"Gratitude for the Hard Stuff" – Matthew Villarreal
It’s often said that we can cultivate appreciation for the blessings in our lives because gratitude heals us, but what about the difficulties in our lives? Is there anything to be grateful for in them?
Eliot Chapel is serving as one of four teaching congregations to four UU students, including our guest speaker. He introduced himself to us at the beginning of this church year: "My name is Matthew Villarreal, and I am currently a student at Eden Theological Seminary and a graduate of Doane University with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies. I have been on a long spiritual journey from a conservative Christian background that eventually led me to Unitarian Universalism, where I could appreciate all faith traditions without being confined to the insights of any one of them. I look forward to helping a congregation find new spiritual insights through the help I will offer."
Order of Service:
Welcome: Rev. Barbara H. Gadon
Prelude: “All Good Gifts” from Godspell by Steven Schwartz – Gail Hintz, piano
Opening Words & Chalice Lighting: "The Abundance of Our Lives Together" by Katie Gelfand – Matthew Villarreal
Opening Hymn: “We Give Thanks” – Sarah Price, vocal & Gail Hintz, piano
Time for All Ages: The Cure by Christopher Buice – Heather Flick, religious education staff
Reading: Qur'an 31:12-17
Prayer: "Prayer of Gratitude" by Matthew Villarreal
Invitation to Giving
Offertory: “Duet in G Major, S.804” by J.S. Bach – Flo Reaves and Noel Burke
Sermon: "Gratitude for the Hard Stuff" – Matthew Villarreal
Closing Hymn: “We Lift Our Hearts in Thanks” – Sarah Price, vocal & Gail Hintz, piano
Closing Words & Chalice Extinguishing – "A Thanksgiving Blessing" by Naomi King
You can also find an order of service here.
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If you would like to contribute to the Shared Plate, please see the giving page on our website or scan the QR code to the left (click to enlarge). Check out easy instructions for text giving in this PDF. See information about our November recipient, SouthSide Early Childhood Center, in This Week at Eliot.
Gratitude for the Hard Stuff
November 29, 2020
