Order of Service

Unitarian Society of Hartford

Nourishing Spirit, Building Community,  Working for Justice”

 

“Those who stand at the threshold of life always waiting for the right time to change are like the person who stands at the bank of a river waiting for the water to pass so they can cross on dry land”. Joseph B. Wirthlin

“On Change: Resistance is Futile”

Rev. Aaron Payson, Pulpit Guest

Carol Simpson, Worship Associate

Sam Moffett, Director of Music Ministries 

March 26th 2023 

 

Prelude                                                                                         Sam Moffett                               

                                                                                                                

Welcome                                                                                   Carol Simpson

 

Stewardship Testimonial                                                          Brian Harvey

 

Opening Hymn #368 (Grey Hymnal)                                                     Sam

          Now Let Us Sing

 

Opening Words                                                                 Rev. Aaron Payson         Hoping, Trusting for So Many Things by Katie Kandarian-Morris

 

Chalice Lighting                                                                                    Carol

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.

 

Offering                                                                                                   Carol                                         

Offertory Music                                                                                       Sam

 

Readings                                                                           Rev. Aaron Payson

          The Guest House by Rumi

An excerpt from As Much Truth as One Can Bear by James Baldwin

 

Matters of the Heart                                                                              Carol

 

Candles of Memory and Hope                                                            Carol

All are invited to come forward as we sing Spirit of Life, #123 (Grey Hymnal) and, in silence, light a candle in celebration, concern, sorrow, or hope with the awareness that we are held by this community and this faith through all the seasons of our lives.

 

Sermon                                                                           Rev. Aaron Payson

          “On Change: Resistance is Futile”

 

Closing Hymn #1015 (Teal Hymnal)                                                    Sam

          I Know I Can                                                           

 

Extinguishing the Chalice                                                                   Carol

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                                                                                 Rev. Payson

          May You Be Changed by Emily Richards

 

Postlude                                                                                                  Sam