Deep Listening

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Rev. Chris Jimmerson
October 18, 2020
First UU Church of Austin
4700 Grover Ave., Austin, TX 78756
www.austinuu.org

Listening deeply is a gift that we can give to others. Even more, it is a gift we can give to ourselves.

Chalice Lighting

This is the flame we hold in our hearts as we strive for justice for everyone. This is the light we shine on systems of oppression until they are no more. This is the warmth we share with one another as our struggle becomes our salvation.

Call to Worship

WHO WE LISTEN TO IS WHO WE BECOME
Rev. Scott Taylor

Sometimes it can become to loud
it is hard to hear those voices
you once knew so well.
Voices that knew you so well.

It is said that silence heals us,
but silence also holds us together.
So pause while we can
while this sweet sweet space gives us room to listen,
to hear the echos of memories that made us whole.
The pain of others that reawakens our hearts.
The beauty of the wild woods that wants us back.

We don’t just listen for clarity and guidance.
We listen to become larger.
Those voices calling us home
are our home.
We don’t have conversations,
we are our conversations.

We must remember, friends,
who we listen to is who we become.

Affirming Our Mission

Together we nourish souls, transform lives, and do justice to build the Beloved Community.

Learn more about Beloved Community at this link. – The King Center

Meditation Reading

I AM GOD, OF COURSE
Rev. Steve Garnass-Holmes

I looked at the tree blossoming in spring
and said, “Who are you?”
And she said, “I am God, of course, becoming beautiful.”
And I beheld her.

I looked at the sea
and said, “Who are you?”
and the same voice said, “It is I, flowing within you.”
And I opened myself.

I listened to the silence
and said, “Who are you?” and she said, “I am holding you.”
And I listened more.

I looked at my troubles and said, “Who are you?”
and I heard: “I am your own broken heart.”
And I wept with gratitude.

I looked at the suffering of the world
and I asked, “Who are you?”
and she said, “I am in labor pains.”
And I moved closer.

I looked at the unknown and said, “Who are you?”
and the silence said, “I am Becoming,”
and I stepped into the darkness.

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