Loss: Holding On and Letting Go
Michael Eselun
Catherine Rowlee, Lay Leader
Lily Popova, Music Director
Laura Mulroy and George Yenoki, Zoom Techs
Centering Thought:
“Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go.”
– Herman Hesse
Ringing the Bowl: We ring the bowl three times:
Once for those who came before: The Tongva peoples who were the original stewards of this land and first called this land ‘home.’ We also honor those founding members who imagined and planted this growing congregation.
Once for those of us here and now: For our Members and Friends, our Staff, and our extended UU family who hold, care, and grow this Beloved Community we know as our own.
Once for those who will come: For all who will call MVUUC their Spiritual Home in the days ahead.
Prelude: Lily Popova
Welcome: Catherine Rowlee
Opening Words: "How Am I Ready to Surrender" by Richard Rohr
Opening Song: #95 "There is More Love Somewhere"
Announcements
Chalice Lighting:
As we come together in community in this virtual space, we are very aware of all of which we have had to let go—not the least of which, at the most basic level… coming into physical presence with one another. As we light our own candles, if we choose, to represent the chalice of our community-- we are mindful of this sacred time of coming together on our shared journey of discovery—discovery of that which remains… essential, after we have had to let go of so much.
Speaking Our Covenant Together:
Love is the doctrine of this Congregation.
The quest of truth its sacrament, and service is its prayer.
To dwell together in peace,
to seek knowledge in freedom,
to serve the world in fellowship,
to the end that all souls shall grow in harmony with the divine,
thus do we covenant with each other.
Hymn: #123 "Spirit of Life"
Story for All Ages: “Golden Threads” by Suzanne Del Rizzo
Sunday Offering
Offertory: Lily Popova
Reading: In Blackwater Woods by Mary Oliver
Joys and Concerns: Please send your joys and concerns to Catherine Rowlee or to the entire group via the Chat Box.
Meditation
Introduction of Our Guest Speaker
Talk: "Loss: Holding On and Letting Go" Michael Eselun
Closing Song: "I Am Willing" by Holly Near
Benediction: Michael Eselun
Postlude: Lily Popova
Sunday Zoom Fellowship
