Weekly Order of Service
December 5, 2021 10:30am – Hybrid
This Season of Awful and Awesome
Worship led by: Rev. Kathleen Rolenz
Liturgist: Rev. Rob Keithan
Worship Associate: Kerry Keichs
The evenings grow darker. The cold more intense. This new season brings with it a sense of awe and wonder as the night sky reveals the brightest stars. This time of year also brings the challenge of expectations and memories of holidays past. Whether you celebrate the holidays or try to ignore them, this service will provide inspiration and hope for the weeks ahead.
Join us for worship in person or virtually for an ASL interpreted service with music led by Jen Hayman and the All Souls Choir, a Story for All Ages from Dolores Miller, and for a virtual coffee hour after service with Lenard Starks, Director of the Jubilee Singers!
Prelude: “Hush! Somebody’s Calling My Name” sung by the All Souls Choir
Call to Worship & Chalice Lighting: Rev. Kathleen Rolenz
Opening Hymn: “Within Our Darkest Night” (Taize) sung by All Souls Choir
Within our darkest night You kindle the fire that never dies away
Never dies away
Within our darkest night You kindle the fire that never dies away
Never dies away
Welcome & Land Acknowledgement: Kerry Reichs, Worship Associate
Moment of Beholding
Story For All Ages with Dolores Miller
Anthem: “Northern Lights” by Ola Gjeilo
Announcements, Congregational Care Information and Prayer: Rev. Rob Keithan
Spirit of Life
Fuente de amor, ven hacia mi
Y al corazón cántale tu compasión
Sopla al volar, sube en la mar
Hasta moldear la justicia de la vida
Arraígame, libérame
Fuente de amor, ven a mi, ven a mi
Spirit of life, come unto me.
Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion
Blow in the wind, rise in the sea
Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice
Roots hold me close, wings set me free
Spirit of life, come to me, come to me.
Moment of Silence
Reading from an Ancient Source: Luke 2: 8-9
Reading from a Modern Source: The Tree of Awe, Rumi
Sermon: This Season of Awful and Awesome by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz
Offering: Kerry Reichs, Worship Associate
Closing Hymn: “Dark of Winter” sung by the All Souls Choir
Dark of winter, soft and still, your quiet calm surrounds me.
Let my thoughts go where they will; ease my mind profoundly.
And then my soul will sing a song, a blessed song of love eternal.
Gentle darkness, soft and still, bring your quiet to me.
Darkness, soothe my weary eyes, that I may see more clearly.
When my heart with sorrow cries, comfort and caress me.
And then my soul may hear a voice, a still, small voice of love eternal.
Darkness, when my fears arise, let your peace flow through me.
Benediction: Rev. Kathleen Rolenz
Benediction in Music: ” Stars” by Eriks Esenvalds and text by Sara Teasdale. Sung by the All Souls Choir
Links mentioned in service:
1. Middle Church Collegiate: https://www.middlechurch.org/rising
2. Pass the virtual plate! Donate at http://www.all-souls.org/donate or Text “ASCU” to 73256