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Rev. Meg Barnhouse
August 18, 2019
First UU Church of Austin
4700 Grover Ave., Austin, TX 78756
www.austinuu.org
All-Ages Service. Who are we as UU’s? Our children in schools need to know who we are. In their classes we say the 7 principles and the classroom covenants they wrote at the very beginning. This is not a non-denominational church. It is a church with strong roots in Central Europe and in New England. Unitarians shaped this country in mostly good ways. How did Unitarianism take shape?
Chalice Lighting
As we light the chalice may our souls become its hearth. We join our hearts to the one great flame of bright compassion, Beloved Community, and fervent justice. May our sparks become a wildfire in the world, lighting the way for all.
Call to worship
THE INWARD JOURNEY
Howard Thurman
In the quietness of this place
surrounded by the all pervading presence of the holy
my heart whispers
Keep fresh before me the memories of my high resolve,
that in fair weather or foul, in good times or tempest,
in the days when the foes are nameless or familiar,
that I may not forget that which my life is committed.
Keep fresh before me the moments of my high resolve.
Affirming Our Mission
Together we nourish souls, transform lives, and do justice to build the Beloved Community.
Backpack Blessing
GOT ROOM FOR LOVE?
By Erika A. Hewitt
We carry bags with us throughout the week for many reasons. If you have a bag with you, and you want to have it blessed, please bring it forward, send it forward with a helper, or lift up your bag.
- Some of us take books and homework to school
- Some of us bring our lunches to school or to work
- Some of us take computers and other supplies to the places where we work
- Some kids carry overnight bags from one parent’s house to their other parent’s house, and back again
- Some people bring things like books or yarn and knitting needles to places where they might need to wait patiently
- and some people even have special bags for their dogs and other animals!
Are your bags already full of things? Do you imagine that it might get full one day? Maybe. For this blessing, then, we’re going to add something to your bag – but don’t worry! It won’t add any weight, and it won’t take up any room.
Would any of you like to have some of our congregation’s love to take with you to school, or to work, or on your travels? If you feel love here on Sundays, wouldn’t you like to know that our love is with you on the other days?
To the congregation: Let’s do that. Please bundle some love up from wherever you’re storing it. You might rummage through your pockets or look up your sleeves and make a nice little pillow of love. … are you ready?
Those of you with your bags, make sure they’re open and hold them up to catch the love!
That was fun, so let’s add some more to your bags. Sometimes we get nervous when we go to school or work. Sometimes we wish we felt braver. I think it would be nice to know that our courage is with you on other days when you need it.
To the congregation: Let’s bundle up some courage to put in someone’s open bag.
What do you wish we could put in your bag, to take with you? Name it, and we’ll take it from our heart-supply, and we’ll toss it into your bag!
- bravery
- peace of mind
- friendliness
- confidence
- sense of being loved
- memory
- sense of fairness
- humor
- kindness
- forgiveness
Your bag might not look any different or feel any different, but the next time you use your bag I hope you’ll remember that we’ve added our blessings. Remember that:
- The Spirit of Life is with you at school or at work.
- This congregation cares about what happens to you at school or work.
- If you need more love or courage, you can ask us for more.
Reading
Eusebius
May I be an enemy to no one and the friend of what abides eternally.
May I never quarrel with those nearest me, and be reconciled quickly if I should.
May I never plot evil against others, and if anyone plot evil against me,
may I escape unharmed and without the need to hurt anyone else.
May I love, seek and attain only what is good.
May I desire happiness for all and harbor envy for none.
May I never find joy in the misfortune of one who has wronged me.
May I never wait for the rebuke of others, but always rebuke myself until I make reparation.
May I gain no victory that harms me or my opponent.
May I reconcile friends who are mad at each other.
May I, insofar as I can, give all necessary help to my friends and to all who are in need.
May I never fail a friend in trouble.
May I be able to soften the pain of the
grief stricken and give them comforting words.
May I respect myself.
May I always maintain control of my emotions.
May I habituate myself to be gentle, and never angry with others because of circumstances.
May I never discuss the wicked or what they have done, but know good people and
follow in their footsteps.
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