,Order of Service    April 6, 2025

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Binghamton

Welcome and Announcements 

Passing the Peace

Prelude       Prelude in C Major                            J.S. Bach

Opening Words by Carl Seaburg

*Doxology     From all that dwell below the skies

Let songs of hope and faith arise;

Let peace, good will on earth be sung

Through every land, by every tongue.

 *Covenant                                                                                               Love is the spirit of this congregation and service is its life.                                           This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace,                                                    To seek the truth in love, and to help one another.                                               James Vila Blake (adapted)

*Chalice Lighting                            by Julia Corbett-Hemeyer

*Hymn #368            Now Let us Sing

Story   “The Fiddler and the Village”   by April Rosario

Joys and Sorrows      (you are in our hearts)

Offertory   Songs of the People          music by Sonia de los  Santos          

                    guitar, Douglas Taylor

Spoken Meditation           “Joy Is Hard”             by Joe Cherry

Silent Meditation

Hymn #123      (please remain seated)     Spirit of Life

Reflection/Response     “Songs for the Journey”       Rev. Douglas Taylor

*Hymn (see insert)     This Joy   Resistance Revival Chorus

*Chalice Extinguishing (unison) by Elizabeth S. Jones

  We extinguish this flame, but not the light of truth,

             the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment,

            These we carry in our hearts until we are together again.

Benediction                               by David Breeden

Postlude             Joy in My Heart                           Rollo Dilworth 

                            Adult Choir

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*please stand in body or spirit

Focal Point—Bill Thorpe

Tech Support, UUCB Stream Team

LGBTQ Group Join us in the chapel on the first and third    Tuesdays of each month from 6pm-8pm in the chapel Join us in this safe place to be yourself and connect with others.

The SUNSHINE CIRCLE will make cards for several occasions—
and will meet on the last Monday of each month from 6 pm to 7:30 pm in the social hall. We will provide the supplies needed to make the cards but always feel free to bring your own too. All are welcome (interested youth too). If you would like to add a recipient to our monthly list, learn more or sign up to volunteer, contact Traci Pena at gettickledpink2015@gmail.com or (607)779-8910

How do I become a member of this congregation?

Our bylaws state: “Membership in this congregation is open to any person who is in sympathy with the Principles and Purposes of the UUA and the Mission of our congregation.”

To officially join this congregation, you need to do two things.

1) Sign the Membership Book. Signing the Membership Book must be done in the presence of the Minister, President or Clerk of the Board.

2) Make a pledge and a “payment of record.” For members who are not able to give financially, a waiver of this requirement is available upon request to the minister.

 What does it mean to be a member?

You get to vote on the budget and elected positions. You are eligible for elected positions such as the board of trustees. Members also have the usual fees waived for use of the building and for the minister’s services for weddings, memorials, and dedications. 

But there is more. You also support the warmth of community. You get to be a part of something greater than yourself, to be part of a movement that is changing the world. But perhaps most important, knowing your commitment keeps this place here for the next person who comes through our doors in need of our community. 

Kadampa Buddhist Meditation at UUCB  Every Tuesday at 7pm Using meditation and Buddhist wisdom to train our mind, we can reduce negative thinking and learn to think in ways that produce a positive, peaceful outlook.  $10 suggested donation per week.

What Are You Reading?

As another way to build connection and a sense of community, Jan Fiore is  offering to publish a list of things we have been reading and liking. You are invited to make  your suggestion known by sending her an email at janicefiore@gmail.com  Either fiction or nonfiction, something you thought was worth reading. I’ll include it in the month’s Beacon, e-Blast, and UU Facebook page for your consideration.

Find out about all that is happening at UUCB! Watch for twice a week emails, check out our Facebook group (UUCB Members and Friends) and our public Facebook page. There is a monthly newsletter, The Beacon, available too.  There are printed copies of the newsletter in the wall file outside the office and at the info desk, or you can request that a copy be mailed to you at home by asking Karen in the office. Also, check out our calendar of events by clicking the “News and Events” button on our website.

Our ABC Soul Matters SGM (Athens, Binghamton, Cortland “Soul Matters” Small Group Ministry) is a Multi-congregational online session. People are welcome to join any time. We will run 3rd Wednesdays at 6:30 – 8:00 October through May. Co-led by Rev. Douglas Taylor and Becca Boerger. Contact Rev. Taylor for the zoom link.  

Building Bridges Periodical ; Do you want updates on what is happening in our greater community? Do you like sharing your thoughts and opinions on social justice? Do you enjoy reading other people’s thoughts and opinions about social justice? 

The Social Action HUUB publishes a monthly periodical called Building Bridges Periodical.

To subscribe and get the submission guidelines, email buildingbridgesmonthly@uubinghamton.org.

Kadampa Buddhist Meditation at UUCB  Every Tuesday at 7pm Using meditation and Buddhist wisdom to train our mind, we can reduce negative thinking and learn to think in ways that produce a positive, peaceful outlook. We can respond to daily challenges in a more constructive fashion, improve our relationships and make our life truly meaningful. We gain incredible confidence knowing we know HOW to move forward for a happier life. $10 fee per week.

Sunshine Circle : Would you like to send cards on behalf of UUCB to congregants for birthdays, bereavement, support and other important events? We need you on the caring card team. Cards, envelopes, addresses and stamps can be provided. If you would like to be a part of this team let Traci Pena know at gettickledpink2015@gmail.com

LGBTQ Group Join us in the chapel on the first and third    Tuesdays of each month from 6pm-8pm in the chapel .Join us in this safe place to be yourself and connect with others.

UUCB Plants: Our plants are lovingly cared for by the UUCB Pagan group. Please refrain from watering them or bringing in more plants from home. If you have a question or concern about a plant, please talk to Adee Wilson.

Cranberry Coffeehouse

Cranberry Coffeehouse hosts a live music performance on the 3rd Saturday of each month in the UUCB sanctuary.  Suggested donated for these events is $10 per person but no one will be turned away for an inability to pay. Coffee, tea and treats are available for purchase and the proceeds form those sales benefits UUCB.                                       Please Note: Concerts have moved to 7:00 pm (they used to be at 7:30 pm).