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Sunday on the Commons

Sunday on the Commons

By United Church, Little Compton

Weekly podcast of sermons from the United Congregational Church of Little Compton, Rhode Island. Most weeks will feature our Senior Pastor, the Rev. Rebecca Floyd Marshall, in the pulpit, but guest preachers step in from time to time as well.
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Gifts in the Wilderness | Fifth Sunday of Lent | March 21, 2021

Sunday on the CommonsMar 21, 2021

00:00
25:17
Mountaintop Experiences | February 27, 2022

Mountaintop Experiences | February 27, 2022

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month 


“The soul can split the sky in two

And let the face of God shine through”

–Edna St. Vincent Millay


A Prayer for Ukraine


Exodus 34:29-35

Luke 9:28-36



Give to the Offering 



Mar 04, 202217:37
Its Not Just About Winning Gold | February 20, 2022

Its Not Just About Winning Gold | February 20, 2022

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month 


“Rats and roaches live by competition under the laws of supply and demand; it is the privilege of human beings to live under the laws of justice and mercy.”

― Wendell Berry


A Prayer for Ukraine


1 Corinthians 1:18-24

Luke 6:27-38



Give to the Offering 



Feb 25, 202221:52
Where Do We Go From Here? | January 23, 2022

Where Do We Go From Here? | January 23, 2022

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month 


“Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependence of all things.” –Thomas Merton


1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

John 17:20-23


Special thanks to our new Interim Director of Music Raymond Buttero for the organ music this week.


Give to the Offering 



Jan 26, 202224:16
Remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr | January 16, 2022

Remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr | January 16, 2022

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month 


“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”

--The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.


Matthew 5:38-48


Special thanks to our new Interim Director of Music Raymond Buttero and to Deborah Johnson and Sarah Whitehead for lending their voices to this week's service.


Give to the Offering 



Jan 20, 202244:51
God With Us: Baptism of Jesus | January 9, 2022

God With Us: Baptism of Jesus | January 9, 2022

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month 


"“How about infant baptism? Shouldn't you wait until the child grows up enough to know what's going on?...

When it comes to the forgiving and transforming love of God, one wonders if the six-week-old screecher knows all that much less than the archbishop of Canterbury about what's going on.”

–Frederick Buechner


We're reviving the podcast for 2022!


Genesis 1:1-5

Matthew 3:13-17


Special thanks to our new Interim Director of Music Raymond Buttero and to Sarah Whitehead for lending her voice to this week's service.


Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. 



Jan 14, 202216:54
Subversive Wisdom | Jeremy Langill | August 15, 2021

Subversive Wisdom | Jeremy Langill | August 15, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month 


"You do not have to be good.

You do no have to walk on your knees

for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body

love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you about mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain

are moving across the landscapes,

over the prayer and the deep trees,

the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination, 

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting - 

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things."

- Mary Oliver, Wild Geese


This week we welcome Jeremy Langill, our new Director of Faith Formation and Outreach, to the pulpit for the first time.


Proverbs 9:1-6

John 6:51-58


Special thanks to Nancy Nicholson, our guest organist this week.


Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. 



Aug 17, 202122:10
Faith is Getting in the Boat | August 8, 2021

Faith is Getting in the Boat | August 8, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month 


Psalm 107:23-32

John 6:15-21


Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. 


We gratefully recognize the talents of the Spindle Rock River Rats who played for us this morning.

Aug 10, 202121:43
Satisfied | August 1, 2021

Satisfied | August 1, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month 

Gracious God, it would have been enough if you had given us life and breath,

but you also gave us hearts to love and hands to build and pray and hold each other.

You gave us imagination and ingenuity.

You gave us minds to choose and to perceive and to dream.

You gave us senses-- to taste and feel and see and smell and hear.

You gave us this earth with oceans and mountains, season and rhythms, dawnings and sunsets.

It would have been enough if you had given us life and breath, God, but you have given us far more, always abundantly more.

You gave us Your love and Your presence, Your Spirit to guide us,

And You gave us Your Son, Jesus, the bread of heaven. Amen.


Ephesians 3:14-21

Mark 6:35-44


Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. 


We gratefully recognize the talents of Sue Rousseau who filled on organ this morning for us.

