Be Astonished

The Spring Equinox has just passed – a moment of balance between the whirling seasons.  There are also many things whirling about us, vying for our attention – some are gifts and some are hard to bear.  This morning, we’ll explore ways we might honor our human responses to the blossoming of good news and the devastation of bad news, and how we choose what we’ll pay attention to, drawing on parts of the Rev. James Reeb’s story as a source of wisdom.  And we’ll have a ceremony of dedication for Jack Wingren! Image from www.publicdomainpictures.net

Worship Associate: Michael Nunley, Special Music: JRUUC Folk Group

  • The Share the Plate recipient for 3/15 and 3/22 is LIFT Wisconsin: Legal Interventions For Transforming Wisconsin. Each year in Wisconsin, over half a million individuals face a civil legal issue that they either do not know how to solve or cannot afford legal representation to resolve. As a consequence, many get trapped in a revolving door of unpaid fines and fees, forms, and hard-to-navigate processes that prevent them from accessing employment, a driver’s license, and housing. Unmet civil legal needs have an outsized impact on vulnerable and marginalized communities, exacerbating poor economic and health outcomes. LIFT Wisconsin is committed to improving access to justice by transforming and reforming legal systems, increasing personal agency, democratizing data, and dismantling legal barriers. Thank you to Joan Kemble for nominating them!

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Order of Service

  • Gathering Song  “Come, Come, Whoever You Are” #188
  • Welcome
  • Prelude  “Deep in My Soul” by Eric Bibb
  • Call to Worship
  • Lighting the Chalice and Musical Response
  • Centering in Beauty
  • Shared Music  “Chant for the Seasons” Spring Verse #73 (gray hymnal)
  • Dedication Ceremony  for Jack Wingren
  • Shared Music  “Love Will Guide Us” #131 (gray hymnal)
  • Time for All Ages  “What’s in Your Cup?” by Thich Nhat Hanh, adapted by April Rosario
  • Shared Music  “My Religion” from Sing Out Love
  • Wisdom from the World’s Traditions “Sometimes” by Mary Oliver
  • Reflection 
  • Offering  “James Reeb” by Mike Stimson
  • A Story from the Heart  with Pete Haney
  • Joys and Sorrows
  • Shared Music  “Do You Hear?” #112 (gray hymnal) 
  • Extinguishing the Chalice and Benediction

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