The Practice of Wonder(ing)

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We use the word “wonder” to describe both awe and curiosity.  This morning, we’ll explore the role of wonder and wondering in finding hope in a challenging world. 

Heather Yonker, Music Director
Heather Yonker

We’ll also have a ceremony of leave-taking for our Music Director, Heather Yonker, as well as a special coffee hour celebrating her time with us.

Rev. Ian W. Riddell

Rev. Ian W. Riddell is the Lead Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert in Rancho Mirage, California. He served as Minister of Music and Worship Arts at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego for four years before relocating to the Coachella Valley with his husband and beloved Russell Terriers. Before FUUSD, Rev. Ian served as Developmental Minister for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas. He was ordained in August of 2012 after graduating from Meadville Lombard Theological School. Before entering full-time ministry, Rev. Ian served as Director of Music Ministries at Reeb and two other congregations as Music Director.

Share the Plate

  • As part of our work to begin reparations to the Ho-Chunk people, the original residents of this land, our Share the Plate will go to the Ho-Chunk Housing and Community Development Agency. This nonprofit provides members with quality, affordable housing, and offers programs to meet the social, cultural, and community needs of the people of the Ho-Chunk Nation.


Order of Service – JRUUC 12/4/22

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  • Centering Sound
  • Gathering Song: #188 “Come, Come, Whoever You Are”
  • Welcome
  • Prelude: “A Call to Silence” by Craig Courtney and Pamela Martin
  • Call to Worship
  • Lighting the Chalice
  • Musical Response
  • Shared Music: Hymn #55 “Dark of Winter”
  • Time for All Ages: “The Name of the Tree,” a Bantu tale retold by Celia Barker Lottridge
  • Shared Music: Hymn #1003 “Where Do We Come From?”
  • Wisdom from the World’s Traditions: “Things to Think” by Robert Bly
  • Reflection Part 1: “The Practice of Wonder(ing)” with Revs. Karen Armina and Ian W. Riddell
  • Wisdom from the World’s Traditions: excerpt from Chicago Public Library Interview with Barbara Kingsolver on Community and Hope
  • Reflection Part 2: “The Practice of Wonder(ing)” with Revs. Karen Armina and Ian W. Riddell
  • Offering: “The Path You Walk Upon” by Catherine Dalton
  • Ceremony of Release for Heather Yonker
  • Heather and Karen move from the chancel, choir comes forward
  • Special Music: “For Good” by Stephen Schwartz
  • Joys and Sorrows
  • Shared Music: “This Joy,” by Shirley Caesar
  • Extinguishing the Chalice and Benediction


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