Order of Service
Order of Service May 4, 2025
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Binghamton
Welcome and Announcements
Passing the Peace
Prelude Pastorale by George Tingley
Opening Words by Norman Naylor
*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 Michelle Collins
*Hymn #21 For the Beauty of the Earth
Story “Magic Paintbrush” Traditional folktale
Offertory Angel’s Serenade by Gaetano Brago
Spoken Meditation Douglas Taylor
Silent Meditation
Hymn #123 (please remain seated) Spirit of Life
Congregational Response What would you paint?
Reflection “Drawing on Inspiration” Douglas Taylor
*Hymn #22 Dear Weaver of Our Lives Design
*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 Michelle Collins
Postlude Going Back by Jason Tonioli
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Guest Musician: Blake Schmutz
Tech Support: The UUCB Stream Team Focal Point: Shawn Steketee
*please stand in body or spirit
Join us for workshops after the service today.
Easy Ways to Help Folks in Need
Our Houseless outreach workers and the Family Enrichment Network have expressed a need for city bus passes for their communities.
If you’d like to help these are some ways:
· Donate to the collection for Family Enrichment Network so they can buy the passes they need for their clients going to a variety of appointments and jobs ($40 for a one month pass) .
· Donate to a fund that will purchase unlimited day passes ($5) to give to our Outreach workers who will distribute them to the houseless folks.
Joan Hebb and Jan Fiore are coordinating this outreach. You can give either of us cash at any time. There is great need in the community and this will be an ongoing effort to help in a small but significant way
Resisting Fascism – a three-session multi-congregation ZOOM class for adults
(Curriculum by Rev. Monical Dobbins, adapted by Rev. Jo VonRue) April 8th, April 22nd, May 6th 7-8:30pm
Inspired by Rev. Cecilia Kingman’s 2023 Berry Street Essay “My Little Pony Was Right: Fascisms Without and Within”, and the popular work of Dr. Jason Stanley and Dr. Timothy Snyder, both of Yale University, this class seeks to help adult students make connections between the rise of fascism and the institution of the church, and develop practical strategies for living a life that resists the habits of mind that allow fascism to take root in society.
Registration is required, please contact Teri Coon at office@mmuus.org to register.
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TODAY
1st Sunday Workshops for Sunday, May 4
“Understanding the Trauma Response” with the HEART team in the Chapel and on Zoom. Many in our communities are experiencing trauma these days. Just seeing the news can be a new trauma, or can trigger responses to old traumas, especially for those in marginalized groups. This workshop will offer a brief overview of what trauma is (and isn’t), how we might recognize its impact in the behavior of thoCse around us, and how we can support each other as it emerges.
“Crown Yourself!” with Adee Wilson and Tiffany Hagberg in the Social Hall. Join us in making radiant sun and floral crowns to celebrate the return of the sun and May Day.
“Planting Flowers, Making Beauty” outdoors with Julie Boyd. All ages are invited to help brighten our property by planting a few colorful annuals. Please bring a trowel or other garden tools if you’re able.
Sacred Sounds in Sacred Spaces: A Sound Bath Immersion
May 4 at 3pm in the sanctuary. Free and open to the public
If you’re seeking a moment of calm in the midst of a busy life, join Ann, Jackie, and Michelle as they create a sound bath using crystal bowls, chimes, and bells.
Sacred Sounds in Sacred Spaces offers a relaxing retreat, where the gentle vibrations of sound invite you to reconnect with yourself. The open atrium of our sanctuary will amplify the soothing sounds, allowing you to experience a deep sense of calm.
This event is FREE with no reservation needed. For any questions, reach out to zkhan@broomearts.org
Support for Sacred Sounds in Sacred Spaces comes from the Broome County Arts Council and The Hoyt Foundation
TODAY Sacred Sounds in Sacred Spaces: A Sound Bath Immersion
May 4 at 3pm in the sanctuary. Free and open to the public
If you’re seeking a moment of calm in the midst of a busy life, join Ann, Jackie, and Michelle as they create a sound bath using crystal bowls, chimes, and bells.
Sacred Sounds in Sacred Spaces offers a relaxing retreat, where the gentle vibrations of sound invite you to reconnect with yourself. The open atrium of our sanctuary will amplify the soothing sounds, allowing you to experience a deep sense of calm.
This event is FREE with no reservation needed. For any questions, reach out to zkhan@broomearts.org
Support for Sacred Sounds in Sacred Spaces comes from the Broome County Arts Council and The Hoyt Foundation
Second Saturday Suppers: Lisa Sienkiewicz and Nancy Knipscher host a general fundraiser dinner for UUCB on the second Saturday of each month at 5:30pm. The food is all homemade and affordable. Come and have dinner with your friends and support UUCB too! May 10 is Moe’s barbeque!
LGBTQ Group meets in the chapel on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 6pm-8pm in the social hall. Join us in this safe place to be yourself and connect with others.
UUCB Pagans meet in the chapel on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm. This is an open group and they welcome anyone interested in learning more about paganism.
Show Your Solidarity: Support Our Trans & Queer Community
Our trans and queer community members are facing significant challenges. If you are an ally, here is a meaningful opportunity to show your solidarity and support.
On Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the Rainbow Alliance is hosting a community-wide Open Mic, Poetry Slam, and Art Share for our trans and queer people at UUCB.
We need your help: Donations and volunteers are crucial to make this event a success. Sign up here: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Binghamton: Supporting Queer & Trans Open Mic/Art Show and share the flyer below!
This is a valuable opportunity not only to directly support our trans and queer community members but also to engage in important outreach. Let’s actively demonstrate our solidarity and showcase how hospitable and welcoming UUCB truly is! Please join us in supporting this important event.
Community Blood Drive at UUCB: Saturday, May 24 from 9am-2pm we are having a Red Cross blood drive at UUCB. Come and donate. One pint of blood can save 3 lives.
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.
Second Saturday Supper Next Saturday May 10—Moe’s Barbeque! Lisa Sienkiewicz and Nancy Knipscher host a general fundraiser dinner for UUCB on the second Saturday of each month at 5:30pm. The food is all homemade and affordable. Come and have dinner with your friends and support UUCB too! Special Guest chef on May 10 is Moe Manzer with Moe’s barbeque pork tenderloin, mac and cheese, green beans and Karen Manzer’s pineapple upside down cake for dessert.
LGBTQ Group meets in the chapel on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 6pm-8pm in the social hall. Join us in this safe place to be yourself and connect with others.
UUCB Pagans meet in the chapel on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm. This is an open group and they welcome anyone interested in learning more about paganism.
SUMMER WORSHIP LEADERS NEEDED
Each summer, while Douglas enjoys a much needed vacation, UUCB enjoys the wise words and musings of Lay Speakers. Summer services provide opportunities for Lay Speakers to speak what is on their minds and create unique experiences for congregants. Summer services start June 29 and run through August 31.
This summer, the Stream Team will be on vacation, so services will NOT be zoomed. Each Lay Speaker selects readings and hymns and provides a homily.
If you are interested or have questions, contact Hope Post, Becca Boerger, Jeff Donahue, or Douglas.
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).