Order of Service 2-19-2023
“Facing History: Unitarianism and William Howard Taft”
Rev. Eric Cherry, Service Leader
Renee Bucklin, Worship Partner
Paula Greenwood and Nina Rose, Ushers
Meg Carroll, Lay Pastoral Care Associate
Tech Host: Liz Roper

William Howard Taft may have been the most committed Unitarian layperson during the first half of the twentieth century. And, his influence as a US President and Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court can’t be overstated. He also served as the Colonial Governor of the Philippines for President McKinley and Secretary of War for President Roosevelt. Throughout the entirety of his national public service, he was thoroughly engaged in the Unitarian movement.

And, yet, he’s rarely lifted up with sanctification in the way that Unitarian forbears like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and John Quincy Adams are. More often he’s moved to the margins on the lists of ‘notable Unitarians’ along with another Unitarian President – Millard Fillmore.

Since it’s President’s Day Weekend, let’s discover why, and explore what meaning – if any – we can draw from his life for our own.

We are now live-streaming our services on YouTube. To join go to our home page HERE on Sunday at 10:00 AM.

 

Chimes

Welcome and Announcements

Chalice Lighting

Prelude Sarabande by J. S. Bach

Opening Words

*Opening Hymn #189 Light of Ages and of Nations

Light of ages and of nations, every race and every time has received thine inspirations, glimpses of thy truth sublime. Always spirits in rapt vision passed the heavenly veil within, always hearts bowed in contrition found salvation from their sin. 

Reason’s noble aspiration truth in growing clearness saw; conscience spoke its condemnation, or proclaimed eternal law. While thine inward revelations told thy saints their prayers were heard, prophets to the guilty nations spoke thine everlasting word. 

Lo, that word abideth ever; revelation is not sealed; answering now to our endeavor, truth and right are still revealed. That which came to ancient sages, Greek, Barbarian, Roman, Jew, written in the soul’s deep pages, shines today, forever new. 

*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

Time for All Ages

Children’s Recessional:  Sung to the tune of Frere Jacques

As you journey  –  As you journey             

May you know  –  May you know

Love and hope go with you  –  

Love and hope go with you

Learn and grow  –  Learn and grow

Joys and Sorrows

Piano Interlude Atmos by M. Market

Prayer from “Walking Toward Morning” by Victoria Safford

Sung in Response #1002 Comfort Me

Comfort me, comfort me, comfort me, oh my soul. Comfort me, comfort me, comfort me, oh my soul. 

Sing with me, sing with me, sing with me, oh my soul. Sing with me, sing with me, sing with me, oh my soul.

Speak for me, speak for me, speak for me, oh my soul. Speak for me, speak for me, speak for me, oh my soul.

Dance with me, dance with me, dance with me, oh my soul. Dance with me, dance with me, dance with me, oh my soul.

Comfort me, comfort me, comfort me, oh my soul. Comfort me, comfort me, comfort me, oh my soul.

Call for the Offering Our February’s Share the Plate is: The Rhode Island Black Story Tellers. Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the awareness, appreciation, and application of Black Storytelling in Rhode Island through performance, as well as through educational and cultural experiences. The organization offers workshops in storytelling, writing, and related arts as a part of the development of the next generation of storytellers along with professional development workshops for those interested in enhancing cultural awareness, and improving their performances and communication skills. To donate go to: http://34.197.179.157/donate/

Offertory The Evening Star by R. Wagner

Sermon “Facing History: Unitarianism and William Howard Taft”

*Closing Hymn #163 For the Earth Forever Turning

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 world we raise our voices, for the home that gives us birth; in our joy we sing returning home to our bluegreen hills of earth.

Closing Words by John Haynes Holmes

Carry the Flame