Great is this day as is every day; and beautiful and dynamic is this community with each one comprising individual distinction and giftedness. We celebrate now the ability to gather, to dwell in gratitude and connection, to affirm life and God of all our understandings. We invite no affront to our common sense and intellect; nor do we deny or demean any emotional ties to what comforts and assures. We sit united -even with our distinctions, disagreements and distorted discriminations; we come together in the stream of life as temporal bits of stardust aware of our fears and fortitude, our respect and resilience. What amazing persons we each are and will be.

For music that inspires; bold and articulate messages for people of today, those yearning for fresh insight to age-old questions. For children born into the world – blessed, baptized, dedicated…loved and surrounded and launched into life. For parents who commit to their guidance, security and freedom. For the symbol and reality of water that renews, refreshes, that reminds us of new possibility. What a day and what a time. Amen to it all!

We welcome back Ian who returns emboldened and fulfilled; ready to continue the journey, able to inspire hope and learning. We say “yes” again to the visions that honor the progressive movement, that honor human being and kindness. That which unites collaboratively the insights and scholarship of all disciplines. That which lifts up the wisdom of traditions and saints and saviors, of prophets and cynics alike. Amen to it all.

We commit to become ever more impassioned and compassioned people. We commit to friends, family, lovers, children, adversaries, colleagues, neighbors. For people imprisoned, hospitalized, homebound, afraid, dying, being born and birthday people we remember. What form would our love for these take? What would it look like, sound like, feel like this day? Ah, what a wonder, challenge and satisfaction this could be. What an amazing, textured and sometimes tortured world we share and create.

We honor life and each one present; we honor God of many understandings; we honor and live out love that would transcend all limitations and grant us new freedom to be and become, to be more fully human. Amen.

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