Climate Grief and Radical Hope

With Rev. Xolani Kacela, Ph.D.

August 17, 2025

Facing environmental crises can feel overwhelming, especially for younger generations inheriting a damaged planet. This service honors our climate grief while cultivating the fierce hope necessary for transformative action. We’ll explore how love for future generations can fuel our commitment to justice and healing.

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

Prelude – Jaime Ramirez                  

Welcome and Greeting – Alison Hom-Crosier                    

Opening Words                    

Chalice Lighting                               

Flower Memorial for Nancy Russell

Opening Hymn – #60 In Time of Silver Rain

In time of silver rain the earth puts forth new life again,
green grasses grow and flowers lift their heads,
and over all the plain the wonder spreads of life, of life, of life!

In time of silver rain the butterflies lift silken wings,
and trees put forth new leaves to sing in joy beneath the sky
in time of silver rain, when spring and life are new.

Covenant                                            

Anthem – “Presto” by Georg Philipp Telemann, performed by Lyra Noble & Shannon Parramore, Flute Duet

Stone Ceremony                  

Music for Reflection                       

Reading the Community Book of Life 

Story Wisdom – “The Water Walker” by Joanne Robertson , read by Tim Versteeg

Children’s Recessional  

Reading – “A Climate for All of Us” by Katharine Hayhoe

Sermon – Climate Grief and Radical Hope: A Love Letter to Future Generations

Share The Plate – Free Battered Texas Women                 

Offertory Music – “Dawn Carol” by  Margaret Lowe 

Closing Hymm – #391 Voice Still and Small    

Voice still and small, deep inside all,
I hear you call, singing.
In storm and rain, sorrow and pain,
still we’ll remain singing.
Calming my  fears, quenching my tears,
through all the years, singing.    

Extinguishing the Chalice/Benediction    

Postlude