Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

For over 70 years Unitarian Universalists have been bringing flowers from their own gardens, or from fields and roadsides, to share on this day. All blooms are welcome. Flower Communion affirms that it is by our own free will that we join with one another, and that our gathered flowers are a symbol of our unity. The ritual teaches that as no two flowers are alike, no two people are alike, yet each makes a unique contribution to the whole. Our bountiful bouquet would not be the same without the addition of each flower, and so it is within our church community of all souls. Please join us for this special worship service – an affirmation of our ever blooming beloved community.

We end our formal services of the year and begin the summer with our Music Director Judy Putnam, Choir Director Helen Brandt and the Singing Group bringing uplifting and beautiful music.

Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

Let us enter, rejoice, and come into more of this special time in our church-year celebration. We have spent a bold and beautiful year together and we have much to be thankful for and praise. Let us reflect back over our year and all the good work we’ve done here and in the wider community. Join us for spiritual merriment as we recall the days gone by and we shine a spotlight on all those who serve and make up our devoted lay-leadership.

Music will be offered by our Singing Group, led by Helen Brandt and accompanied by Judy Putnam.

June reminds us that summer will again be upon us. Graduations are underway, and many things are coming to an end. Some go away for the summer, while snowbirds are finally back. It is good to be together. We have a few more weeks before lay-led summer services begin. This summer we will worship every Sunday! Throughout June we will consider the many things for which we are grateful, and we will use this precious, sacred time to call attention to the ways we shine brightly. Please join us for worship as we formally welcome our newest members: Emeline Walker, Eric Swanson, Robert Gamer, Edith Fenton, Jack Lombard, Ken Kramer, Rachel Williams, Genevieve Moen, Charles Gravina, Joy Tutela, Grace Backman and Steve Rhode.

Our guest musician, Amy Conley, will perform her vocal, instrumental guitar and banjo music. Amy is a music teacher and music artist from New Hampshire.

Judy Putnam and Peter VanDeBogert

Peter and Judy will guide us in this service which reflects the many ways we remember our family, friends, and loved ones who have died. We will hear from a small number of our members who tell how they have found comfort in their own personal ways, rituals and ceremonies that have helped them remember those who are no longer with us. There will also be an opportunity for all those who wish to participate to offer silent and spoken remembrances.

Stacey Sherman and Religious Exploration Gang

Today’s service will be a celebration of our Religious Exploration Program. Our youth were very busy this year learning about acts of kindness and giving back to our community. They will be sharing their amazing experiences, allowing you see the great time they had learning about the world around us. Each of them grew individually, but all learned that working as a group can have a much greater impact. The impact was felt locally, but our message was extended to surrounding communities and groups, too.

Their hard work could not have been accomplished without the support and guidance of our dedicated teachers, and therefore, we will be recognizing and honoring them on this day as well.

Music will be by The Singing Group, led by Helen Brandt with Judy Putnam at the piano.

Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

Can you imagine your child’s killer moving in next door?  That’s exactly how Mary Johnson showed incredible mercy to her son’s killer when he moved next door , and they began sharing a porch. Her only child was killed at age 20, and all she wanted was justice. His killer was locked up, but she found justice wasn’t enough. Sometimes mercy is learning to forgive. Mary visited her son’s killer, Oshea, in prison , and they became close friends. She helped him reintegrate into society by inviting him to live next door. She accredits the merciful act to her strong religious beliefs. She said: “Unforgiveness is like cancer. It will eat you from the inside out.” Come hear a true story of a mother full of mercy.