Order of Service
October 25, 2026
Worship Leader Rev. Dr. Kate R. Walker
Time for All Ages Erica Shadowsong
Liturgist Chrisie Ambrass
Music Ellen Gozion, Dir. of Instrumental Music; The Acoustic Gathering with guest Alice Backer
Tech Nicky Baldy
Prelude Midnight on the Water, Trad. — The Acoustic Gathering
Welcome Rev. Dr. Kate R. Walker
Lighting the Chalice and Call to Worship Rev. Kate and Chrisie Ambrass
Opening Hymn Here Together by David Glasgow
We are here, here together
In this holy moment
And we’re grateful for the winding road
That brought us to this place.
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 “Louisa May and Mr. Thoreau’s Flute” by Julie Dunlap and Marybeth Lorbiecki Erica Shadowsong
Singing For Our Children Peace, Salaam, Shalom by Pat Humprhies / Emma’s Revolution
Peace, salaam, shalom,
Peace, salaam, shalom, etc.
Stewardship Testimonial Laurie Lavine
Offering Chrisie
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 October is PIIN*
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 Far and Wide by Ruth Moody — The Acoustic Gathering
Meditation, silence, or prayer Rev. Kate
Musical Response #95 There is More Love Somewhere
Sermon “Transcendentalism and Unitarian Universalists in 19th Century” Rev. Kate
Closing Hymn #1064 Blue Boat Home
Extinguishing the Chalice Flame Rev. Kate
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 Pony Boy by Mark Simos – The Acoustic Gathering
Fire Drill
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 Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN) is a grassroots coalition of faith congregations, organizations, and individuals committed to building power for justice in Southwestern Pennsylvania. By building potent relationships, training leaders, negotiating successfully, and publicly demonstrating its power, PIIN influences policy and practice to create conditions for flourishing, just communities. First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh was one of PIIN’s founding members over 26 years ago and Rev. Kate Walker is PIIN’s president. PIIN is currently working on five issues: Environmental Justice, Immigration Justice, Criminal & Transformational Justice, Public Education, and “Get out the Vote” activities. Community organizing requires both people and money, and 1st UU is providing both volunteer leaders and financial support. For more information: piinpa.org. Thank you for your support of PIIN.
Alice Backer, fiddle, was classically trained in violin, but after she was exposed to country and bluegrass music, her violin suddenly turned into a fiddle and has remained that way ever since. A member of Pittsburgh’s beloved Bertha and the Belles, she has performed with Bluegrass, Scottish, and Children’s Music Bands. She is a versatile harmony singer who enriches any group she sings with. The Acoustic Gathering has enjoyed making music with her this season!
The Acoustic Gathering is an all-ages, all-abilities community music activity supported by First Unitarian Church. We gather twice-monthly to build community and musicianship. Our very informal rehearsals/music jams are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Please contact Ellen Gozion at instrumentalmusic@first-unitarian-pgh.org to receive more information, or to be added to the email list for schedule updates and links to repertoire.