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Unitarian Universalist Congregations Affirm and Support the Following Seven Principles: The inherent worth and dignity of every person; Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware A Welcoming and Progressive Spiritual Community January 6, 2019

A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The Living Tradition that Unitarian Universalists Share Draws from Many Sources: Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life; Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love; Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life; Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s Love by loving our neighbors as ourselves; Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against the idolatries of the mind and spirit; Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Exploring & Embracing the Darkness Worship Series Entering the Darkness Rev. Michelle Collins Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware 30486 Lewes Georgetown Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958 302-313-5838, www.uussd.org Our Vision Creating a spiritual community, embracing universal acceptance, justice, and compassion Our Mission Nurture spiritual growth, Embrace diversity

Work for justice, Strive for a loving world Minister: Rev. Michelle Collins Director of Music Ministries: Julie Keefer Worship Associate: Deanna Duby Board Representative: Barbara Barnette January 6, 2019

Opening Words Christofori’s Dream, by David Lanz

Chalice Lighting Howard Thurman, adapted We abandon all that we think we are, All that we hope to be, All that we believe we possess. We let go of the past, We withdraw our grasping hands from the future. And in the great silence of the moment, We alertly rest our souls. * We Sing #55

Dark of Winter

Lyrics on screen

Gathering as a Community… Welcome & Announcements Affirmation Love is the spirit of this church, and service its law. This is our great covenant: To dwell together in peace, To seek the truth in love, And to help one another.

Images from NASA and the Hubble Telescope

Exploring the Darkness… Reading Compiled by Marj Shannon Readers: Marj Shannon, Jean Charles, Rick Welk, Deanna Duby Sharing

Entering the Darkness… Prelude

Visual Meditation

James Vila Blake

Time for All Ages Children’s Recessional, T. Benjamin (music in back of gray hymnal) For you shall go out in joy, for you shall go out in joy, and come back in peace, and come back in peace, blessed be. (sung twice) Joys and Sorrows This is an opportunity to share a significant, meaningful event that has touched your life, refraining from general announcements or political comments. Please identify yourself and speak briefly from the heart.

Carol Bruce

* We Sing #14

The Sun at High Noon

Lyrics on screen

Reflection

Entering the Darkness

Rev. Michelle

Going from Here… Offertory

Sound of Silence Arr. By Mark Hayes

* We Sing #50

When Darkness Nears

UUSD Baritone Choir Lyrics on screen

Closing Words Extinguishing the Chalice (music in back of gray hymnal) Words: Rev. D. Michael Smith, Music: Dr. Marcelle Schiff We extinguish the flame in this chalice, but not the one in our hearts. This is the light of our soul that shines forth when the world seems too dark; it is the spark that ignites hope when that seems lost. Your light is precious; carry it with you … always. Postlude

Sunrise, Sunset

by Sheldon Harnick & Jerry Bock

* Please rise in body or in spirit. Congregational Greeting – After the service, join us for coffee and conversation in the Gathering Area. The coffee served at UUSD is Fair Trade CertifiedTM and ethically sourced. Today’s refreshments are provided by the Lewes Covenant Group. Good morning and welcome visitors! This is a place where we teach love, we encourage compassion and justice, and we celebrate diversity. Our services vary in form and content from week to week. We encourage you to join us for several weeks to get a more complete idea of who we are and what we are about. This month we will have an experimental series in worship. It is the product of many voices and ideas from many UUSD members and gives us a chance to try a few new and exciting things for the month. We hope

you enjoy it!

Last week’s attendance: 113 adults, 10 children