Gathering Music
Welcome & Announcements
Centering
Prelude
Meditation on "Prayer for This House"
by Robert N. Quaile
Performed by Mary Bopp
Introduction to the Service
First Reading
Musical Interlude
Chalice Lighting and Opening Words
Opening Hymn
#1 "May Nothing Evil Cross This Door"
(Also known as "Prayer for This House")
Words: Louis Untermeyer
Music: Robert N. Quaile
Led by David Klotz
May nothing evil cross this door,
and may ill fortune never pry about
these windows; may the roar
and rain go by.
By faith made strong, the rafters will
withstand the battering of the storm.
This hearth, though all the world grow chill,
will keep you warm.
Peace shall walk softly through these rooms,
touching our lips with holy wine,
till every casual corner blooms
into a shrine.
With laughter drown the raucous shout,
and, though these sheltering walls are thin,
may they be strong to keep hate out
and hold love in.
Joys & Concerns
Musical Interlude
Offering
For the month of September, our Community Outreach offering will be shared by two organizations:
Power Up brings much needed visibility to the ongoing realities of racism in Manchester and surrounding communities. Some UUSE members and friends have participated in Power Up's pantry, after school programs, rallies, protests and other actions.
Manchester Latino Affairs Council
The Manchester Latino Affairs Council (M.L.A.C.) was established in January of 2007. Its current mission is to address social issues with a focus on diversity, inclusivity and equality within Manchester's Latino community. MLAC sponsors Manchester's annual Hispanic Heritage Day, and is looking forward to its first public "Three Kings Celebration" in January and a "Latina Heart Health Walk" next April.
Offering Music
"Longing to Belong"
by Mary Bopp
Second Reading
Musical Interlude
Homily in Three Parts
Jane Penfield and David Klotz
Greg Dupuis
Congregation
Closing Hymn
#128 "For All That is Our Life"
Words: Bruce Findlow
Music: Patrick L. Rickey
Led by David Klotz
For all that is our life we sing our thanks and praise;
for all life is a gift which we are called to use
to build the common good and make our own days glad.
For needs which others serve, for services we give,
for work and its rewards, for hours of rest and love;
we come with praise and thanks for all that is our life.
For sorrow we must bear, for failures, pain, and loss,
for each new thing we learn, for fearful hours that pass:
we come with praise and thanks for all that is our life.
For all that is our life we sing our thanks and praise;
for all life is a gift which we are called to use
to build the common good and make our own days glad.
Extinguishing the Chalice and Closing Words
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.