Aug 05, 202118:03
Space for Silence | Sermon from July 25, 2021

Space for Silence | Sermon from July 25, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month 

“Not all of us are called to be hermits, but all of us need enough silence and solitude in our lives to enable the deeper voice of our own self to be heard at least occasionally.” ― Thomas Merton 


Psalm 131 

Mark 6:30-34; 45-46  


Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. 


We gratefully recognize the talents of Sue Rousseau who filled on organ this morning for us.

Jul 27, 202122:10
“Unbearable Words” | Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd | July 11, 2021

“Unbearable Words” | Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd | July 11, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month

“What I love about the Bible is that the story isn't over. There are still prophets in our midst. There are still dragons and beasts. It might not look like it, but the Resistance is winning. The light is breaking through. So, listen to the weirdos. More than anyone else in Scripture, they remind us that those odd ducks shouting from the margins of society may see things more clearly than the political and religious leaders with the inside track. We ignore them at our own peril. Listen to the voices crying from the wilderness. They are pointing us to a new King and a better kingdom.” - Rachel Held Evans, Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again

Scripture Reading 1: Amos 7:7-17 — Read by Nancy Dymecki

Scripture Reading 2: Mark 6:14-29 — Read by Prudence Fallon

Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.

We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible.

We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning:

Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd

Musician: Michael Bahmann

Our readers: Nancy Dymecki & Prudence Fallon 

Jul 11, 202153:04
“Re-imagining the Vision” | Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Patricia Kogut | July 4, 2021

“Re-imagining the Vision” | Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Patricia Kogut | July 4, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month

“May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” - Peter Marshall

Scripture Reading 1: Isaiah 11:6-9 — Read by Maria Comery 

Scripture Reading 2: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-45 — Read by Sarah C. Whitehead  

Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.

We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible.

We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning:

Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Patricia Kogut

Musician: Michael Bahmann

Our readers: Maria Comery & Sarah C. Whitehead

Jul 04, 202145:15
“Our abundance, their need.” | Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd | June 27, 2021

“Our abundance, their need.” | Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd | June 27, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month

“The Dead Sea in the Middle East receives fresh water, but it has no outlet, so it doesn't pass the water out. It receives beautiful water from the rivers, and the water goes dank. I mean, it just goes bad. And that's why it is the Dead Sea. It receives and does not give. In the end generosity is the best way of becoming more, more, and more joyful.”  ― Desmond Tutu, The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

Scripture Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 8: 7-15 — Read by Harry Switzer

Scripture Reading 2: Mark 5: 21-43 — Read by Russell Bodington

Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.

We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible.

We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning:

Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd

Musician: Michael Bahmann

Our readers: Harry Switzer & Russell Bodington

Jun 27, 202137:31
“A Service on Haiti” | Guest Minister: Shirley Hardison & Jonas Azolin | June 20, 2021

“A Service on Haiti” | Guest Minister: Shirley Hardison & Jonas Azolin | June 20, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month

“Life’s hard in Haiti right now. And the hardest thing is that the future does not lie with one person.” -- Edwidge Danticat

“We must all find the spirit to help better humanity! We all have it inside us to contribute something to the cause of humanity!” --Timothy Pina: Hearts for Haiti: Book of Poetry and Inspiration

Scripture Reading 1: Psalm 138 — Read by in Creole by Jonas Azolin & in English by Shirley Hardison

Scripture Reading 2: Matthew 14: 13-21 — Read by Shirley Hardison

Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.

We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible.

We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning: 

Guest Minister & Worship Leaders: Rev. Beverley Edwards, Shirley Hardison & Jonas Azolin 

Musician: Michael Bahmann

Our readers: Jonas Azolin & Shirley Hardison

Jun 20, 202136:31
“A Cinderella Story” | Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd | June 13, 2021

“A Cinderella Story” | Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd | June 13, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month

Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, "Not many of you were wise by the world's standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong . . ." (1 Corinthians 1:26-27)   

Scripture Reading 1: 1 Samuel 15:34 - 16:13 — Read by Linton Harrington

Scripture Reading 2:  Mark 4:26-34 — Read by Sue Talbot

Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.

We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible.

We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning:

Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd

Musician: Michael Bahmann

Our readers:  Linton Harrington & Sue Talbot

Jun 13, 202132:06
“In God We Trust” | Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd | June 6, 2021

“In God We Trust” | Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd | June 6, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month

“Religion is never a good force per se, but merely the final conflict between human self-esteem and divine mercy, and the one is as frequently victorious as the other.”—Reinhold Niebuhr

Scripture Reading 1: 1 Samuel 8: 4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15) — Read by Shirley Hardison

Scripture Reading 2:  Mark 3:20-35 — Read by Prudence Fallon  

Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.

