenz will lead us in contemplating The Lost Art of Sacrifice, a timely reflection as we navigate the solemn periods of Lent and approach Ramadan. In a world often driven by the quest for instant gratification, Kathleen invites us to reconsider sacrifice as a source of spiritual nourishment and unexpected joy. Drawing on her experiences from serving in diverse communities and her profound understanding of liturgy, Kathleen’s sermon promises to be a compelling journey through the complexities of faith, community, and the sacrifices that bind them.

Join us in welcoming Rev. Kathleen Rolenz and immerse yourself in a service that promises not just to explore the depths of humility and sacrifice but also to celebrate the communal spirit that defines our congregation. Let’s gather together to discover the joy and enrichment that humility can bring to our lives and our community.

Music for Gathering- Woyaya- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:19)

Story for All Ages- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, Nanette Stearns (4:03)

Words of Welcome and Call to Worship- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (10:00)

Singing Together- Come and Go With Me (20:00)

Meditation and Prayer- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (22:19)

Practice of Sharing and Receiving- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Karen Heegaard, Nanette Stearns (33:06)

Offertory- Barbara Brooks, piano (45:49)

Poem- Altar by Deborah Leipziger (47:45)

Message- The Lost Art of Sacrifice- Rev. Kathleen Rolenz (49:59)

Singing Together- Make Channels for the Streams of Love (1:09:34)

Benediction- Rev. Kathleen Rolenz (1:11:08)

Outgoing Song- Where You Go, I Will Go, Beloved by Shoshana Jedwab

This Sunday at First Universalist, we invite you to a special service, “Awakening Presence: A Journey From Numbness to Engagement,” as we explore the transformative power of reconnecting with our emotions and each other. Dive deep into the essence of presence, overcoming the barriers of emotional numbness that hinder our personal growth and communal vitality. Engage in a meaningful exploration of how mindfulness and empathy can not only enrich our personal journeys but also empower our collective commitment to justice and compassion.

As we continue our stewardship campaign, remember that your support breathes life into the heart of our community, helping to revive the emotional nerve endings of our congregation. Join us in fostering a vibrant, engaged, and empathetic community, ready to embrace the full spectrum of life’s experiences together. Your presence and contribution are the keys to unlocking a more present, connected, and lively congregation.

Welcome and Call to Worship- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:24)

Story for All Ages- Adaptation of a story by Leo Tolstoy- Em Herman-Johnson and the congregation (4:15)

Singing Together- Come and Go With Me and What Wondrous Love is This?- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (16:35)

Community Prayers- Katherine Harrell (23:00)

Invitation to Give and Receive- Rev. Ashley Harness and David Leppik (30:37)

Offertory- I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free by Nina Simone- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (36:18)

Greeting One Another- Em Herman-Johnson (38:38)

Reading- Go to the Limits of Your Longing by Rainer Maria Rilke (40:48)

Message- Unshackling the Chains of Emotional Numbness- Rev. Ashley Harness and Dick Young (42:41)

Benediction- words by David Gate in memory of Nex Benedict (57:45)

Closing Song- Where You Go, I will Go, Beloved by Shoshana Jedwab