Our Power, Our Planet

With the Green Sanctuary Team, Miles Smart, Thomas Yost, and Joedy Yglesias

April 13, 2025

As Earth Day approaches, let’s renew our energy and resources for the long-term work of protecting our interdependent web of life. Are we treating our efforts as fuel to be burned, leaving us (and our planet) depleted? How can our connections and collective action generate renewable energy? Join us as we envision wind farms stretched across the Texas landscape and feel the sustainable power of our community.

Sounding of the Bowl – Vanessa Garza    

Prelude – “Heaven’s Here on Earth” by Tracy Chapman, performed by the Worship Band:

Stephen Spikes – Guitar, Patty Stout – Flute, Ed O’Casey – Bass 

Welcome and Greeting – Alison Hom-Crosier

Opening Words – Maggi Joseph      

Opening Hymn – #1069 Ancient Mother  

Chalice Lighting – Aria & Vincent Brennan  

Covenant – Linda Nash

Anthem – “The Sun My Heart” by Patty Stout, performed by UU Honest Sirens 

Stone Ceremony – Carol Collins  

Music for Reflection – Worship Band

Reading the Community Book of Life & Meditation                    

Story Wisdom – “We Are All Connected”, written by Gabi Garcia, illustrated by Natalia Jimenez Osorio, read by Vanessa Garza

Children’s Recessional                   

Reading – “The Oak Tree Answers” – a collaborative poem by the Climate Grief Workshop participants, read by Patricia Stout & Alison Hom-Crosier​​

Reflection 1 – Miles Smart

Reflection 2 – Thomas Yost

Reflection 3 – Joedy Yglesias 

Invitation to Generosity – Diane Duesterhoeft 

Offertory Music – “After the Gold Rush” by Neil Young, performed by UU Honest Sirens

Blessing of the Offering                 

Closing Hymn – #1064 Blue Boat Home

Extinguishing the Chalice/Benediction    

Postlude – Worship Band