Order of Service May 11, 2025
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Binghamton

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it
rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”
Angela Monet

Welcome and Announcements
Passing the Peace
Prelude In the Circle Tret Fure
Opening Words In the Beginning (adapted) by Roger Descher
*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 Marnie Singer
*Hymn #36 When In Our Music
Time for all ages Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger (told by Jan Fiore)
Singing the Children Out Go Now in Peace, Go Now in Peace
Let the Spirit of Love Surround you,
Everywhere, everywhere, you may go.
Joys and Sorrows (you are in our hearts)
Offertory The Artist’s Way Tret Fure
Spoken Meditation Extract from a welcome address to students at the
Boston Conservatory Karl Paulnack
Silent Meditation
Hymn #123 (please remain seated) Spirit of Life
Personal Sharing Christine McWhirter
Sarah Gerk
Musical Interlude To Music Franz Schubert
Adult Choir
Personal Sharing Jeff Donahue
*Hymn #108 My Life Flows On in Endless Song
*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 Richard S. Gilbert
Postlude In the Name of Music Victor Johnson
Adult Choir
———————————————————————————-
*please stand in body or spirit
Worship Assoc.—Becky Greenstrom
Focal Point—Jean Rose-Klein
Tech Support —UUCB Stream Team

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

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).