February 02, 2025: "Love is the Center"

Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
In June 2024, the UUA adopted new language to articulate the shared values and covenant we hold as Unitarian Universalists. The new language says “Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values.” What does it mean to understand Love at the center of our faith?
Graphic made by Tanya Webster.
View the video archive of this service here:
Ringing of the World Bell
Congregational Prelude
#131 “Love Will Guide Us” words by Sally Rogers, music traditional arr. Betty A. Wylder
Welcome & Announcements
Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator
Land Acknowledgement
Lighting the Chalice Flame
Avram Primack, Worship Associate
Ada Weaver
Time for All Ages
JETPIG
Dr. Stephanie Kimball, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Musical Interlude
"Excerpts from Stillwater Suite" by Peter Strickholm
Ray Fellman, piano
Pastoral Prayer and Meditation
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Meditative Hymn
#1053 How Could Anyone
Dedication of Offering
During the Offertory, you are invited to silently light a candle to represent a joy or sorrow in your life.
You are invited to participate in this morning’s offering by through this link uucb.churchcenter.com/giving - with the drop down option titled “Sunday Plate.” You may make a non-pledge gift or a contribution towards your annual pledge, or both, at that site. This fiscal year, 25% of our non-pledge Sunday offerings will be donated to Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County to fund the installation of solar panels and energy monitoring systems and mandated radon testing in Habitat homes. The non-profit organization and its volunteers work to make more affordable, energy-efficient, and safe housing available locally. See monroecountyhabitat.org for more information.
If you pay your pledge through the Sunday offering, please write “pledge” on your check, on an envelope with your contribution, or by donating at uucb.churchcenter.com/giving.
Offertory
"Shenandoah" arr. by Peter Strickholm
Ray Fellman, piano
Reading
Gift of Music
“The Little Creek” by Matt Carlson
UUCB Choir
Susan Swaney, Director of Music
Sermon
“Love is the Center”
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Closing Hymn
#1021 Lean on Me
Benediction
Choral Benediction
#1057 Go Lifted Up
Welcome Guests!
Welcome to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington!
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Hearing assistive devices are available at the AV Tech booth in the rear of the Meeting Room for use during Sunday worship services.
- Childcare is available today from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in Room 108.
- Join us for Community Hour after each service in Fellowship Hall.
- The Library is open between services from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- The UU Freethinkers meet today at 1 p.m. in Room 208.
View our full calendar of upcoming events: uucb.churchcenter.com/calendar
To make a donation online, visit: uucb.churchcenter.com/giving
UU Church Staff:
Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray, Lead Minister
Dr. Stephanie Kimball, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Dr. Susan Swaney, Music Director
Amanda Waye, Director of Administration
Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator
Hans Kelson, Technology Coordinator
Jo Bowman, Communications Coordinator
Dylan Marks, Sexton