Gathering Music (Mary Bopp) (Begins at 10:55)
Welcome and Announcements
Centering
Prelude
“Now is the Only Moment”
by Debbie J. Christo
Performed by the Manchester Women’s Sacred Singing Circle
Now is the only moment
Now is the only moment
Be in this moment
Breathe in this moment
Love in this moment
Be here now
Be here now in this moment
“Trust”
by Ina
Performed by the Manchester Women’s Sacred Singing Circle
I can see the light that shines within you.
I can feel the beat of your heart.
I can see the light that shines within you.
I can feel the beat of your heart.
Trust in the light of love
The pulse of the universe.
Trust in the light of love
The power of the universe.
Chalice Lighting and Opening Words
“Belonging for Our Whole Selves”
by Rev. Scott Tayler
Call to Worship
“To Unveil the Bonds that Bind Each to All”
by Mark Morrison-Reed
Opening Hymn
“We Are a Gentle Angry People”
#170 in Singing the Living Tradition
Words and Music: Holly Near
We are a gentle, angry people,
and we are singing, singing for our lives.
We are a gentle, angry people,
and we are singing, singing for our lives.
We are a justice-seeking people …
We are young and old together …
We are a land of many colors …
We are gay and straight together …
We are a gentle, loving people …
Introduction to the Service
Joys and Concerns
Musical Meditation
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 UUS:E members and friends have participated in Power Up’s pantry, after school programs, rallies, protests 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.”
Song
“Against All Odds”
by Shelley Graff
Performed by the Manchester Women’s Sacred Singing Circle
When I hear my sister’s story, and I look into her eyes
I’m amazed by her beauty, I’m amazed that there is light
I’m amazed that she is loving, that she moves with open arms
I’m amazed that her spirit dances on.
When I hear my sister’s laughter, and I feel her aching cry
I’m amazed at her courage, I’m amazed that she’s alive
I’m amazed that she makes music, that she sings out her own song
I’m amazed that her spirit dances on.
When I listen to my story, and I forgive with my heart
I believe there is beauty, I believe that there is light
I believe that I am loving, and I open up my arms
I believe that my sprit will dance on.
When I hear my sister’s story, and I look into her eyes
I’m amazed by her beauty, I’m amazed that there is light
I’m amazed that she is loving, that she moves with open arms
I’m amazed that her spirit dances on.
Reflection: Then (Nancy Madar)
Song
“Phoenix Women”
by Jeannette LeSure
Performed by the Manchester Women’s Sacred Singing Circle
I’m a phoenix woman,
You’re a phoenix too.
No one can ever silence us
No matter what they do.
We Rise.
Up from the ashes,
We soar above the flame,
We Fly.
Wingtip to wingtip
Our voices fill the sky.
Now, we’re all phoenix women
One hundred billion strong.
They think they can defeat us,
They couldn’t be more wrong.
We Rise.
Ashes soothe the pain;
The fire feeds our flame
We FLY.
Wingtip to wingtip,
Our passion lights the sky.
Reflection: Now (Carol Lacoss)
Closing Hymn
“The Fire of Commitment”
#1028 in Singing the Journey
Words: Mary Katherine Morn
Music: Jason Shelton
From the light of days remembered burns a beacon bright and clear
Guiding hands and hearts and spirits into faith set free from fear.
Chorus:
When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul ablaze
When our hunger and our passion meet to call us on our way
When we live with deep assurance of the flame that burns within,
Then our promise finds fulfillment and our future can begin.
From the stories of our living rings a song both brave and free,
Calling pilgrims still to witness to the life of liberty.
Chorus
From the dreams of youthful vision comes a new, prophetic voice,
Which demands a deeper justice built by our courageous choice.
Chorus
Reading
A meditation from the Rev. Don Southworth
Closing Words and 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.
