First Unitarian Church of Des Moines Open to Life, Expecting to Love, Prepared to Serve

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Star of Wonder

Rev. Jennifer Brooks, Rev. Ginger Luke; Martha Sherick Shen, Celebrant

Bruce Martin, Pianist

We are a Unitarian Universalist congregation that gathers together to experience wonder,

grow connections, live and love generously, and nurture a more just world.

Unitarian Universalist Principles

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), covenant

to affirm and promote:

1) The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

2) Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;

3) Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in

our congregation;

4) A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

5) The rights of conscience and the use of the democratic process within

our congregations and in society at large;

6) The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;

7) Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a

part.

Accessibility

Hearing Impaired: We have radio receivers available at the rear of the auditorium near the

sound board.

Visually Impaired: Full page magnifiers, large print hymnals, and Braille hymnals may be

found at the rear of the auditorium near the sound board. If you need assistance, please

ask an usher.

Wheelchair access: Parking for people with disabled parking permits is available outside

the west doors in the drop-off lane, and in the south parking lot on Casady Drive. To

access other levels of the church, you may use the wheel chair lift near the coat racks,

outside the auditorium.

Thank you to today’s service participants & hospitality teams

Hospitality Teams: 9:15 Mary Kay Reser, Jane Rongerude, Rob Heater, Ryan Beck, Bob

Belosky, Brad Leu, Eric Hayes, Chelsea Hayes, Ben Spadt, Annie Spadt, Amy Reimer,

Kathryn Sutton, John Tedesco, Angela Tedesco, Judy Walden, Michael Ream 11:00 Amy

Luebbert, Linda Lovell, Susan Seitz, Judy Lonning Robertson, Charly Robertson, Barb

Hendricks, Leon Hendricks, Gianfranco Berardi, Laura Berardi, Janice Hawkins Thom

Williams, Eileen Bowerman, Ron Bowerman, Frank Bowers

Pastoral Team Member on Duty: 9:15 Ann Mowery 11:00 Barb Glass

AV Volunteer: 9:15 Dave DuBose 11:00 Daniel Robbins

www.ucdsm.org

Community Outreach Partner / Offering: Al Exito

In November and December, First Unitarian is partnering with Al Exito, which

motivates and prepares middle and high school Latinx students for higher education and

the potential for economic security, civic engagement, and a stable family life.

Blessed by the abundance of this community, the offering is split between our outreach partner and

our social justice activities in the community.

Our theme for December is Mystery.

*Gathering Song #221 “Light One Candle Welcome Martha Sherick Shen Our Life Together Rev. Jennifer Brooks Joys can be shared via our website, a link in the weekly email, or in writing this morning. Spotlight: Holiday Party Liz Umezu Hall Transition Minute Patty Notch Centering Music Bruce Martin Chalice Lighting Rev. Ginger Luke Leader: As we kindle the chalice of our religious heritage, may its flame inspire the light of meaning, the warmth of community, and the fire of commitment. People: In this moment, may we be open to life, expecting to love, and prepared to serve. Opening Words Rev. Jennifer Brooks “Amazing Peace” (excerpt) by Maya Angelou *Song #95 There is More Love Somewhere Faith in Action Rev. Jennifer Brooks & Linda Krypel During November and December we are partnering with Al Exito, which motivates and

prepares middle and high school Latinx students for higher education and the potential for economic security, civic engagement, and a stable family life.

Offertory Bruce Martin Story for All Ages Sawyer Evans, age 11, child of Steve & Becky Evans “Raven Steals the Light” (A story in the Native American tradition of the Alaskan and

Northwest Coast nations ) Singing the Children to Class Children’s Benediction (inside back cover of hymnal or on screen) Go in joy, go in peace to meet the day! With open hearts embrace life’s wonder. We will guide you, we will love you on your way. Words for Reflection Martha Sherick Shen “Between the Fires” by Rabbi Arthur Waskow of the Shalom Center

Meditation Rev. Ginger Luke Spoken Silent Naming Concerns can be shared via our website, a link in the weekly email or in writing today. Litany with “Prayer for Transgender Justice” by Rev. Teresa I. Soto Song “Comfort Me” by Mimi Bornstein Comfort me (three times)...O my soul. Sing with me (three times)...O my soul. Reading Martha Sherick Shen “The Purpose of Life” by Zat Rana Choral Anthem UU Singers, Karen Kraemer, director “Requiem” by Gilkyson Sermon Rev. Jennifer Brooks “Star of Wonder” Song #259 Star of Wonder (to the tune of “We Three Kings” with new lyrics) *Closing Words Rev. Jennifer Brooks “We are Stardust” by Neil deGrasse Tyson *Extinguishing the Flame Martha Sherick Shen Leader: We extinguish this flame, but not the light of meaning, the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment. These we carry into all the world. People: As we go forth, may we be open to life, expecting to love, and prepared to serve. *Closing Song Hymn of Valor (inside back cover of the hymnal or on the screen)

* Please rise in body or spirit * Please rise in body or spirit