Bridging and Flower Communion
Order of Service
Sunday, June 20, 2021 - 10:00am

Ingathering Music

Welcome:  Rev. Ellen Spero

Prelude:  Bourree from Lute Suite 2     J.S. Bach

Chalice Lighting:  Aggie Brennan

Covenant:  Dennis Keane
        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.

Offertory:  “Inspiration”     S. Zocchi

Bridging Ceremony
        Faith Formation Blessing:  Dolores Heredia-wood, Director of Lifespan Faith Formation
        Bridging Litany
            Minister:
               You who are bridging today have grown beyond what you once were.
               With each new day and each new experience, you learn more about yourself,
               your world, and your faith. May you bring the wisdom you have gained in
               growing up Unitarian Universalist to help you on your way at this transformative time.
          Bridging Youth:
               We welcome your blessing and move forward in hope!
          Children and Youth:
               We bless you now, as you graduate from our program
               and begin your life as young adult UUs. You are always
               welcome here. We honor you at this transformative time.
          Bridging Youth:
               We welcome your blessing and move forward in hope!
          Young Adults (ages 18-35):
               For the rich individual gifts of your soul, we welcome you;
               for the hopes you bring and the anxieties you share, we welcome you.
               May you grow in mind and spirit and body, forever our friends.
               We honor you at this transformative time.
          Bridging Youth:
               We welcome your blessing and move forward in hope!
          Congregation:
               For your fresh vision and inspiring energy, we welcome you;
               for your questions and challenges, we welcome you.
               We give you our blessing, that you may find in us allies,
               as well as friends. We honor you at this transformative time.
          Bridging Youth:
               We welcome your blessing and move forward in hope!

Crossing the Bridge

Hymn #1028 in Singing the Journey:   “Fire of Commitment”
        (words: Mary Katherine Morn and Jason Shelton, music: Jason Shelton)

            From the light of days remembered burns a beacon bright and clear
            Guiding hands and hearts and spirits into faith set free from fear.

            When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul a blaze
            When our hunger and our passion meet to call us on our way

            When we live with deep assurance of the flame that burns within,
            Then our promise finds fulfillment and our future can begin.

            From the stories of our living rings a song both brave and free,
            Calling pilgrims still to witness to the life of liberty.

            When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul a blaze
            When our hunger and our passion meet to call us on our way
            When we live with deep assurance of the flame that burns within,
            Then our promise finds fulfillment and our future can begin.

            From the dreams of youthful vision comes a new, prophetic voice,
            Which demands a deeper justice built by our courageous choice

            When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul a blaze
            When our hunger and our passion meet to call us on our way
            When we live with deep assurance of the flame that burns within,
            Then our promise finds fulfillment and our future can begin.

Joys and Sorrows

Response #123 in Singing the Living Tradition:  “Spirit of Life” w/m: Caroline McDade
            Spirit of Life, come unto me.
            Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion.
            Blow in the wind, rise in the sea.
            Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.
            Roots hold me close, wings set me free.
            Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me.

Flower Communion
        The Story
        Consecration of the Flowers: Norbert F. Capek #724 in Singing the Living Tradition

            Infinite Spirit of Life, we ask thy blessing on these thy messengers of fellowship and love.
            May they remind us, amid diversities of knowledge and gifts, to be one in desire and
            affection and devotion to thy holy will.
            May they also remind us of the value of comradeship, of doing and sharing alike.
            May we cherish friendship as one of thy most precious gifts.
            May we not let awareness of another’s talents discourage us, or sully our relationship,
            but may we realize that whatever we can do, great or small, the efforts of all of us are
            needed to do thy work in this world.

        Flower Communion Slide Show

        Prayer: Norbert F. Capek #723 in Singing the Living Tradition

Benediction

Postlude: Farewell to Fiunary   Norman MacLeod (1812-1872)

Video Production and Worship Tech: Steve Zocchi
Chat Host: Peggy Stephens-North
Sanctuary Hosts: Neil Harmon and Dave Kaffine
Social Hour Hosts: Edith Murphy and Marion Murphy

Attend First Church Littleton or First Parish Groton

To join one of the online worship services:  
       First Church Littleton
       First Parish Groton