"Cultivating a Hopeful Courage" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, October 4, 2026

Gathering Music (Meetinghouse)

Welcome & Centering (Stacey Musulin)

Prelude:

"Resilient"

Words and Music by Leah Song & Chloe Smith of Rising Appalachia

Performed by Meetinghouse

Chalice Lighting & Opening Words

"There is a Quiet Courage"

by Rev. Gretchen Haley

There is a quiet courage

in the choice to let go

of the past,

in the choice to be present

in this new day

to live for this hour,

this moment

and to believe in its possibility -

to release the regrets,

to stop the spinning stories of what was

and is no longer,

to accept this gift

to believe that we are worthy

still of happiness

of ease

of delight, and hope

to believe we have all we need

to heal

already, and to receive

this wholeness

with ready hearts

and open hands,

saying only thank you.

Come, let us practice this surrender

together

gathering up all the brave

boldness

we know can be found in our bones and blood

if we will breathe together

knowing ourselves a part of this one life

filled with mystery, creativity

and power,

Changing us, growing us, and

calling us into partnership

with all that is.

Come, let us worship together.

Opening Hymn

#1015 "I Know I Can"

Words by Dennis Hamilton

Music by Jeannie Gagne

Though days be dark with storms

And burdens weigh my heart;

Though troubles wait at ev'ry turn,

I know I can go on.

When sorrow heals my soul

And burdens make me strong,

Though troubles wait at ev'ry turn,

I know I can go on.

My sister in my heart,

My brother in my song,

Though troubles wait at every turn, I know I can go on.

And though the journey is long,

The destination is near,

Though troubles wait at every turn,

I know I can go on.

So brothers take my hand,

And sisters sing my song,

When hope awaits at every turn,

I know we will go on.

Time for All Ages

The Brave Potion

Authored and read by Sam Taylor

Announcements

Introductions Joys & Concerns

All are free to share briefly (1-2 sentences). Visitors may introduce themselves.

Musical Reflection

"I Won't Back Down"

Words & Music by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne

Performed by Meetinghouse

Offertory

Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community beyond our walls, fifty percent of our Sunday plate collections for the month of October will be shared with MARC, Inc. and UR Community Cares of Manchester. These organizations serve to connect people with disabilities and older adults with supportive services and community partnerships in the areas of education, employment, self-advocacy, and personal empowerment. You can press the yellow "Donate" button online. Thank you so much for supporting the good work of MARC and UR Community Cares to assist some very courageous neighbors!

Offertory Music

"Brave"

Words & Music by Sara Bareilles and Jack Antonoff

Performed by Meetinghouse

Sermon

"Hope From Courage"

Sam Taylor

Closing Hymn

#1021 "Lean on Me"

Words & Music by Bill Withers

Sometimes in our lives

we all have pain

we all have sorrow.

But if we are wise

we know that there's

always tomorrow.

Chorus:

Lean on me when you're not strong

and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on,

For it won't be long 'til I'm gonna need

somebody to lean on.

Please swallow your pride

if I have things

you need to borrow,

For no one can fill

those of your needs that you won't let show.

Chorus

Lean on me when you're not strong

and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on,

For it won't be long 'till I'm gonna need

somebody to lean on.

If there is a load

you have to bear

that you can't carry

I'm right up the road

I'll share your load

if you just call me.

Chorus

Lean on me when you're not strong

and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on,

For it won't be long 'til I'm gonna need

somebody to lean on.

Bridge:

Just call on me brother when you need a hand.

We all need somebody to lean on.

I just might have a problem that you understand.

We all need somebody to lean on.

Chalice Extinguishing

"The flame in our hearts never ceases burning ..."

Closing Words

Courage-ing

by Rev. Dr. David Breeden

We begin with the courage

we have, not the power

we imagine. Not a fire

but a flame cupped

against the wind.

Courage is the breath

before speaking a truth;

the hand on a latch;

the body rising

with sorrow's salt

still on our lips.

Courage is asking for help.

Courage is offering bread.

Courage is changing your mind

when that practiced road turns cruel.

Courage is the voice

that breaks silence;

the heart refusing

the ease of stone.

We do not pledge

to be fearless.

We do pledge

to stay near what

love asks of us.

In hours of darkness,

may we be

a sheltering people,

lamps in the rain

shoulder to shoulder,

keeping a path

that makes the path.

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.

Postlude Slide Show

Courage quotes and slides (pictures via Pixabay)