New digital OOS

Order of Service  

Date – Aug 2, 2026 

Worship Leader – Rev Dr. Kate Walker 

Time for All Ages  Erica Shadowsong 

Liturgist  Chrisie Ambrass 

Music Ellen Gozion, Director of Instrumental Music; Michele Bankole, soprano. 

Tech Emily Sweeny 

Prelude  Opening from Glassworks by Philip Glass — Ellen Gozion, piano Director of Instrumental Music 

Welcome   Rev. Dr. Kate R. Walker 

Lighting the Chalice and Call to Worship   Rev. Kate and Chrisie Ambrass 

Opening Hymn  #354 We Laugh, We Cry 

Collective Grounding    Chrisie 

We name our collective recommitment to care for the earth. 

Knowing the ground we live upon is sacred, 

We pledge to bring new life to the earth 

New Life to the air 

New Life to the waters 

New Life to each other 

For all Life is sacred 

Story for All   Nachiketa’s Question,  a story from the Upanishads     Erica Shadowsong 

Singing For Our Children  # 1059 Go Lifted Up  

Go lifted up, 

Love bless your way, 

moonlight, starlight 

guide your journey 

into peace  

and the brightness of day. 

Offering    Chrisie  

Share The Plate Kelley Anderson for UUJusticePA 

Donations by check may be mailed to the church office.  Electronic donations can be made online through the church website or by texting “give” to (412) 435-1050 and following the instructions.          

Share the plate for August is UUJusticePA 

Joys and Sorrows: During the offertory music, you are invited to light a candle or place a stone in Blessed Community water as you offer silent gratitude or prayers. Two tables are in the sanctuary; one in the front, to the right of the platform, and one in the back right alcove. 

Offertory Music   My Faith Has Found by Ellen Gozion, sung by Michele Bankole 
 

Meditation, silence, or prayer   Rev. Kate  

Musical Response  #1010 We Give Thanks  

Sermon   The Question Box, Rev. Kate 

This is an annual service done in August when Rev. Kate responds to your questions. A wide variety of topics are welcome, particularly around UU theology, justice, dogs and tea. She withholds the right to defer to actual experts. You’re welcome to write one down and pass it to an usher.   

Hymn   #1017 Building a New Way 

Extinguishing the Chalice Flame   Rev. Kate and Chrisie 

We extinguish this flame but not the light of truth, 

the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment: 

these we carry in our hearts until we are together again. 

Benediction Rev. Kate  

Postlude My Favorite Things by Richard Rodgers — Ellen Gozion, piano 

To donate to Share the Plate  

– by check mailed to the church office, please include STP on the memo line  

– online on the church website, use the drop down to select Plate. 

– by texting “Give” to 412-435-1050 following the directions with the word share or pledge after the donation amount as appropriate. 

To make a pledge payment  

-by check, please put pledge in the memo line  

– online on the church website, keep the default General Fund 2025 option  

The Vision of UUJustice PA is:  Pennsylvania UUs are aware of justice issues and are called to speak and take action that leads to a better Commonwealth. Their Mission Statement is: Pursue justice by voting, advocating and making just public policies.  It is one of 28 state-based UU advocacy groups working to uphold our UU values in our state governments.  Since the early 2000s we have had staff and many volunteers establishing contacts with our legislators in Harrisburg and their home offices, and, working with other non-profits, make our PA state government more responsive to the needs of our Commonwealth’s Peoples.  There are currently seven Justice Teams:  Good Government, Economic Justice, Reproductive Justice, Environmental Justice, Gun Violence Prevention, Criminal Justice Reform, and   LGBTQIA+ issues with a focus on the current assault on Transgender folk.   

Michele Reneé Bankole is a classically trained African-American soprano of Creek and Blackfoot descent, celebrated for her expressive artistry and commanding stage presence. Based in Pittsburgh, she has performed leading and featured roles in opera, theater, and festival productions nationwide. Her recent portrayals include Marie/Etta James in *The Blues Roots*, Nadia in *Our Song*, and Madame Flora in *The Medium*. Michele’s performances have appeared at the International Black Theater Festival, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, and the Colour of Music Festival. With a deep commitment to storytelling and cultural expression, she brings authenticity and emotional depth to every role. Michele studied Opera at Oklahoma City University and has trained with esteemed vocal coaches. Her work reflects a passion for honoring heritage, uplifting community voices, and creating transformative experiences through music.