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Gathering Music Welcome & Announcements Centering Prelude "Concerto in C minor for Violin and Oboe (adagio)" by J. S. Bach Performed by Anhared Stowe, Marilyn Krentzman, Ryan Ford, & Mary Bopp Chalice Lighting Words paraphrased from "Inner Practices for the Twelve Nights of Yuletide" by Anne Stallkamp and Werner Hartung The twelve magical nights of the Yuletide season are a single great festival, a threshold, a time of transition, a moment in which to stop and take stock and yet a time for looking ahead to the coming year. In general, we believe that the end of something simultaneously marks the start of something new. However, there is a space between an end and a new beginning, an interval. Right now, this space is Yuletide. Given the busy time in the lead up to the holidays, the beginning of this period might not appear to be the most convenient moment in which to take some time out to explore our feelings, but in fact, it is particularly sutitable. The space between the ending and the beginning will suddenly open up, and the gates of time will unlock. Today is calling on you to stand still, to pause for a moment, and to be completely calm. Fill this space of silence and emptiness, this place of power, creation, and creativity with your love and your truth. Chalice Lighting Music "One Candle, One Flame" by Linda Sobo Performed by UUSE Choir with Dorothy Bognar, pianist Opening Hymn #253 "O Come, All Ye Faithful" O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold him born the King of angels; O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord. Lo humble shepherds, hasting to his cradle, Leaving their flocks in the fields, draw near We, too, with gladness thither bend our footsteps; O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest; O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord. Story: "The Shortest Day" by Susan Cooper, illustrated by Carson Ellis Musical Meditation (9:00 a.m. service only) Children's Choir (11:00 a.m. service only) Welcoming Visitors & Sharing of Joys & Concerns Offering Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community beyond our walls, fifty percent of our Sunday plate collections for the month of December will go to three area shelters: McKinney Men's Shelter (Hartford), East Hartford Community Shelter, and Cornerstone Shelter (Rockville) Offering Music Holiday Favorites Performed by the Ford Family Trio (Margeaux, Simone, & Ryan Ford) Responsive Reading: "We are Waiting" This is the season of anticipation, Of expecting, of hoping, of wanting. This is the time of expecting the arrival of something--or someone. We are waiting. This is the time of living in darkness, in the hues of unknowing. Of being quiet, of reflecting on a year almost past. Waiting for a new beginning, for a closing or an end. This is the time for digesting the lessons of days gone past, anticipating the future for which We are waiting. Waiting for a world which can know justice. Waiting for lasting peace. Waiting for the bridge to span the divides which separate us. Waiting for a promise or a hope. For all of this We are waiting. Amen and blessed be. Music Shine on Me by Rollo Dilworth Night of Silence by Daniel Kantor One Candle by Andy Beck Performed by UUSE Choir with Dorothy Bognar, piano; Steve Dauphinas, drums Closing Hymn #388 Dona Nobis Pacem Dona nobis pacem, pacem, Dona nobis pacem. Dona nobis pacem, Dona nobis pacem. Dona nobis pacem, dona nobis pacem. Closing Words excerpt from "Winter Solstice" by the Rev. Rebecca Parker Let there be a season When holiness is heard, and The splendor of living is revealed. Stunned to stillness by beauty We remember who we are and why we are here. There are inexplicable mysteries. We are not alone. In the universe there moves a Wild One Whose gestures alter earth's axis toward love. In the immense darkness Everything spins with joy. The cosmos enfolds us. We are caught in a web of stars, Cradled in a swaying embrace, Rocked by the holy night, Babes of the universe. Let this be the time we wake to life, Like spring wakes, in the moment of winter solstice. 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.

