A Needle in the Haystack of Light: The spiritual practice of delight
Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains
June 18, 2023
Rev. Kevin Tarsa
In her poem, Mindful, the source of this service’s title, Mary Oliver writes that she was born to “instruct [herself] over and over in joy, and acclamation.” On this Father’s Day weekend bordering the celebrations of Juneteenth and the Summer Solstice, we’ll dive into the spiritual practice of joy, joy that does not ignore sorrow and pain, but rather joy that weaves itself through even the deepest woe.
With Cheryl Morris & Gail Johnson Vaughan, Worship Associates
Greeting / Land Acknowledgement Rev. Kevin Tarsa
Song for Gathering I Choose This Day by Lea Morris
Lighting of the Chalice Let There by Joy in Our Coming Together This Morning by Carl Seaburg,
read by Connie Wright
Singing the Children on Their Way
Welcome Gail Jonson Vaughan
Opening Words Rev. Kevin Tarsa
Song Every Night and Every Morn, words by William Blake, adapted, music by Rev. Kevin Tarsa
Sermon, Part 1 A Needle in the Haystack of Light Rev. Kevin Tarsa
Joys & Sorrows Rev. Kevin Tarsa and George Dunstan, Lay Pastoral Care Team member
Song Filled with Loving Kindness, traditional Buddhist meditation adapted by Mark W. Hayes,
music by Ian W. RIddell
Sermon, Part 2 A Needle in the Haystack of Light Rev. Kevin Tarsa
Offering Cheryl Morris
Offertory Toby Thomas-Rose
Dedication Cheryl Morris
Thank you
Community Benediction / Extinguishing of the Chalice
Carry the flame of peace and love until we meet again.