Gathering Music (begins at 9:50) (Mary Bopp)
Welcome
Announcements
Centering
Prelude Music
“None of Us Are Free”
By Brenda Russell, Barry Mann, & Cynthia Well
Performed by Jeannette LeSure, vocals, and Dan Thompson, instruments & production
Chalice Lighting (Eliot)
Opening Words
“When all the People”
MO-TSE
Read by Olivia
#601 in Singing the Living Tradition
When all the people of the world love,
Then the strong will not overpower the weak.
The many will not oppress the few.
The wealthy will not mock the poor.
The honored will not disdain the humble.
The cunning will not deceive the simple.
When ALL the people of the world are guided by love,
Then there will be no room or reason for hate only love!
Opening Hymn
“Love Makes a Bridge”, Verses 1-3,
Words, Brian Wren; Music, Gerald Wheeler
#325 in Singing the Living Tradition
Singing led by Jeannette LeSure
Love makes a bridge from heart to heart, and hand to hand.
Love finds a way when laws are blind, and freedom banned.
Love breaks the walls of language, gender, [race], and age.
Love gives us wings to slip the bars of every cage.
Love lifts the hopes that force and fear have beaten down.
Love breaks the chains and gives us strength to stand our ground.
Introduction to the Service
Our February ministry theme is “Widening the Circle,” which is also the title of the UUA’s 2020 report calling on congregations to actively address systemic oppression and create inclusive, beloved community.
Through stories appropriate for all ages, this morning’s service will present the concepts of racism and white privilege, and their perpetuation through the belief in the Zero-Sum Bias. Hope for overcoming these challenges lies in the power and healing of diverse communities.
First Story
“A Chipmunk’s Zero-Sum Bias”
Written, illustrated, & read by Stacey Musulin
Musical Meditation (Mary Bopp)
Second Story
“A Kid’s Book about White Privilege”
Narrated by the author, Ben Sands
Joys and Concerns
Musical Meditation (Mary Bopp)
Offering
The recipient of our February Community Outreach Offering is Operation Fuel. Operation Fuel is the country’s oldest fuel fund, serving as a model across the United States. Their primary purpose is to provide year-round emergency energy assistance to every city and town in Connecticut, aided by our statewide network of local fuel banks. They are the primary source of energy and utilities assistance for low- to moderate-income households who are struggling financially and have exhausted other options.
Offertory Music
“The Sharing Song”
Music & Lyrics: Jack Johnson
Performed by Jeannette LeSure, vocals, and Dan Thompson, instruments & production
Third Story
“Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger” by Elizabeth Cole
Read aloud by Stacey Musulin
Fourth Story
“The Big Umbrella” by Amy June Bates & Juniper Bates
Read by Stacey Musulin
Musical Meditation (Mary Bopp)
Homily: “If I Win, Do You Lose?” (Alan Ayers)
Closing Hymn
“Standing on the Side of Love”
Words & Music: Jason Shelton
#1014 in Singing the Journey
Singing led by Jeannette LeSure
Note: First & last line of the Chorus has been changed to “Answering the call of love”
The promise of the Spirit faith hope and love abide. And
So ev’ry soul is blessed and made whole; the
Truth in our hearts is our guide.
(Chorus)
We are answering the call of love.
Hands joined together as hearts beat as one.
Embolden by faith, we dare to proclaim we are
Answering the call of love.
Sometimes we build a barrier to keep love tightly bound.
Corrupted by fear, unwilling to hear, denying the beauty we’ve found
(Chorus)
We are answering the call of love.
Hands joined together as hearts beat as one.
Embolden by faith, we dare to proclaim we are
Answering the call of love.
A bright new day is dawning when love will not divide.
Reflections of grace in ev’ry embrace,
Fulfilling the vision divine.
(Chorus)
We are answering the call of love.
Hands joined together as hearts beat as one.
Embolden by faith, we dare to proclaim we are
Answering the call of love.
Reading
Based on #694 in Singing the Living Tradition by Frederick Gillis
Read by Warren
May Love overcome all anger, hurts, and fears.
May Love bring together all who are apart.
May this Love be in us all now and always.
Extinguishing the Chalice (Eliot & Spencer)
Closing Words
May faith in the spirit of life
And hope for the community of earth
And love of the light in each other
Be ours now, and in all the days to come.
Postlude (Mary Bopp)
Virtual Coffee Hour/Breakout Rooms