Gathering Music Welcome and Announcements Prelude "The Oneness of Everything" Words/Music by Jim Scott Opening Words: "The Mockingbird" by Mary Oliver Chalice Lighting Opening Hymn #1007 "There's a River Flowin' in My Soul" Words/Music: Rose Sanders There's a river flowin' in my soul. There's a river flowin' in my soul. And it's tellin' me that I'm somebody. There's a river flowin' in my soul. There's a river flowin' in my heart ... There's a river flowin' in my mind ... Introduction to the Service Joys and Concerns Musical Interlude 1st Homily (Coryn Clark) Musical Interlude Offering Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community beyond our walls, fifty percent of our Sunday plate collections for the month of December will go to three area shelters: McKinney Men's Shelter (Hartford), East Hartford Community Shelter, and Cornerstone Shelter (Rockville). Offering Music "The Forest Primeval" Improvisational piano piece by Mary Bopp 2nd Homily (Sandy Johnson) Musical Interlude 3rd Homily (Alan Ayers) Closing Hymn #21 "For the Beauty of the Earth" Words/music: Jason Shelton For the beauty of the earth, for the splendor of the skies, For the love which from our birth over and around us lies: Source to all, to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise. For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind's de-light, For the mystic harmony linking sense to sound and sight: Source of all, to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise. For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night, hill and vale and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light: Source of all, to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise. For the joy of human care, sister, brother, parent, child, for the kinship we all share, for all gentle thoughts and mild: Source of all, to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise. Reading: "Poem of the World" by Mary Oliver 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.

Gathering Music Welcome and Announcements Centering Prelude "Meditations on Emmanuel" by Mary Bopp Chalice Lighting and Opening Words: "Untitled" by Anonymous Opening Hymn #298 "Wake Now My Senses" Words: Thomas J. S. Mikelson Music: Traditional Irish melody, harmony by Carlton R. Young Hymn Leader: Sandy Johnson 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. Joys and Concerns Musical Meditation Offertory Continuing our practice of sharing out gifts with the community beyond our walls, fifty percent of our undesignated Sunday plate collections for the month of December will go to three area shelters: McKinney Men's Shelter (Hartford), East Hartford Shelter, and Cornerstone Shelter (Rockville). Offertory Music "As the Earth Draws Dark" by Mary Bopp Introduction to the Service Reading: "You See, But Do Not Observe" Holy Clues by Rev. Stephen Kendrick Responsive Reading #568 "Connections are Made Slowly" by Marge Piercy Connections are made slowly, sometimes they grow underground. You cannot tell always by looking what is happening. More than half a tree is spread out in the soil under your feet. Penetrate quietly as the earthworm that blows no trumpet. Fight persistently as the creeper that brings down the tree. Spread like the squash plant that overruns the garden. Gnaw in the dark and use the sun to make sugar. Weave real connections, create real nodes, build real houses. Live a life you can endure: make love that is loving. Keep tangling and interweaving and taking more in, a thicket and bramble wilderness to the outside but to us interconnected with rabbit runs and burrows and lairs. Live as if you like yourself, and it may happen: Reach out, keep reaching out, keep bringing in. This is how we are going to live for a long time: not always, For every gardener knows that after the digging, after the planting, after the long season of tending and growth, the harvest comes. Meditation Musical Meditation Homily: "Holy Clues" (Rev. Stephen Kendrick) Closing Hymn #225 "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" Words: Latin c. 9th cent., trans. Composite based on John Mason Neale Music: Adapted by Thomas Helmore, harmony by John Weaver Hymn Leader: Sandy Johnson O come, O come, Emmanuel, and with your captive children dwell. Give comfort to all exiles here, and to the aching heart bid cheer. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come within as Love to dwell. O come, you Splendor very bright, as joy that never yields to might. O come, and turn all hearts to peace, that greed and war at last shall cease. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come within as Truth to dwell. O come, you Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by your presence here. And dawn in every broken soul as vision that can see the whole. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come within as Light to dwell. O come, you Wisdom from on high, from depths that hide within a sigh, to temper knowledge with our care, to render every act a prayer. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come within as Hope to dwell. Benediction Extinguishing the Chalice Special Thanks 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.

