Welcome [Chaplain Bill Freeman greets the congregation with words such as, "Good morning and welcome to Interfaith Congregation. We're so glad you're with us. We gather together to be with one another. We gather together to share with one another. We gather together to learn, laugh and love one another, others and even ourselves. Welcome. And welcome home. Namaste. That's a Hindu word of blessing. Now let us sing a Hebrew word of praise."]

 

Hallelujah [We sing the word Hallelujah several times.]

 

Peace Candle [As he lights our Peace Candle, Bill Freeman says some words like, "We now light our Candle of Peace. Our Candle of Peace is a rainbow of colors to remind us that all the people of the human rainbow must be at peace for there to truly be peace on earth, goodwill toward all."]

 

Peace Greeting [Respecting people's boundaries, we greet one another with handshakes or hugs.]

 

A Song of Gratitude [The Interfaith Congregation Chorale leads us in singing a song such as Morning Has Broken.]

 

Announcements [Kathleen Freeman reads our announcements about upcoming events.]

 

Offering [We "pass the plate," collecting money to pay for our expenses.]

 

Music [Instrumental music is played while our Offering is collected.]

 

Readings [People read things, such as scripture or other writings, that have moved them.]

 

Reflection [We offer a couple minutes to meditate or think about a reading or an idea.]

 

Talk [We usually have a discussion with people from different faith traditions, like Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, or Bill Freeman delivers a 20-minute sermon about a topic of interest to people, with titles such as "God is Great, Beer is Good, People are Crazy" and "Have You Hugged Your (Inner) Child Today?"]

 

Talkback [We spend 10 minutes or so discussing the ideas presented in the Talk.]

 

A Song of Justice [The Interfaith Congregation Chorale leads us in singing a song, such as Let There Be Peace on Earth.]

 

Water [Referring to a bowl of water on our table, Bill Freeman says something like, "Water is a blessing. It's also a symbol. Both Christians and Jews use water to symbolize cleansing. This water is here, not to symbolize cleansing, but to remind us to count our blessings, including the blessing of water."]

 

Join Hands [We gather together in a circle, joining hands, if people want to.]

 

Joys & Concerns [We invite people to share, if they want to, what is on their heart.]

 

Blessing [Bill Freeman says some final words such as, "In the days ahead, may you be blessed with everything that you need and may you be a blessing to everyone that you meet. Go in love. Go in joy. Go in peace. Shalom. Salaam. Peace. Now let us sing a word that's found in the the Hebrew Scriptures, in the Christian New Testament and in the Koran."]

 

Amen [We sing part of a song made popular by Sidney Poitier in Lilies of the Field.]