Gathering Music
“Calling the Moon” by Dar Williams
“The Gathering of Spirits” by Carrie Newcomer
“The Parting Glass,” traditional Scottish
Welcome and Announcements
Calling The Quarters
excerpts from “Quarterdance”
by Mary Bopp and Josh Pawelek
Spirit of the East, we invite your presence. Come air, come breath, come knowledge.
Spirit of the South, we invite your presence. Come fire, come heat, come turning.
Spirit of the West, we invite your presence. Come moisture, come water, come mystery.
Spirit of the North, we invite your presence. Come earth, come roots, come wisdom.
Prelude
Brighid
by Kellianna
performed by Jenn Richard
Chalice Lighting and Opening Words
“Opening”
Adapted from Ravenna Angelline
spoken by Rev. Josh Pawelek
Opening Hymn
#57 “All Beautiful the March of Days”
Words by Frances Whitmarsh Wile
Music, English melody arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams
All beautiful the march of days, as seasons come and go;
the hand that shaped the rose hath wrought the crystal of the snow;
hath sent the hoary frost of heaven, the flowing waters sealed,
and laid a silent loveliness on hill and wood and field.
O’er white expanses sparkling clear the radiant morns unfold;
the solemn splendors of the night burn brighter through the cold;
life mounts in every throbbing vein, love deepens round the hearth,
and clearer sounds the angel-hymn, “Good will to all on earth.”
O Thou from whose unfathomed law the year in beauty flows,
thy self the vision passing by in crystal and in rose.
Day unto day doth utter speech, and night to night proclaim,
in ever changing words of light, the wonder of thy name.
Introduction to Imbolc (Peggy Gagne & Rev. Josh Pawelek)
Meditation
“Imbolc”
by Erin Williams and Madeleine Breault
spoken by Madeleine Breault
Musical Meditation (Mary Bopp)
Joys and Concerns
Musical Meditation (Mary Bopp)
Offering
Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community beyond our walls and in recognition of Black History Month, fifty percent of our Sunday plate collections for the month of February will go to Manchester’s African American and Black Affairs Council or AABAC. AABAC is a community-based organization whose mission is to uphold all aspects of the lived experiences of Black people through advocacy, education, and community endeavors. AABAC strives to eliminate injustices experienced by Black people in Manchester, CT, through engagement with Manchester residents, community partners and allies.
Offering Music
“Send the Sun”
by Nikki Lane
performed by Jenn Richard
Reflection
“Hope”
by Peggy Gagne
Reflection
“Imbolc”
by Sudha Sevin
Reflection
“Pagan at Heart”
by Rev. Josh Pawelek
Closing Hymn
#163 “For the Earth Forever Turning”
by Kim Oler, arranged by Nick Page
For the earth forever turning; for the skies, for ev’ry sea;
for our lives, for all we cherish, sing we our joyful song of peace.
For the mountains, hills, and pastures in their silent majesty;
for the stars, for all the heavens, sing we our joyful song of peace.
For the sun, for rain and thunder, for the seasons’ harmony,
for our lives, for all creation, sing we our joyful praise to Thee.
For the word we raise our voices, for the home that gives us birth;
in our joy we sing returning home to our bluegreen hills of earth.
Extinguishing the Chalice
Closing Circle
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.