We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible.

We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning:

Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd

Musician: Michael Bahmann

Our readers: Shirley Hardison & Prudence Fallon  

Jun 06, 202138:03
"Can These Bones Live?" | Guest Minister: Rev. Beverley Edwards | May 30, 2021

"Can These Bones Live?" | Guest Minister: Rev. Beverley Edwards | May 30, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month

“Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait, you watch, and work: You don’t give up.”  - Anne Lamont

Scripture Reading 1: Ezekiel 37:1-14  — Read by Sarah C. Whitehead 

Scripture Reading 2: Acts 2:1-4,14-18  —  Read by Kelly Rebeiro

Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.

We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible.

We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning:

Guest Minister: Rev. Beverley Edwards

Musician: Michael Bahmann

Our readers: Sarah Whitehead & Kelly Rebeiro

May 30, 202142:15
“When the Spirit comes”| Pentecost Sunday | May 23, 2021

“When the Spirit comes”| Pentecost Sunday | May 23, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month

"Without Pentecost the Christ-event - the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus - remains imprisoned in history as something to remember, think about and reflect on. The Spirit of Jesus comes to dwell within us, so that we can become living Christs here and now." —Henri Nouwen

Scripture Reading 1: Acts 2:1-21   — Read by Charlie Thomas

Scripture Reading 2: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15  — Read by Sue Talbot

Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.

We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible.

We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning:

Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd

Musician: Michael Bahmann

Our readers: Charlie Thomas & Sue Talbot

May 23, 202132:38
“Sent” | Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd | May 16, 2021

“Sent” | Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd | May 16, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month

“Prayer is commission. Out of the quietness with God, power is generated that turns the spiritual machinery of the world.  When you pray, you begin to feel the sense of being sent, that the divine compulsion is upon you.”— E. Stanley Jones

Scripture Reading 1: Psalm 1 — Read by Sue Talbot

Scripture Reading 2: John 17: 6-19 — Read by Maria Comery 

Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.

We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible.

We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning:

Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd

Musicians: Michael Bahmann; The Thomas Family Band

Our readers: Sue Talbot & Maria Comery

The Virtual Worship Team

May 16, 202128:33
 “You did not choose me but I chose you.” | Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd | May 9, 2021

“You did not choose me but I chose you.” | Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd | May 9, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month

"There is no perfect congregation, just the ones we've got, full of imperfect people that God loves and calls to be the Church." Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd 

Scripture Reading 1: Psalm 98: 4-9  — Read by Ron Tammaro

Scripture Reading 2: John 15:1-8 — Read by Prudence Fallon

Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.

We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible.

We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning:

Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd

Musician: Michael Bahmann

Our readers: Ron Tammaro & Prudence Fallon

The Virtual Worship Team

May 09, 202130:19
Abiding in God's Love | Guest Preacher: Rev. Lindsay Popperson | May 2, 2021

Abiding in God's Love | Guest Preacher: Rev. Lindsay Popperson | May 2, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month

 I know that I have life only insofar as I have love. 

I have no love except it come from Thee. 

Help me, please, to carry this candle against the wind.  

- Wendell Barry 

 
Scripture Reading 1: 1 John 4:7-21  — Read by Shirley Hardison

Scripture Reading 2: John 15:1-8 — Read by Nancy Dymecki

Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.

We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible.

We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning:

Guest Minister: Rev. Lindsay Popperson

Musician: Michael Bahmann

Holly Billings for the Flowers

Our readers: Shirley Hardison & Nancy Dymecki

The Virtual Worship Team

May 05, 202130:40
I am the good shepherd | Third Sunday after Easter | April 25, 2021

I am the good shepherd | Third Sunday after Easter | April 25, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month

“We have all things and abound; not because I have a good store of money in the bank, not because I have skill and wit with which to win my bread, but because the Lord is my shepherd.” ― Charles Spurgeon

Scripture Reading 1: Psalm 23  — Read by Sarah C. Whitehead

Scripture Reading 2: John 10:11-18 — Read by Harry Switzer

Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.

We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible.

