Prelude — Avril 14th
Aphex Twin · piano
On a morning when we celebrate our young people stepping into their own next chapter, let this be the music that meets them at the door. A gentle, certain rising giving us space to contemplate their beautiful journey ahead.
Introit — Bridge Over Troubled Water
Paul Simon (1970) · piano · Kathleen and Henry
Two of our young people open worship with a promise: “Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down.” The most radical act of love is a body laid down to become a crossing. Receive their voices as covenant — this generation intends to build, not just to cross.
Hymn of Praise — Earth and All Stars
HPP #30, vv. 1, 3, & 4
Everything that exists, summoned into a single song of praise. “Earth and all stars! Loud rushing planets! Sing to the Lord a new song!” On Youth Sunday, that new song belongs to these graduates. The universe is still singing, and they are its newest verse!
Interlude — True Colors
Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly · organ
Steinberg wrote the original verse about his own mother — the one person who saw him clearly, without flinching, when he couldn’t see himself. “I see your true colors shining through — don’t be afraid to let them show.” This is what we ALL want to say to each and every one of our graduates.
Anthem — Hands
Jewel · Youth Group
“My hands are small, I know — but they’re not yours, they are my own.” What you build is yours. This morning our young people sing this as a charge — your hands are your own, and the world is waiting to see what you will build with them.
Laying on of Hands — I Could Use a Boost (from The Wild Robot)
Kris Bowers · piano
Bowers wrote this music the day he dropped his daughter off at college. In the film, this music plays as Roz runs alongside the flock and gives Brightbill the boost that sends him into the sky. As you listen, consider every adult in this room who has run alongside these graduates — and given them the push that made this morning possible.
Offertory — Let All Things Now Living
choir
“Till all things now living unite in thanksgiving, to God in the highest, hosanna and praise.” We send our youth out with the whole creation singing behind them. Because in God’s world, everyone belongs.
Postlude — Imagine
John Lennon · ALL Youth
Lennon called it a prayer, not a manifesto. “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” The UCC has always understood that the Kingdom of God is a world we are called to build — one act of courage and kindness at a time. Today the full youth group sings this charge to themselves and to all of us. They are not the only dreamers!