No, the subject line isn't a comment on the new Harry Potter novel. I haven't read it yet, and don't plan to until a copy frees up at the library. I'm not in the right headspace to read the whole thing just now, for an assortment of reasons, although I've been following various friends' reactions to it with avid interest (they run the entire spectrum from anger and denial to delight and exultation - and there are already a heap of hilarious fic and thoughtful essays triggered by various elements of the book).

What I did do today was attend a memorial service in the morning, where the hymns were "Come, Sing a Song With Me," "Blue Boat Home," and "For the Beauty of the Earth." Sean was only eight years older than me, and when the minister choked up during the eulogy - describing how Sean and Vanessa had just moved their farm with their kids, and how "they had big plans" - only then Sean was diagnosed with the cancer that would kill him - oh, life is so not fair, and I know that, but that's not going to stop me from tearing up over it.

It was a gorgeous morning, nonetheless, and I got to touch base with several friends before heading home and working on the sermon. Which is finally done, but saints, I have got to get a handle on writing faster.

At any rate, it's done, and I'll link to it later after I upload it to my website. In the meantime, here's the order of service:

So many ways love has, none may appear
The bitter best, and none the sweetest worst.
- Countee Cullen

Morning Songs:
#22 Dear Weaver of Our Lives' Design

Let eyes that in the plainest cloth
a hidden beauty see
discern in us our richest hues,
show us the patterns we may use
to set our spirits free. - Nancy C. Dorian

#299 Make Channels for the Streams of Love

Make channels for the streams of love where they may broadly run;
and love has overflowing streams to fill them every one.
But if at any time we cease such channels to provide,
the very founts of love for us will soon be parched and dried.
For we must share, if we would keep this gift all else above;
we cease to give, we cease to have -- such is the law of love. - Richard Chevenix Trench

#188 Come, Come, Whoever You Are

Come, come, whoever you are,
wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving.
Ours is no caravan of despair.
Come, yet again, come. - adapted from Rumi

Inviting the Bell

Chalice Lighting

Call to Worship

Musical Affirmation

Story for All Ages

Swan in Love by Eve Bunting

Welcome

Joys and Sorrows

Offertory

Responsive Reading
Connections Are Made Slowly by Marge Piercy

Hymn
#391 Voice Still and Small

Meditation & Silence

Sermon
"Unicorns, Hippogriffs, and Bisexuals"

Closing Hymn
#6 Just As Long As I Have Breath
[the subject line of this post comes from here]

Chalice Extinguishing

Benediction