We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning:

Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd

Musician: Michael Bahmann

The Talbot Family for the Flowers

Our readers: Sarah C. Whitehead & Harry Switzer

The Virtual Worship Team

Apr 25, 202134:49
Unfinished Business, Unfinished Christians | Second Sunday after Easter | April 18, 2021

Unfinished Business, Unfinished Christians | Second Sunday after Easter | April 18, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month

“Jesus's resurrection is the beginning of God's new project, not to snatch people away from earth to heaven, but to colonize earth with the life of heaven. That, after all, is what the Lord's Prayer is about. The resurrection completes the inauguration of God's kingdom.  It is the decisive event demonstrating that God's kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven. The message of Easter is that God's new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you're now invited to belong to it.” —N. T. Wright

Scripture Reading 1: 1 John 3:1-7  — Read by Charlie Thomas

Scripture Reading 2: Luke 24:36b-48  — Read by Kelly Rebeiro

Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.

We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible.

We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning:

Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd

Musicians: Michael Bahmann, Sarah C. Whitehead

Holly Billings for the Flowers

Our readers: Charlie Thomas & Kelly Rebeiro

The Virtual Worship Team

Apr 18, 202132:32
Who Will Roll Away the Stone? | First Sunday after Easter | April 11, 2021

Who Will Roll Away the Stone? | First Sunday after Easter | April 11, 2021

“In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me lay an invincible summer.” - Albert Camus

Scripture Reading 1: Isaiah 25:6-9  — Read by Linton Harrington

Scripture Reading 2: Mark 16:1-8  — Read by Prudence Fallon

Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. 

We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible.

We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning: 

Guest Minister: Rev. Beverley Edwards

Musicians: Andrea Desilets, Michael Bahmann, Your Favorite Brass Quintet, Shirley Hardison, Gianna Sullivan

Irish Blessing Vocals: Debbie Kelchner, Charlie Thomas, Caroline Thomas, Jen Thomas, Wendy Merriman, Lily Clark, Peter Fallon, Stephanie von Trapp Derbyshire

Irish Blessing Horn: Charlie Thomas

Annie Flather for the Flowers

Our readers:  Linton Harrington & Prudence Fallon

Jen Thomas & Lis Harrington - Alex’s prayer & blessing

Charlie Thomas, audio engineer

The Virtual Worship Team

Apr 18, 202145:46
Christ is Risen! Allelulia! Easter Sunday 2021 | April 4, 2021

Christ is Risen! Allelulia! Easter Sunday 2021 | April 4, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry - Give $5 a month

“Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light”  -Madeleine L’Engle


Romans 6:3-11 - Read by Charlie Thomas

John 20:1-18 - Read by Shirley Hardison


Give to the Offering





Apr 04, 202121:14
Palm Sunday! March 28, 2021

Palm Sunday! March 28, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry - Give $5/week

All glory, laud, and honor

to you, Redeemer, King,

to whom the lips of children

made sweet hosannas ring.

You are the King of Israel

and David's royal Son,

now in the Lord's name coming,

the King and Blessed One.


To you before your passion

they sang their hymns of praise;

to you, now high exalted,

our melody we raise.

As you received their praises,

accept the prayers we bring,

for you delight in goodness,

O good and gracious King!


Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 - Read by Prudence Fallon, Deacon

Mark 11:1-11 - Read by Sarah Whitehead 


Special thanks to Craig Shadday, Trumpet


Give to the Offering


Mar 30, 202129:11
Bonus: Journeys Through the Wilderness | Marking One Year of the Pandemic

Bonus: Journeys Through the Wilderness | Marking One Year of the Pandemic

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry - Give $5/week

“What makes the desert beautiful,' said the little prince, 'is that somewhere it hides a well...”  ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

On Sunday, March 14th, we marked one year since we began virtual worship due to the pandemic. During the service, Rev. Rebecca interviewed a number of our members about their experience of the past year, reflecting on our own "Journeys Through the Wilderness." We're sharing those interviews here now as a bonus episode. During this conversation, you will hear from (in order of appearance): Rev. Rebecca, Lily Clark (aka, the project manager for our Virtual Worship Team),  Shirley Hardison, Jen Thomas, and Chris and Marlene Smith.


