UU Weekly Newsletter 10/16 – 10/22/23
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, October 21-
UU Day in Baton Rouge -Contact Dale Martin for more info.
Sunday, October 22
Guest Speaker, Peyton Rose Michelle!!
Sunday, October 29
Day of the Dead Service – After service this Sunday,
Chris will lead a brief workshop on how to prepare picture boards for the Dia de los Muertos Altar. So, bring photos of your beloved ancestors (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.) Google “Day of the Dead” for more information on Day of the Dead altars.
SUNDAY SERVICE, October 22, 2023
SERMON by Peyton Rose Michelle
Theme for October: Love
Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values.
We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values
through the spiritual discipline of Love.
Annual theme connection: Love is a foundation of the common good. The parable
of the Good Samaritan emphasizes the necessity of loving your neighbor as yourself.
The Golden Rule’s reciprocity can unleash the power of love in service of the common
good.
This week we consider UU Principle # 1 We affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person
MUSIC:
PRELUDE: Enter, Rejoice, and Come In by Louise Ruspini
SONG #1 This Little Light of Mine - African-American Spiritual SONG #2 One More Step by Joyce Poley
OFFERTORY: Lazy Bones played by Bruce
ASCRIPTION: As We Leave This Sacred Space
SERVICE PRAYERS:
CALL TO WORSHIP: Be Ours a Religion by Rev. Theodore Parker
Be ours a religion which, like sunshine, goes everywhere;
its temple, all space;
its shrine, the good heart;
its creed, all truth;
its ritual, works of love;
its profession of faith, divine living.
CHALICE LIGHTING: Blessed is the fire that burns deep in the Soul by Rev Eric Heller-Wagner
Blessed is the fire that burns deep in the soul. It is the flame of the human spirit touched into being by the mystery of life. It is the fire of reason; the fire of compassion; the fire of community; the fire of justice; the fire of faith. It is the fire of love burning deep in the human heart; the divine glow in every life.
JOYS & CONCERNS
For the joys shared we join you in celebration.
For the sorrows and concerns spoken here may you feel our sympathy and compassion.
For all that remains unspoken both joy and sorrow may the caring of our community offer you both kindness and hope.
READING: You Are Loved by Rev. Kate Landis
I want you to know that you are loved beyond your wildest imaginings by the spirit of creation. Every bit of you is holy—even the embarrassing parts, even the thoughts you wouldn’t tell your best friend. God is in your every cell, calling you to live a loving, joyful, boisterous life. To go easier on yourself. To accept that you are a blessing. To spread the word that there is no original sin, that we are all glorious gifts to a world that desperately needs us.
I want you to know that you are a strand in the web of all existence, one dew-drop-spangled thread reflecting the early morning sun. Connected to every other living creature. Frogs, mushrooms, great blue whales, and you. You are never alone. You were born into a huge family of life. Sit in the grass and know that it is your sibling, watch the crows circle and think of them as gossiping cousins. This is your world and you are worthy.
READINGS from the COMMON BOWL
MEDITATION by Judi Hamilton
SERMON by Peyton Rose Michelle
CHALICE EXTINCTION: Carry the Flame by Rev. Brian Kiely
The Chalice is now extinguished, but its light lives on in the minds and hearts and souls of each one of you. Carry that flame with you as you leave this place and share it with those you know, with those you love, and most especially, with those you have yet to meet.
BENEDICTION: Love is the Doctrine by Rev. Lucas Hergert
Love is the doctrine of this church
Our faith in each other is its sacrament
Working for justice and living with compassion is its prayer.
Reverently we covenant together
to side with love, to heal and not to harm,
and to share hope with each other and with the world.
Announcements:
The Inn Ministry is especially asking for donations of fresh produce, especially fruit, such as apples and oranges, but vegetables, also. They continue, as always, to need milk; protein, such as canned meats and tuna; and cash donations for the much-needed bus passes. With winter approaching, your old sleeping bags would be appreciated for the homeless.
Join us for lunch at a local restaurant to continue community after the service. Meal Coupons are available at the altar table for financial assistance.
On October 21, there will be a state wide UU event hosted by the UU Baton Rouge Church on Goodwood Ave. Contact Dale.
EVENTS CALENDAR:
SERVICES FOR THE MONTH
October 8 - Service: Siding with Love read by Mary
October 15 - Service & Potluck [ German & French foods to honor our 2 visiting foreign students]
October 22 - Service: Guest Speaker-- Peyton Rose Michelle
October 29 - Service: Day of the Dead service and Full Moon --check web for info
OTHER NOTEABLE EVENTS
October 21 -- UU state wide event at UU Baton Rouge Church
October 22 -- Guest Speaker-- Peyton Rose Michelle
October 29 -- Day of the Dead Service and Full Moon --check web for info
October 31 -- Halloween [Samhain]