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The United Church of GainesvilleSunday, January 1, 2023 – 10:00 AM“Do You Hear What I Hear?”
Our live stream begins at 10am. Click here to join. “Nothing is more conducive to a communion with the living Godthan a meditative common prayer with, as its high point, singing that never ends but continues in the silence of one’s heart when one is alone again.” -Brother Roger, founder of the Taizé community
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – Daniel Webster PRELUDE – “Deep to Deep” by Doug Norton – Phillip Herr-Klepacki, piano; soloist Hannah Norton INVOCATION – Jane Emmeree Spirit of Peace and Love,Encourage me to slow down, to let go, to be here right now, fully present,to welcome silence and stillnessto bask in the ever-present love and acceptance of those around me,to reconnect with the sacred place within, and to rest in the sacred space we create together.Amen. TIME WITH CHILDREN AND BIRTHDAYS – “Welcome to the Ice House” by Jane Yolen – Renee AndrewsINTERLUDE & OFFERTORY PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pam Smith A SHORT READING “I have the impression that many of us are afraid of silence. We’re always taking in something – text, music, radio, television, or thoughts – to occupy the space. If quiet and space are so important for our happiness, why don’t we make more room for them in our lives?” -Thich Nhat HahnWithin Our Darkest Night Within our darkest night, you kindle the fireThat never dies away, never dies away.Within our darkest night, you kindle the fireThat never dies away, never dies away. Confitemini Domino Con-fi-te-mi-ni Domino Quo-ni-am __ bo-nus Con-fi-te-mi-ni Domino, Al-le-lu-ia! A POEM – “A Snowy Night” by Mary Oliver – Offered by Alberto Breccia
Last night, an owl in the blue dark tossedan indeterminate number of carefully shaped sounds into the world,in which, a quarter of a mile away,I happened to be standing.I couldn’t tell which one it was –the barred or the great-hornedship of the air –it was that distant. But, anyway,aren’t there momentsthat are better than knowing something,and sweeter? Snow was falling,so much like starsfilling the dark treesthat one could easily imagineits reason for being was nothing more than prettiness.I suppose if this were someone else’s story they would have insisted on knowingwhatever is knowable – would have hurriedover the fields to name it – the owl, I mean.But it’s mine, this poem of the night,and I just stood there, listening, and holding outmy hands to the soft glitterfalling through the air. I love this world,but not for its answers.And I wish good luck to the owl,whatever its name –and I wish great welcome to the snow,whatever its severe and comfortlessand beautiful meaning.
Nothing Can Trouble Nothing can trouble, nothing can frighten.Those who seek God shall never go wanting.God alone fills us. Laudate Omnes Gentes Lau-da-te om-nes gen-tes,Lau-da-te Do-mi-numLau-da-te om-nes gen-tes,Lau-da-te Do-mi-num A SHORT READING – Heather Dewar “Whoever you are, you are human. Wherever you are, you live in the world which is just waiting for you to notice the holiness in it.” -Barbara Brown Taylor In the Lord* I’ll Be Ever Thankful In the Lord* I’ll be ever thankful,In the Lord* I will rejoice!Look to God, do not be afraid;Lift up your voices, the Lord* is nearLift up your voices, the Lord* is near *God’s Love (alternative language) Ubi Caritas U-bi ca-ri-tas __ et a-more, ___U-bi ca-ri-tas __ De-us i-bi est. BENEDICTION – Jean CunninghamLet us see the Holy wherever we go.Let us never stop seeking.Believing that there is a light that shines in the darknesswhich the darkness shall not overcomeGo in peace and may God, however known, be with you this New Year, and always. Peace. “ALLELUIA” Many thanks to our other musicians Lisa McElwee-White and Ruth Saunders |