Jan. 28, 2018 – Founders’ Day Sunday Worship

We observed the 67th anniversary of our church’s founding at the 9 and 11 a.m. worship services on Jan. 28, 2018. The services featured performances by a special mass choir and reflections from members across the years about the meaning of this community.

The worship services also included dedication of a beautiful new chalice! The late Naoma Powell made the chalice we’ve been using for many years after the congregation’s previous one broke, and it was always intended to be temporary. Naoma’s chalice served us long and well, but was showing signs of wear. To protect this beloved artifact, it has been officially “retired” from active duty but will always have a place in our sanctuary and will still be used for special occasions. The new chalice is larger and will be easier to see from all parts of the sanctuary, in keeping with the needs of our growing congregation. It was dedicated with Naoma’s own words of dedication.

The photos in the slideshow below were taken at the 11 a.m. worship service by Andrew Twaddle (denoted “AT” in captions) and Steve Scott (denoted “SS”) in captions. Click the arrows to see the next or previous photos.

  • Members of the special mass choir stationed themselves around the periphery of the sanctuary to sing the prelude, "Ancient Mother," a traditional Native American tune arranged by our own Desi Long. (SS)
  • Rev. Molly spoke about the history of the chalice as a UU symbol and explained the procedure for the dedication of our new chalice. (SS)
  • Rev. Molly passed the flame from Naoma Powell's chalice to members of the congregation. (SS)
  • Congregants passed the flame to one another. (AT)
  • Congregants held their lit candles while singing "Rise Up, O Flame" multiple times. (SS)
  • Rev. Molly received the flame back from a congregant to light the new chalice. (SS)
  • Rev. Molly read the dedication words written by Naoma Powell for the chalice being retired. (AT)
  • The new chalice was lit with the flame passed from the old one. (AT)
  • The new larger chalice and the older one both stayed lit during the service. (AT)
  • Most of the children departed for their R.E. classes. (SS)
  • Rev. Molly introduced a hymn, "Rank by Rank Again We Stand." (SS)
  • Small children played in the rear of the sanctuary. (AT)
  • The mass choir, led by Interim Music Director Marques J. Ruff, left, sang the Anthem, "Shine Your Light" by Greg Gilpin. (SS)
  • Marques J. Ruff directed the mass choir. (AT)
  • Scott Denson was among four congregants sharing what our church means to them at the 11 a.m. service. (AT)
  • Megan Gore also spoke at the 11 a.m. service about how our church has helped her through some difficult times. (AT)