"Homecoming" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, September 13, 2026

Gathering Music (Mary Bopp)

Welcome (Emmy Galbraith)

Announcements (Rev. Josh Pawelek)

Centering (Emmy Galbraith)

Prelude

Chalice Lighting and Opening Words

"A Spacious Welcome"

by the Rev. Shari Woodbury

Opening Hymn

#361 "Enter, Rejoice and Come In"

Words and Music by Louise Ruspini

Enter, rejoice, and come in.

Enter, rejoice, and come in.

Today will be a joyful day;

enter, rejoice, and come in.

Open your ears to the song...

Open your hearts ev'ryone...

Don't be afraid of some change...

Enter, rejoice, and come in...

Back to School Slideshow

Blessing of the Backpacks Ritual

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 (food) we share with love and care,

Oh, we give thanks for this precious day.

Joys & Concerns

Musical Meditation

Offering

Our September Community Outreach Ministry recipients are the Manchester Latino Affairs Council and She Leads Justice.

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.

She Leads Justice advocates for under-resourced, marginalized women in Connecticut. They work to close the civil legal justice gap and to create state policy for economic security. Formerly known as the Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund, their work supports women who identify as cisgender and transgender, and non-binary individuals, as well as people of all marginalized gender identities.

Offering Music

"Heavenly Day"

by Patty Griffin

Jeannie Westbrook, vocals

UU Principles

1. 1st Principle: The inherrent worth and dignity of every person;

2. 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

3. 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.

4. 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

5. 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

6. 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

7. 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

UU Values

Justice. We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive.

Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love and compassion.

Transformation. We adapt to the changing world.

Pluralism. We celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.

Interdependence. We honor the interdependent web of all existence. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it.

Generosity. We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.

Our Congregational Commitment

We come together as companions in the search for truth and meaning. We share in our mission of caring for one another, encouraging each other in spiritual growth, working for justice and peace in the wider world, and living in harmony with the earth. We join our gifts, trusting that a gathering of diverse souls, working together, has the power to bring freedom, healing and love. We renew our pledge to share our time, energy and talents with this congregation; to diligenly seek our spiritual truths; and to strengthen the bonds of community.

Chant

"Love is the spirit of this church and service its law.

This is our great covenant: To dwell together in peace.

Love is the spirit of this church and service its law.

To seek the truth in love, and to help one another.

Love is the spirit of this church and service its law.

Reflection and Dialogue

"Beginning a Congregational Year"

Emmy Galbraith and Rev. Josh Pawelek

Closing Hymn

#1028 Fire of Commitment

Words by Mary Katherine Morn

Music by 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.

When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul a blaze

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.

When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul a blaze

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 dreams of youthful vision comes a new prophetic voice,

Which demands a deeper justice built by our courageous choice.

When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul a blaze

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.

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.