Alternative Live Stream (no chat)
If you wish to share a joy or sorrow, you may email it to minister@uuchelmsford.org by 9:00 AM on Sunday mornings. Please remember that our services are live streamed and that names will be shared as you write them.
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church
Order of Worship
June 14th, 2026
UU Faith Formation
Centering Thought
“UNLESS someone like you (yoUU) cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better.” – The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Ingathering Chimes
Prelude: “light”
Welcome and Announcements: Laura Nutter, Religious Education & Faith Formation (REFF) Council
Introit: “Let It Grow” (from Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax – Original Songs from the Motion Picture)
– Led by Susan Woodmansee and accompanied by UU REFF Youth
Chalice Lighting: Unitarian Universalist REFF Youth
Call to Worship: Dolores Heredia-Wood, Lifespan Faith Formation Director
Hymn #118 in Singing the Living Tradition: “This Little Light of Mine”
First Parish Covenant: Led by Max R.
We, the members of First Parish of Chelmsford, covenant together to
sustain and strengthen our beloved community by:
Honoring and celebrating the Spirit of Life
Nurturing all souls in our search for truth and the sacred
Caring and being present to one another in our joys and sorrows
Bearing witness through service to justice and peace
And being good stewards of our congregation, our heritage,
our Unitarian Universalist principles, and our Earth.
UUA Covenant: Read by Isaac J., Owen R., and Finn W.
Offertory: “From you I Receive” (Hymn #402 in Singing the Living Tradition)
Joys and Sorrows (If you have a joy or sorrow to share, you may email it to the worship leader at
minister@uuchelmsford.org by 9am Sunday morning, or if you are attending in person, you may write it in
the joys and sorrows book at the back of the sanctuary. Please remember that services are live streamed
and that names are shared as written. The Pastoral Care and Service Team has a table during social hour
where you can send a card of comfort, support or celebration in care of other First Parishers.)
A Time for Meditation and Prayer
Congregational Response: “Meditation on Breathing” (#1009 in Singing the Journey
When I breathe in,
I’ll breathe in peace.
When I breathe out,
I’ll breathe out love.
Anthem: “Born Free” – written by John Barry, arr. by Kimberly Gist
For All Ages: Dolores Heredia-Wood, LFFD
Recognitions & Appreciations: Dolores Heredia-Wood, LFFD
Lifespan Faith Formation appreciates all the time, treasure, talent, and love we receive through the year(s)
from First Parish! ♥ REFF Council: Molly Rawding, Laura Nutter, Susan Woodmansee, Rosemary McMullin
Hymn #1023 in Singing the Journey: “Building Bridges”
Benediction & Extinguishing of the Chalice: Rev. Ellen Rowse-Spero (adapted from Rev. Michelle Collins)
We extinguish this small fire under a vast and intricate universe.
Somewhere, a star collapses, a seed splits open, a new element is glimpsed.
Here, we notice our own small corner of that mystery.
Let this flame remind us that asking how things work is also a kind of awe.
Postlude: Improvisation – Brian Snow
Join us for celebration cupcakes in the Vestry before the Annual Meeting!
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Many Thanks to this Sunday’s Volunteers:
Greeter: Ami Hughes
Flowers: Lifespan UU Faith Formation
Ushers: John Fisher, Nancy Kaelin, & Dave Kaffine
Worship Tech: Aggie Brennan
Online Chat Host: Bill Newhard
Social Hour: Melissa Sloan & Eliot Mayer