[We apologize for tech/recording issues from this service. You can watch Brad the Dad’s complete message on YouTube here.]
LOVE. That sometimes over-romanticized emotion is our human superpower. The need for love is hardwired into human beings – and the depth of it made it a force our religious ancestors leaned on. Today we share the power of love, and the wonder of what becomes possible when love perseveres.
The Rev. Suzelle Lynch (she/her) has been a UU minister for 29 years, serving congregations in Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and California. Prior to ministry, she worked as a communications professional for a variety organizations, including a robot company, an artificial language laboratory, and a big insurance company. Now semi-retired, Rev. Suzelle writes songs, hikes, leads labyrinth workshops and does upcycle sewing. She lives in Janesville, WI with her husband Tom Ness. Preaching with Rev. Suzelle today via video is her friend Brad the Dad.
The Share the Plate recipient for Jan. 21 and 28 will be the Great Turning Catholic Worker’s hospitality house. This house is designed to welcome those in need of housing, particularly refugees, women and children. It is next to the Great Turning Catholic Worker Farm, whose mission is to be a hub of resiliency, combining community life and gardening. Those running the house and farm were inspired by Joanna Macy’s writings about “The Great Turning,” shifting from industrial growth to life-sustaining community. They were nominated by Pete Haney.
Share the Plate – click here to donate
This week’s newsletter
Order of Service
- Gathering Song: #188 “Come, Come, Whoever You Are”
- Welcome
- Prelude: “Prelude in C Major” by J.S. Bach
- Call to Worship
- Lighting the Chalice and Musical Response
- Shared Music: “Love Makes a Bridge” #325 (gray hymnal)
- Time for All Ages: “Love is Something if You Give it Away” – The story of Malvina Reynolds and her song “Magic Penny”
- Children’s Benediction – RE Classes
- Wisdom and Reflection: “Love Perseveres” with Rev Suzelle and “Brad the Dad”
- Offering: “Honey” by Nathaniel Dett
- Joys and Sorrows
- Shared Music: “Love Will Guide Us” #131 (gray hymnal)
- Extinguishing the Chalice and Benediction
For further exploration
Worthy Now – Prison outreach through the church of the larger fellowship
Topics: Liberating Love