"Creativity: Meaning Beyond Words - Affirmation Service" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, June 7, 2026

Gathering Music

Welcome and Announcements

Centering

Prelude

"When You Come Back Down"

by Danny O'Keefe and Tim O'Brien

Gonzalez Family Singers

Chalice Lighting and Opening Words

"In Stillness"

by Nancy Shaffer

Genna Bender, reader

Opening Hymn

#298 "Wake Now My Senses"

Words by Thomas S. J. Mikelson

Traditional Irish melody

Wake, now, my senses, and hear the earth call;

feel the deep power of being in all;

keep, with the web of creation your vow,

giving, receiving as love shows us how.

Wake, now, my reason, reach out to the new;

join with each pilgrim who quests for the true;

honor the beauty and wisdom of time;

suffer thy limit, and praise the sublime.

Wake, now, compassion, give heed to the cry;

voices of suffering fill the wide sky;

take as your neighbor both stranger and friend,

praying and striving their hardship to end.

Wake, now, my conscience, with justice thy guide;

join with all people whose rights are denied;

take not for granted a privileged place;

God's love embraces the whole human race.

Wake, now, my vision of ministry clear;

brighten my pathway with radiance here;

mingle my calling with all who will share;

work toward a planet transformed by our care.

Introduction to Service

Joys and Concerns

Musical Meditation

Offering

Trans Voices and Visibility-365 (TV-365) is a ministry dedicated to uplifting and supporting the well being of transgender individuals in Connecticut by providing basic human needs information and referral, service coordination and support to individuals. This ministry also works to support and collaborate with relevant support groups and service providers. Our emphasis is on those most underserved, neglected, victimized and oppressed. This includes, but is not limited to, transgender women and men of color, those with disabilities, youth and elderly, immigrants (documented and undocumented), low income and victims of crime.

Offering Music

"Meditation"

by Jules Massenet

Margeaux Ford, violin

Mary Bopp, piano

Credos

Margeaux Ford

Mentor: Gina Campellone

Genna Bender

Mentor: Nora Mijares Alpers-Leon

Olivia O'Brien-Cohen

Mentor: Kate Kimmerle

Charlotte Gonzalez

Mentor: Kristen Morgan

Claude Gonzalez

Mentor: Kevin Holian-Borgnis

Music

"You Were Meant to Be"

by Renee Stahl Glen Phillips & Rich Jaques

Gonzalez Family Singers

Gifts

Minister: To celebrate the milestone achievement of completing Affirmation, it is our tradition at UUSE to present each youth with a chalice pendant. We hope you will wear this pendant proudly and that it will serve as a reminder that you are loved and supported by our entire community.

Congregation: Just as we have been with you in days past, we are with you now. We care for you. We love you. In you we place our faith. In you we place our hope for a more peaceful, just and loving world.

Youth: We are grateful for your love and suppport, and for the faith and hope you place in us as we move into the future.

All: We are never complete. We are never finished. We are always becoming more than we have been. May we always help and encourage each other to grow toward all we are capable of becoming.

Closing Hymn

#108 "My Life Flows on in Endless Song"

Early Quaker song

American gospel tune

My life flows on in endless song above earth's lamentation.

I hear the real though far-off hymn that hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing.

It sounds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing!

What though the tempest 'round me roars, I know the truth, it liveth.

What though the darkness 'round me close, songs in the night it giveth.

Nor storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I'm clinging.

Since love prevails in heav'n and earth, how can I keep from singing!

When tyrants tremble as they hear the bells of freedom ringing,

when friends rejoice both far and near, how can I keep from singing!

To prison cell and dungeon vile our thoughts to them are winging;

when friends by shame are undefiled, how can I keep from singing!

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.

Special thanks to Kevin Holian-Borgnis, Molly Vigeant, Sam Taylor and Emmy Galbraith for their assistance in supporting the class.