Sunday, July 5, 2026 “Question Box Sermon”

Board Welcome Jennifer Nichols

Opening Hymn #86 “Blessed Spirit of My Life” 

Indigenous Land Acknowledgment

Centering Words

Congregational Greeting

Bringing in the Light Nathan Hamm

Color Me Americaby Dolly Parton

Chalice Lighting

Time for All Ages Dana Reynolds

Wonder Walkers

written and illustrated by Micha Archer

Affirming Our Children #395 “Sing and Rejoice”

Share the Plate Fund for Immigration Legal Assistance (FILA)

Offertory “Dream Tower” by Wayne Gratz

Pastoral Meditation words by Rev Laura Martin

Special Music Jessica Kahn (soprano), Karen Thimmes (piano)

“Song of Freedom/Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor” 

by Irving Berlin

Sermon Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley

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

Benediction & Extinguishing the Chalice

Postlude 

“Hymn to Freedom” by Oscar Peterson


Announcements

for 7/5/2026

Church offices are closed through July 11 while many of our staff attend CERSI, or Central East Region’s Summer Institute church camp. Voicemail boxes will be monitored and urgent matters addressed by our ‘skeleton crew.’

TODAY! Democracy Action Hour Voter outreach training at 11:30 am: Learn how to check voter registrations, register people to vote, learn about the additional resources available, and get signed up for upcoming outreach opportunities. Nervous about getting started? Find a partner to sign up with at today’s training!

Featuring speaker Dr. Ira Helfand on July 11 at 2pm. Columbus Free Press presents Two-time Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, who will speak the topic “Back from the Brink: Addressing the growing threat of nuclear war.”

Sunday July 12: Monthly ARA & Friends Lunch to Flare Restaurant. Formerly Nile Vegan, this ethiopian restaurant now includes both meat and vegan options. Located at 1223 Goodale Blvd., Grandview Heights, OH 43212. Meet at the JAM table in Beach hall at 12:30 pm to carpool.

Auction Planning Kickoff Meeting Wednesday, July 15, 7-9 pm: YOU can help make this dynamic event a success! Join the auction team – or just come and share your ideas about the auction, if joining the team isn’t right for you. Email  Danya Furda for more information.

New! Neurodivergent Adults Peer Support group will meet on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 6pm beginning July 16. Are you an adult who is autistic, ADHD, or AuDHD? This peer-led group is for anyone 21+ who identifies as neurodivergent or is exploring the possibility. Join us for community, conversation, learning, and mutual support in a judgment-free environment.

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. Sign your name to the posters near A/B and Register to attend any of the discussions! Next discussion July 21st!

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

Guided Meditation Class Tuesdays From 6-7:15 pm. Free and Open to All, drop-ins welcome! (RSVP if able)

Registration is Open for our annual Labor Day Retreat! September 5 – 7 at Camp Oty’Okwa in beautiful Hocking Hills. Join us for our traditional Peek, Talent show, hike, hammock hang, & more. Host a workshop or activity!

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

check our online calendar for upcoming events!