Alyssa Halliday presents
a sermon written by
Rev. Janet Parsons
Minister, Gloucester (MA) Unitarian Universalist Church
“The Creative Spirit”
Claudia Marshall, Worship leader
Dr. Gary Smart, Accompanist
Bill and Paula Prince, Keyboard and Saxophone
What can separate us from a life of creativity isn’t a lack of talent, whether we see ourselves or others see us as talented. No. What can separate us from a life of creativity is our response to the invitation, to the call. Do we say “yes” when we feel something inspiring us? Do we even notice? Do we walk through the door that opens, or do we say “no” or “I can’t”?
About our Speaker
Alyssa Halliday has been attending BBUUC since 2017. After becoming a member in 2018, she has served on various committees, including her favorite Worship Committee. She recently completed a two-year term as a Board Trustee. She enjoys leading worship and is excited about the opportunity to share a sermon written by Rev. Janet Parsons.
About the Sermon Author
Rev. Janet Parsons was called to the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church in 2015. She has a fundamental belief in the worth and dignity of all people, an unwavering commitment to social justice, and a dedication to seeking common ground to end gun violence. Rev. Parsons has also been an active participant in the groundbreaking Cape Ann Slavery and Abolition Project, which is researching locations on Cape Ann where enslaved people lived and worked and where abolitionist and anti-slavery activity occurred. Her commitment to service has been life-transforming, and she considers justice work and service to be vital ways for Unitarian Universalists to express their values in the world. Rev. Parsons received her bachelor’s degree in political science and her master’s degree in urban policy from Tufts University, and earned her master of divinity from Andover Newton Theological School.
About Our Guest Musicians
Paula Prince is a graduate of the jazz studies program at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. In Cincinnati, she played saxophone and/or flute in various large and small bands. After relocating to Florida, she performed with various ensembles, including the First Coast Wind Symphony, the TBA Big Band, Swing and a Miss, and the North Florida Saxophone Quartet.
Bill Prince, a professor emeritus at the University of North Florida, has performed with numerous bands and orchestras, including Buddy Rich, the NORAD Band, and the American Wind Symphony Orchestra. He has performed on over 70 albums and can be heard on Buddy Rich’s, Mercy Mercy and The Best of Buddy Rich. In more recent years, Bill developed a cabaret show that he performed on cruise ships worldwide. One of his unique talents is the ability to perform professionally on several instruments. Bill produced his own CD, Happy Thoughts, on which he composed, arranged and performed all parts.He also published a book on his musical life titled Music Is My Ticket, available on Amazon.