Sacred Awareness: Substances, Screens, and the Search for Authentic Connection

with Rev. Xolani Kacela, Ph.D.

January 11, 2026

We chase comfort through substances, shopping, and endless scrolling with each promising instant satisfaction. But our brains weren’t designed for this pace. In an age of rapid change and constant stimulation, we’re experiencing new forms of seeking and coping. Join us as we explore what’s shifted in human connection, examine why we reach for quick fixes, and discover what sacred presence might look like when everything moves at lightning speed.

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

Prelude – Jaime Ramirez                                                         

Welcome and Greeting – Alison Hom-Crosier                       

Opening Words             

Opening Hymn – #34 Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire  

Though I may speak with bravest fire, and have the gift to all inspire,
and have not love, my words are vain as sounding brass and hopeless gain.

Though I may give all I possess, and striving so my love profess,
but not be given by love within, the profit soon turns strangely thin.

Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control, our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed; by this we worship, and are freed. 

Covenant                                                                                                                                                              

Anthem – “Fix You” by Cold Play, performed by Tavis McGeachin

Stone Ceremony                                                  

Reading the Community Book of Life & Pastoral Meditation

Story Wisdom – Two Fables from Aesop, read by Tim Versteeg                                               

Children’s Recessional                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Reading – Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention & How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari

Sermon – Sacred Awareness: Substances, Screens, and the Search for Authentic Connection                                                                                                                                                                                    

Invitation to Generosity                                     

Offertory Music                                                                                         

Closing Hymn – #345 With Joy We Claim the Growing Light 

With joy we claim the growing light,
advancing thought, and widening view,
the larger freedom, clearer sight,
which from the old unfold the new.

With wider view, come loftier goal;
with fuller light, more good to see;
with freedom, truer self-control;
with knowledge, deeper reverence be            

Extinguishing the Chalice/Benediction                                                                        

Postlude