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Rev Erin Walter and Simone Monique Barnes
April 23, 2023
First UU Church of Austin
4700 Grover Ave., Austin, TX 78756
www.austinuu.org
Seven years after his death, Prince’s work continues to influence and inspire the world. With religiously themed music and lyrics, combined with an ongoing exploration of identity, self expression, truth-telling, joy, injustice, grief, and of course, love, Prince’s deeply spiritual music offers a theology of liberation.
As we look inside, look around, and look beyond ourselves, we begin to ask questions like, “How do we perceive and define our individual selves?” “What role do we play in our collective healing?” “How can we survive and thrive in times of heartache and oppression?” “How do we imagine the next chapter of our lives, our church, our world?”
Chalice Lighting
This is the flame we hold in our hearts as we strive for justice for everyone. This is the light we shine upon systems of oppression until they are no more. This is the warmth that we share with one another as our struggle becomes our salvation.
Call to Worship
Music is the gift from God. Used properly it can do many great things.
– Prince
Affirming Our Mission
Together we nourish souls, transform lives, and do justice to build the Beloved Community.
Readings
There is something about having people around you giving you support that motivating and once I got that support from people then I believed that I could do anything.
– Prince
Beloveds, Let us love one another because love is from God.
Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
Whoever does not love, does not know God for God is Love.
Love is God.
GOD IS LOVE.Love is the one who is love. Love is God.
GOD IS LOVE.The one who made everything. Love is God.
GOD IS LOVE.The one who will listen when all others will not. Love is God.
GOD IS LOVE.We need love and honesty, peace and harmony. Love is God.
GOD IS LOVE.There will be peace and for those who love God a lot. Love is God.
GOD IS LOVE.Love and Honesty, Peace and Harmony. Love is God.
GOD IS LOVE.
Sermon
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