Gathering Music (Mary Bopp, UUS:E Director of Music) (begins at 9:50 AM)
Welcome (Gina Campellone, UUS:E Director of Religious Education)
Announcements (Rev. Josh Pawelek, UUS:E minister)
Centering (Gina Campellone)
Prelude
“All Possibility”
performed by members of the Manchester Women’s Sacred Singing Circle
Chalice Lighting and Opening Words
“We Light This Chalice to Embrace Possibility”
by Robin Slaw
spoken by Mazzlyn Stevenson
Opening Hymn
“Meditation on Breathing”
by Sarah Dan Jones
#1009 in Singing the Journey
led by Jeannette LeSure
When I breathe in,
I’ll breathe in peace.
When I breathe out,
I’ll breathe out love.
Blessing of the Backpacks (Gina Campellone)
May your mask keep you safe
And your light always be seen.
May you learn and grow each day,
In person or on your screen.
May your hearts and minds journey
And discover what is true.
But most of all, may you know you
Are loved – simply for being you.
BACK to SCHOOL Slide Show
Joys and Concerns
Musical Meditation (Mary Bopp)
Offering
For the month of September, our Community Outreach offering will be shared by two organizations:
Power Up is a new Black Lives Matter organization in Manchester. They are courageously bringing much needed visibility to the ongoing realities of racism in Manchester and surrounding communities. Some UUS:E members and friends have participated in Power Up’s daily rallies and other actions.
KIDSAFE CT is dedicated to the early intervention, prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect in the towns east of the Connecticut River in Hartford and Tolland Counties. Their mission is to “partner with the community to educate and empower families and promote the well-being of young people.” Their work has continued during the pandemic, though their staff is working from home.
Offertory
“Accentuate the Positive”
by Harold Arlen
performed by Chris Crossgrove and Shoshana Levinson
Story and Song
“Maybe Yes, Maybe No”
(Chinese fable)
told by Lea Morris
“Whatever Comes Next”
written and performed by Lea Morris
Reflection “On Possibility” (Gina Campellone and Rev. Josh Pawelek)
Closing Hymn
“Spirit of Life”
by Carolyn McDade
#123 in Singing the Living Tradition
led by Jeannette LeSure
Spirit of Life, come unto me.
Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion.
Blow in the wind, rise in the sea;
move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.
Roots hold me close; wings set me free;
Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me.
Extinguishing the Chalice
Closing Circle
May faith in the spirit of life
And hope for the community of earth
And love of the light in each other
Be ours now, and in all the days to come.
Coffee Hour / Breakout Rooms