Exodus 17:1-7 - Read by Harry Switzer (Deacon)




Mar 25, 202126:02
Gifts in the Wilderness | Fifth Sunday of Lent | March 21, 2021

Gifts in the Wilderness | Fifth Sunday of Lent | March 21, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry - Give $5/month

“The word patience means the willingness to stay where we are and live the situation out to the full in the belief that something hidden there will manifest itself to us.”  ― Henri J.M. Nouwen

Numbers 21:4-9 - Read by Colonel Ron Tammaro, Deacon

James 5:7-11 - Read by Nancy Dymecki, Deacon


Give to the Offering




Mar 21, 202125:17
Cleansing the Temple | Third Sunday of Lent | March 7, 2021

Cleansing the Temple | Third Sunday of Lent | March 7, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry - Give $5/month

“I imagine Lent for you and for me as a great departure from the greedy, anxious anti-neighborliness of our economy, a great departure from our exclusionary politics that fears the other, a great departure from self-indulgent consumerism that devours creation.  And then an arrival in a new neighborhood...”  --Walter Brueggemann


Psalm 69:30-34 - Read by Shirley Hardison, Deacon

John 2:13-22 - Read by Pru Fallon, Deacon


Give to our Offering




Mar 07, 202125:35
Compassion | Second Sunday of Lent | February 28, 2021

Compassion | Second Sunday of Lent | February 28, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry


“We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.”  ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer


Isaiah 49:8-16 - Read by Karen Corrigan, Deacon

Mark 8:31-37 - Read by Maria Comery, Deacon




Feb 28, 202125:26
Through the Wilderness | First Sunday of Lent | February 21, 2021

Through the Wilderness | First Sunday of Lent | February 21, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry


“...Perhaps this blessing became the path beneath your feet,

the desert that stretched before you,

the clear sight that finally came.”

--Jan Richardson


Psalm 25:1-10 - Read by Nancy Dymecki (Deacon)

Mark 1:9-15 - Read by Jennifer Thomas




Feb 21, 202128:19
Ash Wednesday | February 17, 2021

Ash Wednesday | February 17, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry


“Human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is painful.” --Flannery O’Connor


A series of Readings:


Ashes, a Sign of Creation (read by Kayla Oliveira, youth member)

Psalm 8 (read by Mae Pacheco, youth member)

Genesis 2:4-9 (read by Nancy Demenicki, Deacon)


Ashes, a Sign of Mortality (read by Prudence Fallon, Deacon)

Genesis 3:8-13, 17-19 (read by Ty Polasek, youth member)

Psalm 90:1-6 (read by Harry Switzer, Deacon)


Ashes, a Sign of Repentance (read by Marin Goodfriend, youth member)

A responsive reading of Psalm 130 (lead by Maddy Melnyk, youth member. Responses by Jilly Melnyk and Molly McCarthy, youth members, and Charlie Thomas, Deacon)


Ashes, A Sign of the Cross (read by Alex Floyd Marshall)

Matthew 16:24-26 (read by Toby Oliveira, youth member)

Feb 17, 202117:17
Another Chance | Guest Preacher the Rev. Dr. Richard L Floyd | February 14, 2021

Another Chance | Guest Preacher the Rev. Dr. Richard L Floyd | February 14, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry


“Repentance is not something God demands of you before He will take you back and which He could let you off if He chose; it is simply a description of what going back is like.” --C. S. Lewis

Isaiah 55:1-9 - Read by Harry Switzer (Deacon)

Luke 13:1-9 - Read by Charlie Thomas (Deacon)

Feb 14, 202132:34
Faith is an Action Verb | February 7, 2021

Faith is an Action Verb | February 7, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry


“It is when the church gives itself away in radical acts of service and compassion, expecting nothing in return, that the way of Jesus is most vividly put on display.” --Rob Bell


2 Corinthians 3:1-6 (read by Karen Corrigan, Deacon)

Mark 2:13-17 (read by Prudence Fallon, Deacon)


"The Summons" performed by Andrea Desilets (Jr. Choir Accompanist)

Feb 07, 202127:10
Confronting Our Demons | January 31, 2021

Confronting Our Demons | January 31, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry

“Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing.” --August Wilson


The stories of Jesus casting out demons in the Gospels are often difficult for us to wrap our minds around. Let's explore one of these stories and see what it says to us today.


