We are taught, in subtle and overt ways, to disconnect: from our bodies, from our pleasure, from each other.
Beltane offers us another way.
This sermon explores how joy, celebration, and embodied connection can become acts of resistance against systems that rely on our exhaustion and isolation. Revelry is not a distraction from the work; it is a crucial part of how we sustain it. Come consider what it means to reclaim that joy, together!
“In Defense of Revelry”
Jessy Swink
May 3rd, 2026
Chiming of the Singing Bowl Carrie Tester
Words of Welcome and Announcements Carrie Tester
Prelude – “Greensleeves” Shirley Gruenhut
Traditional, arranged by Toshihiko Kawano
Introduction of Speaker Carrie Tester
Lighting of the Chalice Carrie Tester
Call to Worship Jessy Swink
Singing – Centering Hymn* The Congregation
#346 “Come, Sing a Song with Me”
Time for All Ages – Introduction to Beltane Sunday Parker
Singing the Children Out The Congregation
#414 “As We Leave This Friendly Place”
Stones of Joys and Sorrows Carrie Tester
Prayer and Meditation – An Elemental Body Blessing Jessy Swink
by Noel Lemen
Reading – “A Gift of Strawberries” Carrie Tester
from “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Interlude – “Scarborough Fair” Shirley Gruenhut
Traditional, arranged by Martin Ludenhoff
Sermon – “In Defense of Revelry” Jessy Swink
Introduction to Outreach Recipient Emily Fernald,
Habitat for Humanity
Invitation to the Offering Carrie Tester
Offertory – “Simple Gifts” Shirley Gruenhut
Traditional Shaker hymn, arranged by Joseph Brackett
Dedication of the Offering (in unison) The Congregation
To the work of this congregation,
which is weaving a tapestry of love and action,
we dedicate our offerings and the best of who we are.
Singing – Closing Hymn* The Congregation
#354 “We Laugh, We Cry”
Shelley Jackson Denham
Benediction* Jessy Swink
Postlude – “Basin Street Blues” Shirley Gruenhut
Spencer Williams
Arranged by Shirley Gruenhut
*Please rise in body or spirit.
