Hope is a Verb

Joanna Macy wrote often that hope is a practice with three basic steps: taking in a clear view of reality, identifying our vision for what we hope will happen, and taking active steps to help bring that vision about.  This morning, we’ll explore the relationship between hoping, and doing things that bring us hope.  The service will include a Joining Ceremony for new members, and a Ceremony of Release for our departing Director of Music Ministry, Jennifer Hedstrom. [Image from pixnio.com]

Worship Associates: Liz Chapa and Matt Morrison, Special Music: Jennifer Hedstrom

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  • The share the plate for Sundays December 7th and December 14 is the UW Odyssey Project. The UW Odyssey Project offers University of Wisconsin-Madison humanities classes for adult students facing economic barriers to college. The majority of students that participate in the Odyssey Course are from racial and ethnic minority groups (~90%). Odyssey students report transformative outcomes, and some have even moved from homelessness to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Students also say that they read more to their children, feel that they are better parents and advocates for their children in school, have more hope about their own futures, and are more likely to vote and become involved in their communities. UW Odyssey Project was nominated by Bryan Rainey and Ed Kuharski.

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Order of Service

  • Gathering Song  “Come, Come, Whoever You Are” #188
  • Welcome
  • Prelude  “Song of the Magi” by Anaïs Mitchell
  • Call to Worship
  • Lighting the Chalice and Musical Response
  • Centering in Beauty
  • Shared Music  “Come, Sing a Song With Me” #346 (gray hymnal)
  • Joining Ceremony
  • Musical Response  “Enter, Rejoice, and Come In” #361 (gray hymnal)
  • Time for All Ages  “Hanukkah Cookies with Sprinkles” by David A. Adler
  • Shared Music  “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Sing Out Love)
  • Wisdom from the World’s Traditions “Blessing of Hope” by Jan Richardson
  • Reflection 
  • Offering  “Maybe God” by Jennifer Hedstrom
  • Ritual of Release
  • Joys and Sorrows
  • Shared Music  “This Little Light of Mine” #118 (gray hymnal) 
  • Extinguishing the Chalice and Benediction

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