Sunday, May 31, 2026 “Why Do Stories Survive?” (Luke Rouker)

Board Welcome Kristen Hartmann

Opening Hymn #126 “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” 

Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Bill Fiorini

Centering Words “If I Must Die” by Refaat Alareer, Luke Rouker

 

Congregational Greeting Luke Rouker

Bringing in the Light Nathan Hamm

I Believeby Jeffrey Pence and Matthew Senatore

 

Chalice Lighting Rev. Kelli McNeal

“But then you read” by James Baldwin, 

Time for All Ages Gabe McDonald

The Remember Balloons

written by Jessie Oliveros & illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte

Affirming Our Children #118 “This Little Light of Mine” (verse 1)

 

Share the Plate Speaker Ty Smith, Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio

Offertory “Voices That Care” 

by David Foster, Peter Cetera and Linda Thompson

Pastoral Meditation A Prayer for Reconciliation, Padraig O’Tuama

 

Choral Anthem Chalice Choir (Dr. Brandon Moss, Director)

“Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around” 

Trad. Spiritual w/add’l. text by Langston Hughes,
arr. Rollo Dilworth

 

Reading The Parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37 

Hymn #1042 “Rivers of Babylon”

Sermon Luke Rouker

 

Closing Hymn #108 “My Life Flows On In Endless Song”

Benediction “A cloud can never die” by Thich Nhat Hahn

Extinguishing the Chalice

Choral Benediction Chalice Choir

“We Will Keep a Place for You” by John Corrado


Announcements

Summer Schedule Is in Effect! Now through September 6 we will gather for one worship service at 10am. Weekly “Continuing the Conversation” discussions on sermon topics begin June 14 after services in room 301.

The Annual Meeting is NEXT Sunday, June 7. View the 2026 Election Information and slate of candidates to prepare, and please plan on attending! There will be snacks, cake, and voting on congregational business.

Are you attending General Assembly June 14-21? Consider being a First UU delegate! Register at uua.org and email the Board of Trustees

Coming soon: Guided Meditation Class Beginning June 16. Tuesdays From 6-7PM. Free and Open to All! (RSVP if able)

IACO Event: Immigration in Central Ohio Sunday, June 28, 2026 3-5:30 pm

Bethel International UMC, Registration ($15) Open until June 22 

Calling all UU Artists for Summer Art exhibit “Freedom!” Register your work at https://firstuucolumbus.org/rsvp/ and bring it in August 7-9. (Details on registration form)

ARA Congregational Read: Stamped from the Beginning. You are invited to read or watch Ibram X. Kendi’s book to participate in the congregational group read. Discussions begin May 13, Register to attend!

Save the Date: SYC Playground Grand Opening Sunday, June 28 at 11am.

Register Kiddos for Peace Camp! July 27-31 (6-8yrs) or Aug 3-7 (8-11yrs).


Find details in this week’s Friday’s News and

check our online calendar for upcoming events!