Commitment Sunday At First Unitarian

The Rev. Burton Carley (right), of the Church of the River, in Memphis was the guest preacher for the church's fourth Committment Sunday. His topic was "Lost in Translation" and was a stirring call to look past the institutional maintenance of the church toward what we are called to do in the world and in our own spiritual lives. He is shown here with Rev. Merritt immediately after the service.

At the conclusion of the service, congregants brought forward cards indicating the extent of their financial support of the church for 2008. Over 100 cards were turned in.
After the service, the Congregation came together for a congregational lunch over at the Crown Plaza hotel, across the street. Over 175 people came for lunch, which did NOT include any real speeches, but did include a dress up corner for the children and youth.

Rev. Carley composed the Common Prayer for our worship service.

O Holy One,

from the preoccupations that beset us

we come to this place of memory

and hope to rekindle our spirit.

We confess how busyness often takes us away

from relationships and actions that matter.

We confess how distractions kidnap our consciousness

and hold us hostage to trivial pursuits.

From cynicism and superficiality save us.

May we be touched once again by the gift and glory of life.

Let us be present to your call.

Quicken our faith, deepen our souls and renew our joy.

Turn us toward you

and in that meeting

come to understand what is required of us.