Entering Into Sacred Space

Prelude: What A Wonderful World by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss, performed by Molly Ruggles

Opening Words:

"Don’t mention a person’s past mistakes when they are
trying to change. That’s like throwing rocks at them
when they are struggling to climb a mountain." - Anon

“Don’t carry your mistakes around with you. Instead,
place them under your feet and use them as stepping
stones.” - Unknown

Introduction and Welcome: Susan Jhirad

Chalice Lighting: from Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change, memoir by John Lewis

Covenant:

Love is the heart of this church.
We commit to:
Being a diverse, welcoming community of mutual care and respect;
Supporting each other's spiritual journey and search for truth and meaning;
Promoting justice and serving the wider community.
We hold ourselves to this promise with compassion and understanding.

Hymn #128: For All That Is Our Life by Bruce Findlow and Patrick I. Rickey, performed by Molly Ruggles

For all that is our life, we sing our thanks and praise,
for all life is a gift which we are called to use
to build the common good and make our own days glad.

For needs which others serve, for services we give,
for work and its rewards, for hours of rest and love,
we come with praise and thanks, for all that is our life.

For sorrow we must bear, for failures pain and loss,
for each new thing we learn, for fearful hours that pass:
we come with praise and thanks for all that is our life.

For all that is our life we sing our thanks and praise,
for all life is a gift which we are called to use
to build the common good, and make our own days glad.

Building Beloved Community

Candles of Joys, Sorrows and Milestones: Michael Glenn

Reflections on Keeping an Open Mind: Susan Jhirad

Sending Forth

Closing Words: by Marcus Aurelius

Closing Music: Skylark by Johnny Mercer and Hoagy Carmichael, performed by Molly Ruggles