First Universalist Church

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-Vette

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

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) Reading

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)-

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

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 R

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

In a world that often celebrates the individual, we invite you to explore the strength and beauty of choosing community. This week, we delve into the power of collective action and shared responsibility—a timely reflection in the wake of the pandemic’s challenges.  Discover how our choices can weave a stronger fabric of support, resilience, and interconnectedness. We’ll explore the transformative potential of moving beyond individualism to embrace the collective—highlighting that our financial contributions are more than just donations; they’re affirmations of our commitment to each other and the world we wish to build together. Join us for this worship service, where every voice, every contribution, and every heart matters. Together, let’s illuminate the path from ‘me’ to ‘we’ and uncover the real power for social change. Music, Intro, Welcome- Rev. Ashley Harness (:32) Singing Together- Oh, We Give Thanks- Allison Connelley-Vetter (8:06) Story for All Ages- Stone Soup- Allison Connelley-Vetter (11:15) Shari

How does love find voice breaking from silence and unmasking its truer self? This Sunday, we delve into “Expression of Love: From Silence to Vulnerability.” Through twists and turns of human emotions, the burden of societal norms, and the lens of our digital existence, we explore. Posed with questions of love’s ferocity and authenticity, we ponder even further: How can those of us, unversed in the language of vulnerability, learn to speak it?  This Sunday, we invite a transformative exploration of love unabashed and free. Amidst this interconnected landscape, we collectively weave a tapestry of honest and vulnerable expressions of love. Let’s journey together in search for understanding. What we discover will surely challenge us to open our hearts and free our hands. Love keeps calling us anyway. Joy is waiting. Opening Hymn- Lean On Me (:30) Call to Worship and Welcome- Rev. Arif Mamdani (2:20) Time for All Ages- Rev. Arif Mamdani (8:44) Singing Together- Love Will Guide Us- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout & Pao

In a world too often transactional, we’ll explore the transformative power of a gift economy, where joy is the currency we trade and presence is our shared and most precious commodity. When we choose joy, our lifted spirits are just the first palpable sine of a wave that ripples outward in a wash of positive change throughout our whole community and far beyond. Together, we’ll delve into the sacredness of intentionality in worship, the heartbeats that synchronize when shared narratives bind us, and the art of presence that turns a gathering into a congregation. This service is an invitation to experience the profound joy that arises when we offer our talents, time, and love as gifts to one another—gifts that nurture our communal well-being and empower us to co-create a church that transcends the ordinary. Come, be part of this joyous communion, and let us journey towards a more empathetic and collaborative world, one heartbeat at a time. Opening Hymn- Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee- Aimee K. Bryant (:33) Welco

In the crucible of community, the unique vision of each individual not only reshapes our common goal but experiences a transformation itself. Picture a mosaic, where every piece is indispensable to the whole. Our shared dream materializes as we each offer a piece of our hearts, contributing to a greater design. This dance of unity within individuality beckons you to unearth your unique strengths, to learn how they can enliven our visionary aspirations. It’s about the breathtaking tableau we craft when we are harmonized in purpose and spirit, and how this sense of purpose threads through the tapestry of our everyday existence and builds through us a greater tomorrow. This is our collective mosaic–a pulsing, resonant manifestation of our faith community’s future.   Opening Hymns- Come, Come, Whoever You Are and Guide My Feet (:19) Time for All Ages- Allison Connelly-Vetter (10:48) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Ashley Harness (24:49) Call to Worship- Deb Keller (31:22) Reading- To Know Someone Deeply by Mark Ne

Immerse yourself in this Sunday’s service, a journey into the heart of our interconnectedness. We will ponder the echoes of our third principle, discovering how it nudges us towards a deeper, more mindful communion with ourselves and each other. Prepare to be drawn into the dance of connection, a ballet of souls turning, reaching, growing. Unearth the profound truth that our shared spiritual practices are the glue that binds us into a resilient community. Witness the revelation that our messiahs walk among us, disguised as everyday leaders, ready to shepherd us into a soul-nourishing retreat. This Sunday, we’re not merely gathering – we’re igniting a beacon of blessing, illumination, and inspiration. Join us, and let the dance of turning transform you. Opening Hymn- Hold Everybody Up- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:31) Call to Worship and Welcome- Kaden Colton (4:07) Time for All Ages- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (13:49) Singing Together- Standing Stone and Keep Your Heart Wide Open (23:17) Community Prayers and Cycle

As winter’s stillness permeates our lives, we gather this Sunday for our annual Service of Remembrance, a sacred ceremony to honor those who have transitioned from our physical realm. Coupled with this, we also pay homage to the indomitable spirit of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., inviting you to embrace the complex and demanding truth of his message beyond his popular portrayal. Through the ritual of candlelight, naming, and remembering, we keep the glow of their values and dreams alive, mirroring the humanist manifestation of eternal life. In making space for these memories, we are reminded of our shared responsibility in creating and embodying legacy. As we honor Dr. King and our loved ones, we not only acknowledge their impact but also ignite the path for those to come. This act of remembering and making space, allows us to honor the fullness of each other’s stories. We come together this Sunday, to remember, honor, and recommit to this transformative work of making space. Opening Hymn- Spirit of Life (

