Unitarian Society of Hartford

“Nourishing spirit, Building community, Working for justice”

 Sunday, July 3rd, 2022 10:00 a.m.

Let Freedom Ring: Liberal Religion and the Founding Fathers

Judy Robbins, Pulpit Guest

Sue Smolski, Worship Associate

Sam Moffett, Director of Music 

When he emerged from Constitution Hall, Benjamin Franklin was asked, ‘What kind of government are you giving us?’ He replied, “A republic…if you can keep it.”

 

Prelude                                                                                                         Sam

“American Baby” – Dave Matthews

Opening Words                                                                                              Judy

 

Gathering Hymn                                                                                           Sam

This Land is Your Land (See insert)

 

Chalice Lighting                                                                                             Sue

“We light this chalice for the warmth of love; for the light of truth; for the energy of action; and for the harmony of peace: peace in our hearts, peace in our community, and peace in our world.”

 

Welcome                                                                                                          Sue

 

Our Great Covenant                                                                                     Sue

“Love is the spirit of this church and service is its law.

This is our great covenant: To dwell together in peace, To seek the truth in love; And to help one another”.

 

Hymn                                                                                                            Sam

America The Beautiful (See insert)

Reading                                                                                                         Sue

10 Reasons Why Freedom is Important

 

Offering                                                                                                              Sue

 

Offertory Music                                                                                              Sam

“This Land is Your Land” – Woody Guthrie

Matters of the Heart/Turning Inward                                                       Judy

 

Candles of Memory and Hope

Homily                                                                                                          Judy

Let Freedom Ring

 

Hymn                                                                                                             Sam

My Country Tis of Thee (See insert)

 

Extinguishing the Chalice                                                                              Sue

“We extinguish this flame, but not the light of truth,

The warmth of community or the fire of commitment.

These we carry in our hearts until we are together again.”

 

Benediction                                                                                                    Judy

 

Postlude                                                                                                        Sam

“Going to California” – Jimmy Page/Robert Plant

 For further reading on today’s topic, see the books of the late Rev. Forrest Church, senior minister at All Souls Unitarian Church in NYC, especially The Cathedral of The World and The American Creed.    

We extend our gratitude to all who made today’s service possible. We extend our thanks to our Pulpit Guest, Judy Robbins, Worship Associate, Sue Smolski, as well as our Media Team, Paul & David Cipriano. A thanks also goes to our Usher: Larry Lunden. Greeter: Bill Simmons. Welcome Table: Annie Witzler. Paula Bleck and Kevin Girouard for Fellowship setup.