Thank you for joining us this morning. It is so good to be connected, even in this imperfect way. Let us breathe, be still, and worship together, holding one another in our hearts.
Below you will find the bulletin for the service, with links to videos for you to participate. Simply click on the highlighted text in your email and you will be taken to our videos page.
Reflection, Prayers, and Poetry – Andy Bachmann, Jean Sperbeck, and Theresa Foster
Prelude – “Il Silenzio” – Jonathan Gitzendanner, trumpet and Tane DeKrey, piano
“Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning and purpose to our lives.”
― Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection
Adapted from Lynn Ungar’s poem, Pandemic
What if we thought of it as the Jews
consider the Sabbath – the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel, cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now, on trying to make the world
Different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Center down.
And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
Know that our lives are in one another’s hands.
Reach out your heart. Reach out your words.
Reach out your prayers.
Reach out all the tendrils of compassion
that move, invisibly, where we cannot touch.
Promise this world your love –
for better, for worse – in sickness and in health.
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Scripture And Reflection – “Alone, Not Lonely” Talia Raymond
John 14.25-28
‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom God will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.”
Neighbor, let me be your servant
Let me be as grace to you
Pray that I may have the grace
To let you be my servant, too
We are pilgrims on a journey
We are neighbors on the road
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load
I will hold the grace light for you
In the night-time of your fear
I will hold my hand out to you
Speak the peace you long to hear
I will weep when you are weeping
When you laugh’ I’ll laugh with you
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we’ve seen this journey through
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Our readers today are Jean Sperbeck and Theresa Foster.
Our musicians are Jonathan Gitzendanner and Larry Reimer, trumpet and Tane DeKrey, piano
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We hope you find inspiration in this service today, and we appreciate your patience. Stay informed at ucgainesville.org, and may these days of unknowing lead to paths of wisdom and peace.