"Gratitude for UUSE" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, November 23, 2025

Gathering Music

Welcome and Announcements

Centering

Prelude

"Rainbow Connection"

by Paul Williams

Chalice Lighting and Opening Words

"The Abundance of Our Lives Together"

by Katie Sivani Gelfand

We light our chalice as a symbol of gratitude...

In this sanctuary we harvest bushels of strength for one another ...

we cultivate a simple sweetness to brighten our spirits ...

May we be grateful for the ways we nourish and uplift each other,

For it is the sharing of this hallowed time together that sustains us.

Opening Hymn

#1010 "We Give Thanks"

Words and music by Wendy Luella Perkins

Oh, we give thanks for this precious day,

For all gather'd here, and those far away;

For this time we share with love and care,

Oh, we give thanks for this precious day.

Oh, we give thanks for this precious day,

for all gather'd here, and those far away;

For this food we share with love and care,

Oh, we give thanks for this precious day.

Time for All Ages

"The Thank You Letter"

by Jane Cabrera

Read by Sam Taylor

Musical Interlude

Introduction to the Service

Reflections from Deb Gould

Joys and Concerns

Musical Interlude

Reflections from Desiree Holian-Borgnis

Offering

The recipient of our November Community Outreach offering is Manchester Senior, Adult and Family Services, which provides social work and conservator services to any Manchester resident over age 18. Social work services can include providing information, guidance, assistance completing applications, advocacy, referrals, and outreach/wellness checks. Services are provided in-person (office, home, community), by phone, email or Zoom.

Offering Music

"A Musical Thank You Gift for UUSE"

from Mary Bopp

Reflections from Sam Taylor

Closing Hymn

#128 "For All That Is Our Life"

Words: Bruce Findlow

Music: Patrick L. Rickey

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

"May We Go Forth From This Place"

by Charles A. Howe

May we go forth from this place thankful

for the life that sustains and renews us,

and open to the grace that surrounds and surprises us.

May we go forth from this place with openness and with thanksgiving.

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.