Gathering Music "Autumn Leaves" By Eva Cassidy Welcome and Announcements Centering Prelude "Kind and Generous" By Natalie Merchant Chalice Lighting and Opening Words Opening 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. Service Introduction Reading "The Gift" By Marsha Howland Generosity Observations Joys and Concerns Musical Meditation Reading "The Circus" By Dan Clark Offering Offering Music "Give a Little Bit" By Supertramp Generosity Observations Musical Meditation Generosity Observations Closing Hymn #118 "This Little Light of Mine" Words and Music: African American spiritual This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Ev'rywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine ... Building up a world, I'm gonna let it shine ... Extinguishing the Chalice and Closing Words 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 "Thankful" By the Juicebox Jukebox

Gathering Music Welcome and Announcements Centering Prelude "Flying Home" by Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton Performed by Laurie Mazich Semprebon, clarinet, and Chris Crossgrove, piano Chalice Lighting and Opening Words Opening Hymn "We Gather Together" #349 in Singing the Living Tradition Words: Dorothy Caiger Senghas and Robert E. Senghas Music: Adrian Valeru's "Nederlandtsch Gedenckclank" We gather together in joyful thanksgiving, acclaiming creation whose bounty we share; both sorrow and gladness we find now in our living, we sing a hymn of praise to the life that we bear. We gather together to join in the journey, confirming committing our passage to be a true affirmation, in joy and tribulation, when bound to human care and hope--then we are free. Joys and Concerns Musical Meditation Offering Offering Music Lullaby by Bill Douglas Performed by Laurie Mazich Semprebon, clarinet and Chris Crossgrove, piano Story for All Ages "Those Shoes" by Maribeth Boelts Told by DCYM Emmy Galbraith Meditation Music Introduction to Theme Topic: Generosity Guest Speaker: "Generosity" (Jerry Myers) Closing Hymn "We Give Thanks" #1010 in Singing the Journey Words by Wendy Luella Perkins Arranged by Susan Peck Oh, we give thanks for this precious day, For all gathered 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. Oh, we give thanks for this precious day, For all gathered, all gathered here, far away; For this time we share with love and care, Oh, we give thanks for this precious day. Oh, we give thanks. 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.

Gathering Music Welcome and Announcements Centering Prelude “For What It’s Worth” Music and Lyrics by Stephen Stills Performed by Kate Howard-Bender Service Introduction Chalice Lighting and Opening Words “The Task of the Religious Community” By Mark Morrison-Reed The central task of the religious community is to unveil the bonds that bind each to all. There is a connectedness, a relationship discovered amid the particulars of our own lives and the lives of others. Once felt, it inspires us to act for Justice. It is the church that assures us that we are not struggling for justice on our own, but as members of a larger community. The religious community is essential, for alone our vision is too narrow to see all that must be seen, and our strength too limited to do all that must be done. Together, our vision widens and our strength is renewed. Opening Hymn “My Life Flows on in Endless Song” #108 in Singing the Living Tradition Words: Early Quaker song Music: 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. No 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! Joys and Concerns Offering For the month of November, our regular community outreach offering will be dedicated to Manchester Senior, Adult, and Family Services, which works to improve the quality of life and help maintain the independence of Manchester residents by offering information, referral, outreach, advocacy, assessment of needs and individual consultation on human services benefits and programs. Offering Music “Blowin' in the Wind” By Bob Dylan Performed by Kate Howard-Bender Sermon “Why Faith-Based Community Organizing Matters” (Marika Stewart) Closing Hymn “We’ll Build a Land” #121 in Singing the Living Tradition Words by Barbara Zanotti (Isaiah/Amos), adapt., Music by Carolyn McDade We’ll build a land where we bind up the broken. We’ll build a land where the captives go free, where the oil of gladness dissolves all mourning. Oh, we’ll build a promised land that can be. (Chorus) Come build a land where sisters and brothers, anointed by God, may then create peace: where justice shall roll down like waters, and peace like an ever flowing stream. We’ll build a land where we bring the good tidings to all the afflicted and all those who mourn. And we’ll give them garlands instead of ashes. Oh, we’ll build a land where peace is born. (Chorus) We’ll be a land building up ancient cities, raising up devastations from old; restoring ruins of generations. Oh, we’ll build a land of people so bold. (Chorus) Come, build a land where the mantles of praises resound from spirits once faint and once weak; where like oaks of righteousness stand her people. Oh, come build the land, my people we seek. (Chorus) Extinguishing the Chalice and Closing Words “Commitment” By Dorothy Day People say, what is the sense of our small effort. They cannot see that we must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time. A pebble cast into a pond causes ripples that spread in all directions. Each one of our thoughts, words and deeds is like that. No one has a right to sit down and feel hopeless. There’s too much work to do. 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.