Psalm 27:1, 4-9 - Read by Karen Corrigan, Deacon

Mark 1:21-28 - Read by Linton Harrington, Deacon


Watch the Video Version of this Service


Feb 01, 202124:25
Your Calling | January 24, 2021

Your Calling | January 24, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry


“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”  --Frederick Buechner


Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 - Read by Russell Bodington (Deacon)

Mark 1:14-20 - Read by Nancy Dymecki (Deacon)


Special thanks this week to Andrea Desilets, our guest musician on the piano.


Watch the video version of this service.

Jan 24, 202127:24
A Service in Honor of Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr | January 17, 2021

A Service in Honor of Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr | January 17, 2021

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry


“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

--The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


Join us as we hear from the writings of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


Amos 5: 16a; 21-24 - Read by Linton Harrington, Deacon


Readers of MLK Readings: Prudence Fallon, Harry Switzer, Charlie Thomas, and Catherine Sawoski, and Rev. Rebecca


Special thanks this week to Andrea Desilets, our guest musician on the piano.


Watch the video version of this service.

Jan 17, 202141:49
Christmas Eve 2020

Christmas Eve 2020

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Celebrate the arrival of Christ with us in a service full of beautiful music and wonderful readings from scripture.


“God is in the manger, wealth in poverty, light in darkness, succor in abandonment. No evil can befall us; whatever men may do to us, they cannot but serve the God who is secretly revealed as love and rules the world and our lives.”  -Dietrich Bonhoffer


Putting this service together was truly a community effort. Our thanks to:


Musical Participants:

Michael Bahmann, Musical Director

Stephanie Derbyshire, Jr Choir Director

Andrea Desilets, Jr Choir Accompanist

Jennifer Thomas, Violin

Sarah C. Whitehead, Soprano

Charlie Callahan, Violin

Ursula Talbot, Soprano

Junior Choir & God Squad:  Eli Harrington,  Julie Cavanaugh, Kayla Oliveira, Mackenzie Tripp,  Molly McCarthy

Craig Shadday, Trumpet

Lucas Swanson, Trumpet

Susan Winterbottom-Shadday, French Horn

Loralee Swanson, Trombone

Tom Gregory, Tuba


Readers:

Alex Floyd Marshall

Maddy & Jilly Melnyk

Richard McGee

Ellie Goodfriend

Sylvia Rapoza

Timothy Roberts


Production Team:

Rev. Rebecca Floyd Marshall, Minister

Alex Floyd Marshall, Audio Engineer

Cameron & Lily Clark, Video Production

Charlie Thomas, Audio Editing & Music Licensing


Musical Credits:

Go Tell It On the Mountain – Copyright Canadian Brass Publications

Hark the Herald Angels Sing - Arranger: Jack Gale, Copyright Cimarron Music Press

Christmas Canon – Copyright Warner-Chappell

Dec 25, 202046:07
No Room in the Inn | Fourth Sunday of Advent 2020

No Room in the Inn | Fourth Sunday of Advent 2020

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As Advent draws to a close, we remember the story of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, where there was no room for them in the Inn. What does it mean to welcome the stranger and care for those in need? Who might we be entertaining, unawares?


Hebrews 13:1-3, 5-6, 16 - Read by Col. Ron Tammaro, Deacon

Luke 2:1-7 - Read by Maria Comery, Deacon


Special thanks to the Coward family, our Advent Candle family this week.

Dec 20, 202027:07
How Can We Keep From Singing? | Third Sunday of Advent, 2020

How Can We Keep From Singing? | Third Sunday of Advent, 2020

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On the Third Sunday of Advent, Mary's Magnificant reminds us that this season of waiting and anticipation is also a season of joy. And though we cannot sing together this year, let us still lift up our voices in song.


Isaiah 35:1-10 - Read by Harry Switzer, Deacon

Luke 1:46-55 - Read by Karen Corrigan, Deacon


Special Thanks to Al and Cindy Lees, the Advent Family this week.

Dec 13, 202022:32
Confession and Repentance | Second Sunday of Advent | December 6, 2020

Confession and Repentance | Second Sunday of Advent | December 6, 2020

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The stark image of John the Baptist, prophet in the wilderness, calling all who listen to repent, greets us on the Second Sunday of Advent. How should we understand the practices of confession and repentance for our lives today?

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

Mark 1:1-8

Dec 08, 202028:13
Ordering Our Lives | November 15, 2020

Ordering Our Lives | November 15, 2020

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Economy, Ecology, Ecumenism: they all come from the same Greek root word, Oikos, which means "household." At root, all of these things are about how we order our lives and our resources in relation to others. What does living in God's household look like? How are we meant to order our lives and our resources?


