Message by Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman
Moment of Perspective – Water Communion – AJ Fox
The opening words are River Call by Manish K. Mishra-Marzetti
Between rocking the boat and sitting down;
between stirring things up, and peaceably going along,
We find ourselves here,
in community.
Each called
from many different journeys,
Many different
life paths,
onto this river road.
Some are here
because the rocking of
the boat has been too much: too much tumult,
too much uncertainty,
too much pain.
Some are here with questions about where the boat is going;
how best to steer it;
where this journey ends.
Others are here,
as lovers of the journey, lovers of life itself.
Here in front beside behind
each a passenger; each a captain;
doing the best we can.
“Rest here, in your boat,
with me,” the river calls;
“Listen to how I flow,
the sound of life coursing all around you.”
Let the current hold you,
let the current guide you;
the river that gently flows through your soul, Whispers:
“Come, let us worship.”
Children of the Human Race
Words: John Andrew Storey
Music: Thomas Oboe Lee
Permission Granted
Accompanied by Eva Riebold with Live Congregational Singing
Bring Me Little Water, Silvy
African American Spiritual
Video Created by Adam Podd and the 1st Unitarian Church, Brooklyn, NY
Permission Granted
The closing words are All Rivers Run to the Sea By Kayle Rice
It starts with a drop,
Then a trickle…
A burble, a rush of water, bubbling toward its destination;
And finally the wide, endless sea.
All rivers run to the sea.
Today you brought water
Poured it into a common bowl.
Though our experiences have differed,
These waters mingle, signifying our common humanity.
Today you came
And shared in this sacred community.
May you depart this sacred space,
Hearts filled with hope for new beginnings;
A fresh start.
Go forth, but return to this community,
Where rivers of tears may be shed,
Where dry souls are watered,
Where your joy bubbles,
Where your life cup overflows,
Where deep in your spirit you have found in this place a home.
All rivers run to the sea.