Gathering Music Welcome, Announcements, Introduction to the Service and Guest Centering (Rev. Sarah Pirtle) Prelude (played by Sarah Pirtle on wooden flute made by Hawk Henries, Nipmuk) Chalice Lighting and Opening Words Opening Hymn "Everyday Bravery" Words and music by Rev. Sarah Pirtle Collaboration on words with Rev. Jan Thomas and Bonnie Lockhart Led by Sarah Pirtle With every hard choice that we make, we keep the flame alive. With ancient embers that we rake, we keep the flame alive. With devoted creativity and rooted authenticity, With flowing generosity, we keep the flame alive. Chorus: Keep the flame alive and let it show. Light your candle and hold it high and the light will grow. Through stormy waters we have crossed, we keep the flame alive. Every time we try when we think we've lost, we keep the flame alive. With joyful celebrations and far-reaching revelations, With unsung generations, we keep the flame alive. Chorus When we move through fear and let trust ring, we keep the flame alive. Every time we stop to shout and sing, we keep the flame alive. With every mountain, every tree, with water pouring to the sea, With daily acts of bravery, we keep the flame alive. Chorus Meditation: "The Heart of the World" Joys and Concerns Musical Response Offering For the month of November, our regular community outreach offering will be dedicated to Manchester Senior, Adult, and Family Services, which works to improve the quality of life and help maintain the independence of Manchester residents by offering information, referral, outreach, advocacy, assessment of needs and individual consultation on human services benefits and programs. Offering Music Improvisation by Mary Bopp Sermon: "Beacons Who Light Our Way" (Rev. Sarah Pirtle) Closing Chant Part I "We're Not Alone" Written by Rev. Sarah Pirtle Thanks Closing Chant "Peace Prayer" by Sarah Pirtle I hold you in my heart (4x) Shalom, shalom, shalom. As-salamu alaykum. Shalom, shalom, shalom. Alaykum as-salamu. 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.

meets on 4th Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. Important Note: Rather than the usual 4th Thursday meeting, our November/December meetings will be combined and meet on Thursday December 7. How does science inform our beliefs? Where do science and religion meet? Where are they in opposition? Members of this ongoing group will select and discuss readings covering myriad topics and the way we look at the Big Questions. This hybrid group meets at UUSE in the Children's Chapel on the lower level, and you can also participate via Zoom. All are welcome. Contact Linda Duncan for a list of discussion questions and to get the Zoom link. November/December Topic: "Sustainable Architecture" with Greg Dupuis. #eBlast-11-01

Gathering Music Welcome and Announcements Centering Prelude "Minuet #3" by J. S. Bach Performed by Elliot Vadas, cello Chalice Lighting and Opening Words: "Lighting the Chalice" by Allison Ehrman Opening Song "I'm Gonna Live in Here" (In memory of Charlie Braun) Calling the Quarters (Peggy Gagne & CYM children) Children's Choir (11 AM service only) "Love is All You Need" by The Beatles CYM Children's Choir, Nancy Madar, Director accompanied by Will Alexson Story for All Ages: "The Invisible Web" by Patrice Karst, read by Emmy Galbraith Introductions, Joys and Concerns Musical Interlude Offering The recipient of our community outreach offering is the University of Connecticut's Native American Cultural Program or NACP. NACP provides resources, services and community for UCONN's Native and Indigenous students and faculty, helps foster relationships with local tribal nations, and works towards building good relations between UCONN and the land. Offering Music & Slide Show (prepared by Dan Thompson) Homily: "Samhain, Halloween and Ancestors" Sharing of Memories (Members of the Congregation) Dismissing the Quarters (Peggy Gagne & CYM children) Closing Hymn #1070 "Mother I Feel You" by Windsong Dianne Martin Extinguishing the Chalice and Closing Words: "Extinguishing the Chalice" by Allison Ehrman 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.

