January 28, 2024: The Blessings of (Im)Maturity
10:15 a.m.
Reverend Connie Grant
We’re all getting older, but are we all becoming more mature? And just how mature do we want to become? Reflections on the blessings of (im)maturity.
Order of Service
Our order of service is available both here on our website and in print.Ringing of the World Bell
Congregational Prelude
“Sanctuary” by Randy Scruggs
Welcome & Announcements
Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator
Land Acknowledgement
Lighting the Chalice Flame
“Blessed is the Fire” by Eric A. Heller-Wagner
Stephanie Kimball, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Opening Words
“Do Not Leave Your Cares at the Door” by Norman V. Naylor
Reverend Connie Grant
Opening Hymn
#128 “For All That Is Our Life”
Story
“Verdi” by Janelle Cannon
Childcare is available from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Room 108.
Religious Education for Children:
Ages 3-6 meet for Spirit Play in Room 105
Ages 7-12 meet for Kids' Club in Room 208
Children may be picked up at these rooms at 11:30 a.m.
Musical Moment
“A Taste of Bass” from Portraits in Jazz by Valerie Capers
Ray Fellman, piano
Covenanting with New Members
Congregation: We welcome you into membership in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, knowing that we are changed by your presence among us.
New Members: We gladly join with you in a spirit of goodwill and collaboration, knowing that we too are changed.
All: We covenant together as members of this congregation, bringing our gifts and needs to this community. Together, we support the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington through our contributions and our participation. We pledge to do our part to create and sustain this community of encouragement and strength for each other and for the common good of the world.
Pastoral Prayer and Meditation
"Life’s Possibilities”
Offertory
“Lullaby” by George Winston
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 contributing as the basket passes or online at uucb.churchcenter.com/giving. 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 given to All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center, which provides cloth and disposable diapers/wipes, pregnancy tests, feeding supplies, and other essentials to families in need. See alloptionsprc.org for more information.
Readings
“Give Us the Spirit of a Child” by Sara York
“Maturity” by John W. Gardner
Mary Craig, Worship Associate
Gift of Music
“Do Not Leave Your Cares at the Door” by Elizabeth Alexander, words by Norman V. Naylor
UUCB Choir
Susan Swaney, Music Director
Homily
“The Blessings of (Im)Maturity”
Rev. Connie Grant
Closing Hymn
#295 “Sing Out Praises for the Journey”
Extinguishing the Chalice Flame
“Nothing Else Matters Much” by Harry Emerson Fosdick
Benediction
Choral Benediction
“Love is Love is Love” by Pam Blevins-Hinkle