Interdependent web of all existence

BRATTLEBORO -- The Rev. Barbro Hansson and lay leader Charles Butterfield will conclude the series of worship services on Sunday at All Souls Church based on the Seven Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations.

"We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." So reads the seventh and perhaps most familiar of all the principles. It is especially cogent in this time of environmental destruction, global climate change and rapid resource depletion.

The Seventh UU Principle serves as the impetus for Unitarian Universalist churches to become "Green Sanctuaries." All Souls Church has earned that designation because the congregation took significant steps to reduce the church's environmental footprint. A comprehensive study of how the church building can be made even "greener" is under way.

In recognition of Mother's Day, Kelly Salasin, acting director of Religious Education, will read "Earth Mother" by Ellen Jackson during the Time for All Ages. All Souls member Daniel Kasnitz will play the traditional Gospel song "We've Got the Whole World in Our Hand" on his guitar with the congregation singing.

The All Souls Choir, under the direction of Ede Thomas, will sing "A Quiet Moment," an anthem with words by William Blake and music by Audrey Snyder. For piano prelude and offertory music, Eva Green will play Goldberg Variations 22 and 30 by J. S. Bach and Preludes by F. Chopin.

Sunday worship at All Souls begin at 9:55 a.m. Religious Education classes and nursery care run concurrently with the service. A social hour follows. This Sunday the social hour will conclude with a review of the Fiscal Year 2009 church budget. The usual after-service parlor talk will be rescheduled.

Visitors are invited to attend worship and fellowship at All Souls Church, located in West Brattleboro, just across South Street and up the winding dirt driveway from the fire station.

For information about services and other events at All Souls call the church at 802-254-9377 or check the Web site at www.allsouls.brattleboro.uua.org.