Flower Communion and RE Sunday

With Rev. Xolani Kacela, Ph.D.

June 8, 2025

Come celebrate with us!  For the 101st anniversary of the first flower communion ceremony, we will share flowers, memories and gratitude. We will recognize our youth bridging into adulthood, thank our religious education volunteers and exchange flowers with one another.

Sounding the Bowl – Rev. Xolani Kacela, Ph.D.

Prelude & Procession of the Flowers – “Prelude #1” from Five Pieces by Dmitri Shostakovich, performed by Yanie Betts-violin, Carlos Gonzales-viola, & Susan Dill-Piano

Welcome – Tim Versteeg, DLRE

Opening Words – “Where Holy Enthusiasm Is” by Norbert Čapek

Responsive reading – Congregation responds with “It was and will be again.”

Opening Hymn – #207 Earth Was Given as a Garden

Chalice Lighting – Tracey Knouse & Claudia Glass           

Covenant                                                                    

Reading from the Community Book of Life 

Pastoral Meditation                                                                           

Religious Education Volunteer and Staff Recognition                          

The Story of The Flower Communion                                                                               

Flower Communion Ceremony – “Flower Duet” by Léo Delibes, performed by Carlos Gonzales & Yanie Betts   

Offertory – “Berceuse, Op. 39” by Rhinehold Gliere                                                                     

Bridging Ceremony                                                               

Wade Richmond Memorial Scholarship Presentation                  

Closing Song – #65 The Sweet June Days

Extinguishing the Chalice and Benediction                                               

Postlude