The Paradox of Good Enough
Sunday, January 29, 2023, 10:25 am
Online on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/738363620
Passcode: BUF
Zoom by phone, for audio only: (346) 248-7799
Meeting ID: 738 363 620
Passcode: 306220
Gathering Music Winter’s Flight
written and played by Karen FitzGerald
Welcome Rev. Paul Beckel
Singing Together #1031, May I be Filled with Loving Kindness
Chalice Lighting Su Livingston
Covenant
Children’s Focus The Principles Song
Children’s Blessing
Anti Racism/Anti Oppression/Multicultural Moment David Curley
Introductory Reflections
Singing Together #1053, How Could Anyone?
Dialogue
At the end of the day, what helps you to accept what’s left undone?
How do you deal with others’ expectations?
Any insights into what pressures you to feel not enough?
Meditation music: Fairy Tale by Dmitry Kabalevsky
Who has loved you into being?
Responsive Reading “Choose to Bless the World” by Rebecca Parker
Your gifts — whatever you discover them to be —
can be used to bless or to curse the world.
The mind’s power,
the strength of the hands, the reaches of the heart,
the gift of speaking, listening, imagining, seeing,
waiting
any of these can serve to feed the hungry,
bind up wounds, welcome the stranger,
praise what is sacred, do the work of justice, or offer love.
Any of these can draw down the prison door,
hoard bread, abandon the poor, obscure what is holy,
comply with injustice, or withhold love.
You must answer this question:
What will you do with your gifts?
Choose to bless the world.
The choice to bless the world can take you into solitude
to search for the sources of power and grace;
native wisdom, healing and liberation.
More, the choice will draw you into community,
the endeavor shared, the heritage passed on,
the companionship of struggle, the importance of keeping faith,
the life of ritual and praise, the comfort of human friendship,
the company of earth, its chorus of life welcoming you.
None of us alone can save the world.
Together — that is another possibility, waiting.
Sharing our Gifts Remembering, by Karen FitzGerald
Coda The Long Day is Over, by Norah Jones
Benediction
Singing Together #155, Circle ‘Round
Afterward
If you’re with us on Zoom today, please stay after the service for our online coffee hour. If you’re here in person, please join us downstairs for coffee and conversation.
If you’re new, we’d be grateful to have you provide us with contact information so we can let you know what’s happening here. There are buff-colored visitor contact cards in the pew racks, and in the entryway, that you can drop in the collection basket. Or provide your contact information HERE.
Contributions payable to “BUF” may be sent to:
1207 Ellsworth Street, Bellingham 98225
For info about donating online (credit card or PayPal), by automatic bank transfer, or via phone apps, see the “give” button in the upper right-hand corner at buf.org or contact the office: (360) 733-3837 / admin@buf.org
Announcements
Upcoming Services
Sunday, February 5 – Mystery, Awe, and Wonder in Religion and Science
In honor of the birthday of Charles Darwin, we’ll consider how both religion and science explore and respond to mystery with wonder and awe.
TODAY — Celebrate the Voyage of our Beloved Community
12:00 to 1:30 in the Social Hall
We will provide sandwich ingredients so we can eat while we enjoy a visual presentation of our BUF anti-racism accountability goals, see what we achieved, and what we are still working on.
Next Sunday – Potluck
… and budget conversation after the service: a time to share a meal and also an opportunity for an informal conversation – soliciting your input as we begin crafting next year’s budget.
All UU Need is Love – BUF Auction Saturday, February 11, 4:30-7 PM
Mark your calendars for this lively all-BUF community event. Your $20 ticket will include access to silent and live auction, Beatles-themed entertainment, groovy appetizers, and two raffle tickets for the prize of your choice. ‘60s attire, decor, and drinks will abound.
- Event and Raffle Tickets are on sale after the service.
- There is no online bidding this year. Bidding will only occur at the Feb 11th event.
- Raffle Items are in lobby – you don’t have to be present to win one!
- To see auction items donated so far, visit http://togetherauction.com/buf
- Can’t be there in person? Ask a BUF friend to bid for you!
The Paddle Call will help us buy comfortable chairs to help make our sanctuary more accessible and comfortable. An anonymous donor is matching up to $5000. Can’t be at the auction but want to donate a chair or two? Contact Sarah Pearson at sarah.cat.pearson@gmail.com to make your $150 per chair donation.
Commemorate Black History Month in Whatcom County
with soul food and, live entertainment
February 25 – 5pm-9pm – BUF Social Hall
Terrence TJ Morris and the Bellingham Unity Committee and friends will come together as an inclusive community to commemorate Black History Month in Whatcom County. Celebrating those from the movement who have inspired us. All are welcome and the event is free, but donations would be appreciated. Volunteers for set-up, welcoming, and take-down are needed. Contact Naomi Gary naomiwwwgary@gmail.com or Rupert Ayton rupertayton@yahoo.com for details.