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Gathering Music Welcome and Announcements Speaker Introduction Centering Prelude "The Lovers' Waltz" Written and composed by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason Performed by Mary Bopp Chalice Lighting and Opening Words Opening Hymn #170 "We Are a Gentle, Angry People" Words and Music by Holly Near Led by Sandy Johnson 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 ... Joys and Concerns Musical Meditation Reading: Do Stones Feel? by Mary Oliver Offering The recipient of our community outreach offering is the University of Connecticut's Native American Cultural Program or NACP. NACP provides resources, services and community for UCONN's Native and Indigenous students and faculty, helps foster relationships with local tribal nations, and works towards building good relations between UCONN and the land. Offering Music "Seasons of Love" Written and composed by Jonathan Larson Sung by Sandy Johnson Reading: "On the Beach" by Mary Oliver Musical Meditation Sermon (Rev. Aaron Miller) Closing Hymn #131 "Love Will Guide Us" Words: Sally Rogers Music: Betty A Wylder Led by Sandy Johnson Love will guide us, peace has tried us, hope inside us will lead the way on the road from greed to giving. Love will guide us through the hard night. If you cannot sing like angels, if you cannot speak before thousands, you can give from deep within you. You can change the world with your love. Love will guide us, peace has tried us, hope inside us will lead the way on the road from greed to giving. Love will guide us through the hard night. Meditation Extinguishing the Chalice and Closing Words 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.

By Madeliene Cahill From: “Protecting our Women and Girls” October 15, 2023, Sunday Service Here’s what I want you to know: Irrational jealousy Violent temper A need to control and isolate you. Does your partner exhibit these characteristics? They are the warning signs of a violent relationship. These signs are as clear as warning signs of skin cancer or diabetes; we need to post them in doctor’s offices, schools, grocery stores, churches. Do you find yourself looking at the ground when you are walking with your partner because you’re afraid that they will accuse you of making flirtatious eye contact with a random stranger. Do you ignore the server at a restaurant because your partner is watching you, ready to rage about any sign of friendliness you display? Are your friends used to text messages you’re your partner, checking to see if you are really with them? Does your partner punch the wall near your head, break items that are precious to you, threaten the children, kick the pets, drive dangerously in order to frighten you? Does your partner have a gun? Does your partner monitor the odometer on your car, monitor your phone records and credit card bills? Does your partner destroy or damage your work: schoolbooks are torn, work files disappear, artwork has paint spilled on it? Do you find your social circle shrinking because your partner says, “That friend of yours doesn’t like me; don’t spend time with them” or “You’re different after spending time with your sister; I think she’s bad-mouthing me.” Violent relationships typically start with verbal abuse…and then profound remorse and feigned bafflement: “I’ve never done that before; I don’t know what got into me. I’ll never do it again.” But then it escalates. The first pregnancy often coincides with the first punch. Why is this? Is the abuser jealous? Or do they feel more secure knowing that their partner is now permanently tied to them and will find it harder to leave? The most dangerous time in a violent relationship is when a woman tries to leave. That is when most murders of women occur. When I began work in what was then called the Battered Women’s Shelter movement, I was surprised to find that the most common question I was asked by friends and family was “Why do women stay?” Not “Why do men hurt the women they say they love?” I began to find the answer in the cases I worked with. They stayed because their husband threatened kill them, their children, or himself if they left. Domestic violence is the most common form of violence in the U.S. A woman is more likely to be murdered by her husband or boyfriend than by a stranger, an acquaintance, a family member, a friend. A woman is most likely to be murdered when she tries to leave. If you are in a situation like this, call the Connecticut Coalition against Domestic Violence hotline: (888) 774-2900, the National Domestic Abuse Hotline 800-799-7233, or visit thehotline.org. If your friend is in a situation like this, set aside a dresser for her in your home. Have her leave clothes, medications, copies of important papers for herself and her children there. If you think that your home is the first place her abuser would look for her, figure out another place for her to go—the closest police station or a friend of yours whom the abuser doesn’t know, for instance. Create an escape plan with her. What is the quickest route to her local police station? Who could she stay with who lives within her children’s school district, so that they don’t have to transfer schools? If you recognize your own behaviors in the list of warning signs of abuse, you can get help. Call the Connecticut Coalition against Domestic Violence, (888) 774-2900, the National Domestic Abuse Hotline 800-799-7233, or visit thehotline.org for names of therapists who can help you change your behavior. A reminder: Irrational jealousy Violent temper A need to control and isolate you If these behaviors sound familiar, please get help. No one should have to live in fear of the people they love.