Celebration Sunday

with Rev. Xolani Kacela, Ph.D.

April 6, 2025

When we give and receive with open hearts, we nurture something greater than ourselves. This service marks the conclusion of the 2025 stewardship campaign: Building the Beloved Community of Love and Justice.

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

Prelude – Jaime Ramirez   

Welcome and Greeting – Elissa Curry 

Opening Words

Opening Hymn – #157 Step by Step the Longest March

Hymn Band: Stephen Spikes-Guitar, Patty Stout-Flute, Jean-Marcel Scutt-Bass, Susan Dill -Piano

Chalice Lighting

Covenant 

Anthem – “Everyday People” by Sylvester Stewart, performed by the First UU Multigenerational Choir featuring T-Bow Gonzales  

Stone Ceremony  

Music for Reflection

Reading the Community Book of Life & Pastoral Meditation

Story Wisdom – Wonder Box, presented by Tim Versteeg DLRE 

Children’s Recessional

Reading – “Why Care About Caring?” from Caring by Nel Noddings, read by Alicia Smart

Sermon – “The Sacred Circle of Giving and Receiving”

Invitation to Generosity 

Offertory Music        

Closing Hymn – #1017 Building a New Way

Extinguishing the Chalice/Benediction

Postlude