The Worship Team presents
Our Annual Family Worship Service for Thanksgiving:
“On Gratitude and Giving Back”
Alyssa Halliday, Worship Leader
Dr. Gary Smart, Accompanist
Diane Freeman, Native Flute, Member-Musician
Members of the Worship Team and our Director of Religious Education, Presenters

Join us for our annual Family Thanksgiving Service, including a thanksgiving prayer, communion ritual and homily, “On Gifts and Giving Back.” The service was created by Rev. Tess Baumberger, including a Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address from the book “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a Bread Communion, and a Homily “On Gifts and Giving Back.” All ages are invited to attend, and the nursery will be open for babies and pre-school children.

All are invited to bring to the service an item from nature that you find to place on our altar table at the front of the sanctuary before the service begins, such as a pinecone, leaf, acorn, flower, berries, etc.

Special Music by Diane Freeman,
Native Flute
Diane has been a member since 2017 and has served as Vice President on the BBUUC Board. Born in Ocala and raised in Orlando, she attended the University of Florida and received her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in Counseling Psychology there. She had a private practice in Ocala, where she was also the President of Altrusa, a service organization for professional women and men. Diane was also a Charter Board Member of the Marion County Literacy Coalition. Before becoming a UU, Diane was raised as a Presbyterian and was active in the church for much of her adult life, serving in many leadership roles. She is an avid nature lover and loves to visit our country’s National Parks. Her favorite is Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska. In addition to playing the Native American flute, she is also a weaver. In early 2022, Diane was designated as legally blind. Ever-adaptable, Diane embraced the challenges and utilized the tools she has explored to engage and live her best life.