Saturday, Dec. 23rd 5pm – Join us for our annual celebration marking the Longest Night and the Return of the Light! The evening is a deep ritual and celebration of the light that shines within and between us, with reflections, silence, and candlelight, and music featuring Jennifer Hedstrom and the JRUUC Sacred Breath Choir. We’ll also share treats after the service.
Please feel free to wear a mask to the celebration. We will also have masks available at the event.
Click for .pdf of Order of Service with complete list of participants
Winter Solstice Celebration
Based on A Winter Solstice Singing Ritual ©2002 by Julie Forest Middleton and Stasa Morgan-Appel
Introduction Rev. Karen Armina
Casting the Circle
“Winter Song” by Dirk Campbell
The Darkness
“Solstice Chant” by Anne Bearheart, arr. Julie Middleton
“Winter Solstice Meditation” by Judith Laura, adapted
“Dark of Winter” by Shelley Jackson Denham
“What Is This Night?” by Julie Middleton
“Though My Soul” Words by Sarah Williams, music by F.J. Hayden
“Creation in the Darkness” by Kristen Harper
“Winter Solstice Round” by Suzanne Sterling
Silent Meditation with Rev. Karen Armina
Bringing the Light
“May I Be Empty” by Batya Levine
Litany: “The Light Is Reborn” by Liz Benjamin
“Simple Wisdom” by Susan Podebradsky
Sharing the Light
“Our deepest fear…” by Marianne Williamson
“This Little Light of Mine” trad./arr. By Karen Escovitz (Otter)
“The Servant Candle” adapted from a reading by Judy Bressler
“The Way Is Clear” by Anni Zylstra
“Winter Solstice Meditation” by Judith Laura, adapted
“Let the Spirit Come to You” by Anodea Judith
Passing the Baskets
“Awake the Sacred Fire” by Bernice Martin
Benediction and Opening the Circle
“Blessing for the Longest Night” by Jan Richardson
“Carry It Home” by Betsy Rose, arr Karen Escovitz (Otter)
Recessional
“When We Are Gone” by Starhawk and Anne Hill, arr. Julie Middleton
The James Reeb UU Congregation Mission
We are a faith community
rooted in Unitarian Universalist principles,
called by love to
welcome the seeker,
cultivate relationship,
nurture spiritual wholeness,
and grow justice in the world.
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Topics: Special Services (Holidays)