“I have opened my mind to the open air of the universe, to things as they are,” affirmed naturalist John Burroughs. “Our life depends from moment to moment upon the air we breathe, yet its winds and tempests may destroy us; it depends from day to day upon the water we drink, yet its floods may sweep us away.” The faith of a naturalist accepts the world as it is, grateful for how nature nourishes us – celebrating the improbable gift of life itself – without the need for supernatural explanations or justifications, recognizing that nature’s blessings and blows, possibilities and perils, are woven together in the interconnected web of existence.
The Choir will sing.
Service Leader: Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Service Coordinator: Steve Lennon
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Order of Service
Centering Thought
In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. ~ Margaret Atwood
Fanfare
The Prince of Denmark’s March (Trumpet Voluntary), by Jeremiah Clarke
Daniel Clark, with nature video by Ashlyn Noble
Choral Prelude
Ancient Mother/ Mother I Feel You (1069/1070)
the Choir, led by Shannon Unger, accompanied by Daniel Clark
Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
Steve Lennon
Gathering Hymn
#1067 Mother Earth, Beloved Garden
Chalice Lighting
By John Masefield
Steve Lennon
Opening Words
When April Comes, by Virna Sheard
Steve Lennon
Affirmation
Love Is the Spirit
Love is the spirit of this church, the quest for truth its sacrament, and service is its law.
This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek truth in love, and to help one another to the end that all souls shall grow into harmony with life.
Joys and Concerns
Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Pastoral Hymn
#59 Almond Trees, Renewed in Bloom (sung seated, first time through with just Shannon on flute and Daniel on piano)
Meditation
led by Cate Ziegler
Reading
from Accepting the Universe, by John Burroughs
Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Offering
Our Share the Plate Partner for April is Teen Stop Jeunesse.
The offering will be gratefully received, during or after the service. Donation options are at this link.
Offertory
Solace, by Scott Joplin
Jennifer Bright (clarinet) and Daniel Clark (piano)
Anthem
Let It Shine, arr. by Don Besig; additional lyrics: Nancy Price
the Choir, led by Shannon Unger, accompanied by Daniel Clark, descant Beth Tait, Mark Halsell, Tommy Cai, Debby Lake
Sermon
An Ode to the Open Air, by Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Closing Hymn
#1064 Blue Boat Home
Announcements
Steve Lennon and others
Closing Words
from Daffodils, by William Wordsworth
Steve Lennon
Chalice Extinguishing
Steve Lennon
Carry the Flame
Carry the flame of peace and love until we meet again (x2)
Then we shall see a world of light and a world of joy
Carry the flame of peace and love until we meet again
Gratitude
Gratitude to all who made this service happen, including
- Leader: Rev. Stefan Jonasson
- Coordinator: Steve Lennon, with Cate Ziegler
- Music Director: Shannon Unger
- Music: Daniel Clark (piano), the Choir, Jennifer Clark (clarinet), Shannon Unger (flute)
- Coordinator Lifespan Religious Exploration (CLRE): Ana G.Castañeda A.
- Childcare Provider: Paulina Hernandez
- Tech Team: Arthur Burstow, Olivia Velazquez, Theo Hawley
- Centering/fanfare videos: Ashlyn Noble
- This service’s ushers, greeters, and hospitality volunteers, including Cheryl Simmonds, Alejandra Nikkel, Paula Keirstead, Michael Thiessen
- Maintenance and set up: Jessica Hamm and Alejandra Nikkel
- Music for Affirmation: P.J. Buchan
- Chalice Sculptor & Banner Designer: Jo’Anne Kelly
- Chalice Logo Designer: Nancy Gilbert
- Pastoral Care: Rev Stefan Jonasson
- Lay Chaplain: Christina Swindells-Nader
- Website, Office Support, and Rentals: Nathalie Waite