12-7-2025 Order of Service

Christmas: The Season of the Heart

Sunday, December 7th, 2025, 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                                      Ian Pelot, keyboard artist

Linus and Lucy, Vince Guaraldi

Welcome                                                  Rev. Marsha Vollkommer, celebrant

Prelude                                                     Christmas Time Is Here, Vince Guaraldi

Hymn                                                        #188 Come, Come, Whoever You Are

Chalice Lighting                                      Rev. Marsha Vollkommer

Covenant:

Love is the spirit of this fellowship, and service
gives it life. Celebrating our diversity, and joined by a quest for
truth, we work for peace and honor all creation. This is our
covenant.

Time for All Ages

Children’s Blessing:

We hold you in our love as you go as
you go. May your hearts be at peace as you go. To nurture
the spark of your precious life, we hold you in our love as
you go.

Introduction of Guest Minister                Rev. Marsha Vollkommer

Responsive Reading                                The Bells of Christmas, Dr. Duncan E. Littlefair

Social & Environmental Justice Collection
Humanitas                                                  Rev. Marsha Vollkommer

Offertory                                                    O Tannenbaum Traditional, arr. Vince Guaraldi

Readings                                                   “Hymn to Agape” St. Paul

“Of Love” Mary Oliver

 

Sermon Part I                                             The Heart of Love, Rev. Brude Bode

Interlude Hymn                                          #10, Immortal Love

Sermon Part II                                            Christmas for Everyone!, Rev. Brude Bode

Hymn                                                          #224, Let Christmas Come

Closing Words and Extinguishing the Chalice

Closing Song                                             #155, Circle Round for Freedom


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. Visitors: you may wish to use a red cup — then we’ll know you’re open to a bit of orientation.

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