Order of Service
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Order of Service March 30, 2025
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Binghamton
Welcome and Announcements
Passing the Peace
Prelude Introit John Gault
Opening Words by Rev. Jo VonRue
*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 Lisa Doege
*Hymn #1000 Morning Has Come
Time for all ages by Rev. Jo VonRue
Singing the Children Out Go Now in Peace, Go Now in Peace
Let the Spirit of Love Surround you,
Everywhere, everywhere, you may go.
Spotlight Volunteering: Growing and Belonging Leader Development and Resource Committee
Joys and Sorrows (you are in our hearts)
Offertory Andante C. W. von Gluck
Spoken Meditation by Rev. Jo VonRue
Silent Meditation
Hymn #123 (please remain seated) Spirit of Life
Reading from “You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train” by Howard Zinn
Musical Interlude Hope Lingers On Lisa Schneckenburger
Adult Choir
Sermon Defiant Joy: Hope as an Act of Courage Rev. Jo VonRue
*Closing Song Life Calls Us On (see insert) Jason Shelton
*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 Rev. Jo VonRue
Postlude This Little Light of Mine Harry Dixon Loes
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*please stand in body or spirit
Worship Assoc.—Tiffany Hagberg
Focal Point—Bill Thorpe
Tech Support, UUCB Stream Team
Save the Date and Start Practicing: The UU Revue (our annual talent show) is April 5 at 7pm. Talk to Vicky Gordon if you would like to participate
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.
Parking on Sunday Mornings: If you are able, please park in the Lourdes parking lot on Sundays. Let’s try and save the “good” parking spots for folks who need them and our Sunday visitors.
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! March 8—Mardi Gras!
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
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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).