Celebrating the Sun (Summer Solstice)

Many different cultures throughout the world celebrate the Summer Solstice, the day of longest light and highest sun, with gathering and music. Join us for a service celebrating the gifts of the sun, and summer!

We will have live music today from Heike Saynisch and Marla McFadden.

<No recording for this service>

Share the Plate


Order of Service

  • Centering Sound
  • Welcome
  • Prelude: “Song of Summer Solstice” Joanna Jinton
  • Call to Worship/Lighting of the Chalice
  • Musical Response
  • Opening Hymn: #387 “Gathered Here”
  • Time for All Ages: “Maui Slows the Sun,” written by Gabriel Ahuli’i, Illustrated by Jing Jong Tsong
  • Hymn: #301, Touch the Earth, Reach the Sky”
  • Wisdom from the World’s Traditions: “Summer Sabbath,” Rev. Kathleen McTigue
  • Reflection: “Celebrating the Sun” – “The Hidden Heart of the Cosmos” by Brain Swimme, Celebration of the Gifts – Congregation
  • Offering: “Round and Round” author unknown (live)
  • Joys and Sorrows
  • Closing Hymn: #387 “The Earth, the Air, the Fire, the Water, Return”
  • Extinguishing the Chalice and Benediction


A portion of the list of “Gifts of the Sun” created by participants in this Sunday’s service:

  • peonies
  • all the flowers at Olbrich
  • my garden
  • trees that give us air
  • vitamin D
  • vegetables
  • raising my spirits with lots of time outdoors
  • stand-up paddle-boarding on a small lake
  • my own energy, made possible by the sun
  • the scent of pine
  • seeing neighbors as we come out of our homes

freckles

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