If you would like to watch the service as a playlist , please click here and you will be directed to our YouTube page. If you prefer, you may click on the individual links below at your own pace.

Welcome, Reading, Special Music, and Prayers

Welcome – Daniel Webster

Readings – “The Revolt of the Turtles” by Stephen Dunn, read by Heather Dewar

On gray forgetful mornings like this sea turtles would gather in the shallow waters of the Gulf to discuss issues of self-presentation and related concerns like, If there were a God would he have a hard shell and a retractable head, and whether speed on land was of any importance to a good swimmer.

They knew that tourists needed to placate their children with catchy stories, and amuse themselves with various cruelties such as turning turtles over on their backs and watching their legs wriggle. So the turtles formed a committee to address

How to Live Among People Who Among Other Atrocities Want to Turn You into Soup.

The committee was also charged with wondering if God would mind a retelling of their lives, one in which sea turtles were responsible for all things right-minded and progressive, and men and women for poisoning the water.

The oldest sea turtle among them knew that whoever was in control of the stories controlled all the shoulds and should-nots. But he wasn’t interested in punishment, only ways in which power could bring about fairness and decency. And when he finished speaking in the now-memorable and ever-deepening waters of the Gulf, all the sea turtles began to chant, Only fairness, only decency.

Special Music – “I Am Willing” by Linda Webb-Khakaba, performed by Cynthia Granger and Mark Burlingame

I am willing, to be willing,
To forgive.
Slowly, gently, I let go and I forgive.

I am willing to be willing,
To release.
Slowly, gently, I let go and I feel peace.

I am willing, to be willing,
To be free.
Slowly, gently, I let go.
I let it be.

The pain is gone.
My mind is clear
I feel no pain.
I feel no fear.
My heart is free.
My mind is light.
My true self is burning bright.

For I am willing to be willing.
To forgive.
Slowly, gently, I let go and I forgive.

I am willing to be willing,
To release.
Slowly, gently, I let go.
And I feel peace.

I am willing, to be willing.
To be free.
Slowly, gently, I let go.
I let it be.

Slowly, gently, I let go, I let it be.
Slowly, gently, I let go, I let it be.

Prayers of the People – Rev. Talia Raymond, prayer by Jamie Sams

Time with Children – “Tess’s Tree” by Jess M. Brallier, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds – read by Betsy Harris

Hey kids, join us for activity time!

Sermon, Benediction, and Alleluia

Scripture Reading – Joshua 4:1-8

Sermon – “Tell the Stones” by Daniel Webster

“Ubi Caritas” performed by Mary Fukuyama, Jackie Davis, and Tané Dekrey

Benediction – Daniel Webster

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Here are the UCG friends celebrating a birthday this week.
Happy Birthday!

Janet March 08/13

Carl Carter 08/16

Finnette Fabrick 08/16

Mickey Howard 08/16

Isabelle Wolcott-Durante 08/17

Deirdre Vermerris 08/18

Diane Howard 08/19

Peter Hyatt 08/19

Kayden Stuart-Ramachandran 08/19

Carolyn von Zabern 08/20

Lauren von Zabern 08/20

Mia Mickle 08/20

Sally Simonis 08/21

Paula Ambroso 08/21

Julie Anspach 08/22

Evan Drummond 08/22

Charlotte Kesl 08/22

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Sunday Seminars – Join us this morning!

Sunday Seminar, August 16 at 11:15am – There has been a change in our speakers for the Sunday seminar, “UCG Pipeline to the Ministry.” Amy Rixx had a time conflict, so Katherine Henderson has stepped up to take her place. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about the spiritual journeys of three UCG members, Rachel Kirk, Shelby Hall and Katherine Henderson, who will share what drew them to the ministry and the part UCG played in that journey. Q&A to follow! Join here!

Sunday Seminar, August 16 at 12:30pm – Holy Zoom. Daniel Webster will be available on our Zoom account to talk and share. He’ll be prepared to talk about the online worship experience, but with no set agenda other than hoping to see your faces and have a chance to touch base. Join here!

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Please note: While the Church Office remains closed, we are still available by phone or email from 9am – 4pm, Monday – Friday.