In a world relentlessly demanding, it’s easy to feel like we’re never enough, that what we have to give may not make a dent. But when we peel back these layers of fear, we uncover a transformative truth: The act of showing up—of choosing to be present—is a radical catalyst for change. This is more than physical presence; it’s an emotional, spiritual commitment to bear witness, to engage, and to represent. It’s about standing in the face of the grind, against the status quo, and declaring, “I am here.” This conscious choice to show up breathes life into relationships, sustains religions, and builds compassionate communities. It’s the first, crucial step towards creating inclusive spaces. Remember, even when it feels like you have nothing left to give, your presence, your decision to show up, can shake the world.   Singing to Gather- Lean On Me by Bill Withers- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (:29) Welcome and Wisdom Story- Rev. Jen Crow (4:48) Singing Together- Stand By Me by Ben King- Dr. Glen Tho

“No threshold need be a threat, but rather an invitation and a promise. Whatever comes, the great sacrament of life will remain faithful to us, blessing us always with visible signs of invisible grace. We merely need to trust.” – John O’Donohue Join us as we cross the threshold of the new year together. We will slow down to greet the invitations and promises awaiting each of us with ritual stations. We’ll have opportunities to release what no longer serves us, remember our original belovedness, receive healing blessings and seek our next chapters of becoming with trust.  Music for Gathering- I Know This Rose Will Open- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:30) Call to Worship and Chalice Lighting- Mark Caswell (2:42) Singing Together- Dona Nobis Pacem- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (10:21) Community Prayer- Rev. Arif Mamdani (14:45) Reading- Thresholds by John O'Donohue- Mark Caswell (21:30) Intro to Ritual Stations- Rev. Ashley Harness (26:08) Ritual Stations (38:01) Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Ashley Harness (41:2

Our minds are often full of thoughts, like a busy hive all abuzz? Have you ever wondered–Is meditation for me? What is meditation really? What if I am not doing it right? Here’s a revelation – meditation isn’t about making those thoughts disappear. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Our minds, much like our ears, are always receptive, picking up on myriad stimuli even when we aren’t consciously aware. Imagine if we didn’t fight against these thoughts but just listened to them and learned to live amidst them. That’s the real beauty of meditation. Together, we will delve into different techniques for meditation. This journey, like an enlightening expedition, leads us towards understanding ourselves better.

As we move through the sacred season, marked by the enduring light of Hannukah and the burgeoning anticipation of Advent, we’re invited into a unique space where the realms of time and eternity intersect. Here, every moment becomes an encounter with infinite potential. Amid the whirlwind of holiday activities, the understated power of rest emerges as a counterintuitive path to liberation, offering us a sanctuary within time itself. Taking a step back, we find ourselves attuned to the subtle, beautiful harmonies of our communal existence, appreciating the transitions and transformations that shape our collective journey. In the dance between who we are and who we aim to be, we see success as a delicate balance between progress and patience. Each Sunday becomes a vibrant heartbeat in our relentless pursuit of growth and spiritual elevation, and as the nights lengthen, our collective resolve only strengthens. We invite you to join us on this journey – to pause, reflect, and celebrate the sacred story we’re compo

This Advent, let us gather with intention, embracing these ancient narratives not as tales of dread but as prompts for introspection and growth. Together, in our sacred space, we shall seek out the divine amidst the shadows and find within ourselves the ember of transformative hope. Through our listening and reflection, may we uncover that within the darkness, there is not an ending, but the hushed promise of new beginnings.   Music to Gather- It is Love- Ellis Delaney (:33)   Call to Worship- Meleah Houseknecht (6:09)   Lighting the Advent Wreath and the Chalice- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (14:49)   Time for All Ages- Rev. Jen Crow (23:19)   Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Jen Crow (32:19)   Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Jen Crow (38:42)   Offertory- Right on Time- Ellis Delaney (42:49)   Poem- by Rainer Maria Rilke- Meleah Houseknecht (47:05)   Anthem- 500 Crows- Ellis Delaney (48:04)   Message- Whispers in the Dark: Embracing Advent's Stillness- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (52:54)   Singing- Ordinary Love

This Sunday, the whole community, people of all ages, take a heartfelt journey to “Destination Gratitude,” as we immerse ourselves in the rich teachings of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address. Embracing the wisdom of the Turtle Clan, Wolf Clan, and Mohawk tribe, we acknowledge the importance of not just feeling gratitude but actively directing it toward each other.

This Sunday’s ‘Staying at the Table: Starts with Grace’ celebrates the joy of embracing new members, showcasing the grace that defines our community spirit across our whole lives long. As Thanksgiving approaches, bringing its complex weave of anticipation and anxiety around encounters with all kinds, we invite you to a service that rekindles the essence of connection through the simple, yet profound act of sharing grace.  Opening Hymn- Gathered Here - Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:31) Call to Worship and Welcome- Sherry Merriam (5:04) Time for All Ages- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (13:10) Welcoming New Members Ritual- Jeff Snyder, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Liz Farmer (19:53) Prayer- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (28:38) Giving and Receiving- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (36:01) Wisdom Story- The Parable of the Lost Spoons- Sherry Merriam (40:31) Amthem- Building Bridges- Paolo Dubuque and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (42:02) Message- Staying at the Table Starts with Grace- Rev. Arif Mamdani (46:04) Singing Together- Love Will Guide Us - Pa