Order of Service 3-12-2023
“To Meet the Asking Years”
Rev. Eric Cherry, Service Leader
Rev. DL Helfer, Worship Partner

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Nonetta Shatakhtsian, Pianist
Amy Crawford & Sandra Norris, Ushers
Kamila Barzykowski, Lay Pastoral Care Associate
Jan Searles and Kamila Barzykowski, Coffee Angels
Tech Host: Jolanda Walters

Chimes

Welcome and Announcements

Chalice Lighting

Prelude “Fantasia” by G. F. Handel

Opening Words by Rev. Max Kapp

Opening Hymn #4 I Brought My Spirit to the Sea

I brought my spirit to the sea; I stood upon the shore. I gazed upon infinity, I heard the waters roar. 

And then there came a sense of peace, some whisper calmed my soul. Some ancient ministry of stars had made my spirit whole. 

I brought my spirit to the trees that loomed against the sky. I touched each wand’ring careless breeze to know if god was nigh. 

And then I felt an inner flame that fiercely burned my tears. Upright, I rose from bended knee to meet the asking years.

Univson 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 “Back To The Dreamland” L. OrsaPen

Prayer “Faces of Grief” by Holly Mueller

Sung Response #123 Spirit of Life
Spirit of Life, come unto me. Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion. Blow in the wind, rise in the sea; move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice. Roots hold me close; wings set me free; Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me.

Call for the Offering Our March Share the Plate is: MENTOR Rhode Island
MENTOR Rhode Island is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the expansion of quality mentoring services for Rhode Island youth. Mentor Rhode Island coordinates school-based mentoring programs supporting a statewide network of 53 mentoring programs serving 37 Rhode Island cities and towns. To donate go to: http://34.197.179.157/donate/

Offertory “Berceuse” by J. Sibelius

Sermon “To Meet the Asking Years”

Closing Hymn #12 O Life that Maketh All Things New

O Life that maketh all things new, the blooming earth, our thoughts within, our pilgrim feet, wet with thy dew, in gladless hither turn again. 

From hand to hand the greeting flows, from eye to eye the signals run, from heart to heart the bright hope glows, the seekers of the light are one: 

One in the freedom of the truth, one in the joy of paths untrod, one in the soul’s perennial youth, one in the larger thought of God; 

The freer step, the fuller breath, the wide horizon’s grander view, the sense of life that knows no death, the Life that maketh all things new.

Closing Words by Rev. Duke Grey

Carry the Flame