Order of Service

March 15 2026

9:00  & 10:30 AM

Paying Attention to Awaken the Heart

Led by
Rev. Deborah Bennett, Shelley Dungan,
and Amy Crawford

Thank you to this morning’s Worship Team

Pianist:  Nonetta Shatakhtsian
Usher:  Ushers: Bob Walker, Sandy Norris and Al Jeffries
Tech Host:  Lance Collins

Centering Thought:

“Come out of the Circle of Time and into the circle of love.” – Rumi

Chime and Chalice Lighting

*Opening Hymn   #74 Though I May Speak with  Bravest Fire

*Unison Affirmation
Love is the spirit of this church
And service our mission
This is our great covenant
To dwell together in peace
To seek the truth in love
And to help one another

Welcome     Rev. Deborah

Joys and Sorrows

Choose Your Adventure

Tai Chi Easy with Rev. Shelley Dungan (Smith Hall)
In this session we will explore gentle, simple Tai Chi movements as a way of practice paying attention together through moving the body. Rooted in the Taoist tradition, the practice uses slow, meditative movement and relaxed breathing to help settle the mind and awaken awareness in the heart. Most of the session will be done standing, though all movements can easily be adapted for those who prefer to remain seated. Participants often notice a sense of calm, connection, and quiet vitality that can stay with them as they move back into the rest of the day.

Breath and Sound Meditation with Rev. Deborah (Sanctuary) The experience of meditation arises from paying attention. In this morning’s sessions you will be guided into several breath practices to allow the body to draw its attention inward. From there we will explore the soothing sounds of singing bowls that may continue to relax the focus and

Lectio Divina with Amy Crawford
(Library- 12 person limit)Lectio Divina is an ancient spiritual practice that invites us into a place of  inner stillness and deeper relationship with others, through shared readings. A carefully chosen poem is read aloud several times, and each time, participants are offered time to reflect silently, then invited to share a word or two that spoke to them in a special way. There is no experience necessary – just a desire to listen and reflect.

Offering Our March and April Share the Plate Partner is
Climate Action Rhode Island 350 RI (CARI-350 RI)
(See insert for more information.)

Extinguishing the Chalice
Carry the Flame of Peace and Love Until We Meet Again (repeat)