As we prepare to welcome Rev. Eric Meter as our new minister, the former President of our denomination, Rev. Dr. John Buehrens, comes with a reminder that if we are indeed in the tradition of the “free church,” with that comes a responsibility for each of us: to deepen our own spiritual lives continually. This involves personal spiritual discipline. No one else, not even a spiritual leader, can do the work for us.
- Prelude – Circle of Friends by David Lang
- Ring Tibetan Bowl
- Centering Music – Cavatina by Stanley Hunter
- Opening Hymn: #287, Faith of Our Larger Liberty (slide)
- Welcome
- Introduction of Guest Minister and Chalice Lighting
- Call to Worship – #505 by Thich Nhat Hanh (Slide)
- Wisdom Tale for All Ages – The Buddha’s Flower Sermon
- Sing the Children to their Classroom (slide)
- Land Acknowledgment: (slide)
- Candles of Joys, Sorrows & Gratitude
- Sung Prayer: Rev. Rebecca Parker (Slide)
- Wisdom Reading – Finite Freedom by G.K. Beach
- Hymn: #352, Find a Stillness (slide)
- Moments of Silent Meditation
- Sermon: Spirituality and Inner Freedom
- Offertory (slide)
- Shared Singing: Hymn #402, From You I Receive (slide)
- Invitations/Announcements
- Closing Hymn: #145, As Tranquil Streams (slide)
- Benediction
- Extinguishing the Chalice (slide)
- Invitation to Coffee Hour and Final Wave
- Postlude – Allego ma non troppo by Ludwig van Beethoven