On Sunday, June 23, UUCWC will join with thousands of other Unitarian Universalists from around the world for the largest annual gathering of UUs in worship. Our own gathering will begin together at 10am, in person in our Sanctuary and online, as we do each Sunday, before sharing the 90 minute GA service. This powerful, communal worship experience will be led by Rev. Molly Housh Gordon.
A lifelong Unitarian Universalist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Rev. Molly Housh Gordon is the minister of the UU Church of Columbia, Missouri, where she is currently suing the state of Missouri for their unconstitutional abortion ban alongside 13 other multi-faith clergy co-plaintiffs. Molly is passionate about red-state UU ministry, community organizing, and mutual aid. In addition to her ministry and organizing work, Molly is a published essayist and poet completing a Doctor of Ministry in Creative Writing and Public Theology. Alongside her wonderful spouse, she is the delighted parent of two very fierce young children and one very chill old dog.
“Weaving Our Lives”
Sunday Worship for the UUA General Assembly
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Land Acknowledgment, Lighting of the Candles of Fellowship and Lighting of the Chalice
Rev. Kim Wildszewski & Robin Pugh at UUCWC
Introduction – Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon
Prelude – “Here Together” by David M Glasgow – featuring choirs from All Souls Unitarian Church Indianapolis, IN; First Parish in Concord, MA; First Parish UU in Lexington, MA; First UU Congregation of Ann Arbor, MI; UU Fellowship in Athens, GA; UU Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, NY; UU Church in Cherry Hill, NJ; UU Church in Reston, VA; and UU of Minnetonka, MN
Opening Words – Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon, Rev. Eric Kaminetzky, Rev. Sarah Oglesby- Dunegan, Rev. Sadie Lansdale, Rev. Aaron Stockwell Wisman
Chalice Lighting – Gretchen Maune & Members of the UU Church of Columbia, MO
Story – from Through the Mickle Wood by Valiska Gregory – read by Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley Jr.
Interlude – ”We Are Weaving Our Lives” by Alexa Sunshine Rose, performed by beheld
Centering Moment – Jamila Batchelder, Director of Religious Education & Violet Vonder Haar, Director of Music Ministry, UU Church of Columbia, MO
Congregational Song – “We are Weaving Our Lives” by Alexa Sunshine Rose – led by Violet Vonder Haar
We are weaving our lives
We are weaving our hearts and our minds We are weaving the bright and dark threads Of our journeys through
We are weaving our lives
We are weaving a blanket of light We are weaving a basket to hold All that’s true
Prayer & Moment of Contemplation – Rev. Joan Javier-Duval
Hymn of Response – “Spirit of Life” by Carolyn McDade – led by Natasha Steinmacher
Spirit of Life, come unto me.
Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion.
Blow in the wind, rise in the sea;
move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.
Roots hold me close; wings set me free; Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me.
Reading – “Shaking the Tree” by Jeanne Lohmann – read by Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long
Anthem – “Weave and Spin” by Starhawk – performed by Lea Morris
Sermon – “Weaving Our Lives” – Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon
Hymn – “Circle Round For Freedom” by Linda Hirschhorn – led by Natasha Steinmacher and Francisco Ruiz
Circle ‘round for freedom, circle ‘round for peace, for all of us imprisoned, circle for release,
circle for the planet, circle for each soul,
for the children of our children, keep the circle whole.
Offering Introduction – Nicole Pressley for Side with Love
Offertory – “Hold On” by Yola, performed by beheld
Benediction – Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon
Postlude – “Weaving Our Songs” arranged by Paul Winchester; music by David M. Glasgow, Alexa Sunshine Rose, Carolyn McDade, and Starhawk