Feb. 25, 2024- Unshackling the Chains of Numbness

This Sunday at First Universalist, we invite you to a special service, “Awakening Presence: A Journey From Numbness to Engagement,” as we explore the transformative power of reconnecting with our emotions and each other. Dive deep into the essence of presence, overcoming the barriers of emotional numbness that hinder our personal growth and communal vitality. Engage in a meaningful exploration of how mindfulness and empathy can not only enrich our personal journeys but also empower our collective commitment to justice and compassion.

As we continue our stewardship campaign, remember that your support breathes life into the heart of our community, helping to revive the emotional nerve endings of our congregation. Join us in fostering a vibrant, engaged, and empathetic community, ready to embrace the full spectrum of life’s experiences together. Your presence and contribution are the keys to unlocking a more present, connected, and lively congregation.

Welcome and Call to Worship- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:24)

Story for All Ages- Adaptation of a story by Leo Tolstoy- Em Herman-Johnson and the congregation (4:15)

Singing Together- Come and Go With Me and What Wondrous Love is This?- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (16:35)

Community Prayers- Katherine Harrell (23:00)

Invitation to Give and Receive- Rev. Ashley Harness and David Leppik (30:37)

Offertory- I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free by Nina Simone- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (36:18)

Greeting One Another- Em Herman-Johnson (38:38)

Reading- Go to the Limits of Your Longing by Rainer Maria Rilke (40:48)

Message- Unshackling the Chains of Emotional Numbness- Rev. Ashley Harness and Dick Young (42:41)

Benediction- words by David Gate in memory of Nex Benedict (57:45)

Closing Song- Where You Go, I will Go, Beloved by Shoshana Jedwab