Join us at 10:30 in the sanctuary or click here to join us by Zoom on Sunday as we dedicate the stained-glass artwork “Forever in the Path” by artist Jessica Valoris, commemorating those who once lived and labored in bondage on the land on which our sanctuary sits. The artwork flows from Dr. Renee Harrison’s call to First Church in 2015 during a keynote address at our 150th anniversary to excavate our history to tell a greater truth. We will begin with a land acknowledgement. Commemorative Artwork Committee member Meg Maguire will call us to worship, including an excerpt from Emmy Award winner Hannah Long-Higgins’ film documenting our process of uncovering the names of the enslaved people who worked this land. Special music will be provided by Dwan Reece, Andrew Hamilton, and Ulung Tanoto. Thaddaeus Elliott and Diane Brenneman will serve as our scripture readers with a focus text from Philippians 4:1-19 (rejoice in the Lord always). Dr. Harrison will serve as our guest preacher with a sermon entitled “Onward, Through the River.” Rev. Amanda will lead us in prayer. The service will end with a procession out into the narthex for a ritual, blessing and postlude in the presence of the stained glass artwork. Join us, and we invite you to bring family and friends on this historic Sunday.