Galatians 6:1-10

Acts 2:14;32-33;36-47

Nov 15, 202026:60
Entering the Conversation | November 8, 2020

Entering the Conversation | November 8, 2020

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When we pray, we aren't giving God new information, we are opening ourselves up to the conversation God is already having. To hear what God is saying, we have to trust that God is already working and moving in our lives and world.


Psalm 25

Galatians 5:22-25

Nov 08, 202034:22
A Service of Remembrance (Live) | All Saints Day | November 1, 2020

A Service of Remembrance (Live) | All Saints Day | November 1, 2020

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Watch the video version of this service.

This is audio from our in-person All Saints Service, honoring the lives of those who have died in our community in the past year. During the service, we lit candles in their honor, and if you are listening to this at home we invite you to similarly light a candle in honor of your loved ones lost, whether this year or in year's past. Get your candle ready and light it with us as you listen to recognize their life.

Isaiah 60: 1-3; 19-20

Matthew 5:1-10; 14-16

Nov 01, 202026:39
Being a Witness | October 25, 2020

Being a Witness | October 25, 2020

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This week, we discuss what it means to give testimony to our faith. Special thanks to Sarah Whitehead for gracing us with her singing voice this week and to Tara Bradley and Carol Beach for their beautiful testimony.


Watch the video version of this service.


2 Timothy 1:1-14

Acts 1:6-9;12-14

Oct 25, 202031:54
Where Your Treasure Is | Guest Preacher: David Cleaver-Bartholomew | Oct. 18, 2020

Where Your Treasure Is | Guest Preacher: David Cleaver-Bartholomew | Oct. 18, 2020

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Watch the video version of this service.


This morning we welcome the Rev. David Cleaver-Bartholomew as a guest preacher. David is the Associate Conference Minister for Stewardship and Financial Development at the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ (our denomination) and is speaking to us today about stewardship in our local church.

Luke 12:13-34


Thrift Shop Auction

Oct 18, 202028:13
Peace that Passes Understanding | October 20, 2020

Peace that Passes Understanding | October 20, 2020

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Audio version of our virtual worship service from October 20, 2020. Watch the full video version of the service here.

We cannot be instruments of God's peace unless we experience that peace ourselves.

Philippians 4:1-9

John 14:25-27


Images About Spiritual Fulfillment


Thrift Shop Auction

Oct 11, 202023:41
Blessing of the Animals (Live) | Oct. 4 2020

Blessing of the Animals (Live) | Oct. 4 2020

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In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, we held a special outdoor service and "blessing of the animals" on a farm overlooking Sakonnet River. Listen here to the audio version, or watch the full service (and see the cute animals) here.

Psalm 96

Colossians 1:15-20

Oct 06, 202028:26
Cornerstones and Stumbling Blocks (Live) | September 27, 2020

Cornerstones and Stumbling Blocks (Live) | September 27, 2020

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Audio recording from our live service on September 27, 2020. View the full length video version of this service.

Simon Peter is, in back to back stories in the gospels, described both as the rock on which Jesus will build the church and a potential "stumbling block" trying to trip others up. What's the difference between the two? And how do we come to be part of building up the church in our own lives and faiths together?

1 Peter 2:1-12

Matthew 16:21-28

Sep 29, 202025:26
In Our Time | Sept. 20, 2020

In Our Time | Sept. 20, 2020

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Throughout history, Christians have had to make intentional, and sometimes sacrificial and even risky decisions to practice their faith in spite of their surrounding cultures. When it comes to the practice of the Sabbath, what will that look like for us today?

Exodus 3:1-15

Romans 12:9-21

Sep 20, 202023:51
How to Swim (Live) | Sept. 13, 2020

How to Swim (Live) | Sept. 13, 2020

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This was recorded live at our Beach Service (apologies for the wind noise in the recordings), during which we also did our annual "blessing of the backpacks" to recognize our kids as they head back to school in what will be a very different fall.

Psalm 119:34-40

1 Corinthians 9:24-27: 

“Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one gets the prize? So run in such a way as to win. 25 Athletes practice self-discipline in everything.

They do it to get a crown of leaves that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26

So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; 27 but I work my body and master it, so that after I have preached to others the way to run, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

Sep 16, 202025:25