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We are the recipients of an incredible gift and a beautiful vision.Offering | By Alice Anacheka-Nasemann | December 12, 2023 | From WorshipWebTagged as: All Souls Day, Building/Space Dedication, Canvass/Pledge, Commitment, Generations, Gratitude, History, Homecoming / Ingathering, Humanism, Leadership, New Member Ceremony, Samhain, Vision, WorshipWeb, Worship -
We shall all be free.Chalice Lighting | By Adam Slate | March 9, 2023 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), Freedom, Living Our Faith, Purpose, Vision, WorshipWeb, Worship -
My dreams matter, as they are connected to the dreams of my ancestors.Affirmation | By Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs | March 30, 2022 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Direct Experience, Imagination, Self-Care, Self-Respect, Vision, WorshipWeb, Worship
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May the invitation of prayer and meditation embrace this holy house and each precious person, moving each and all to connect with a sense of affirmation— sound, movement, or silence— in whatever way your body knows to be true. [chime] Spirit of Life and Love, our hearts are overflowing with...Prayer | By Karen G. Johnston | May 5, 2020 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Community, Courage, Justice, Meaning, Pain, Politics, Purpose, Unitarian Universalism, Vision -
One of my most treasured New Year’s traditions is coming up with a word for the year: a single word that I want to be the theme for my entire year. When I’m questioning what’s the right thing to do, I will look to my word of the year for guidance.Reflection | By Tim Atkins | January 1, 2020 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Beginnings, Direct Experience, Integrity, Letting Go, New Year, Purpose, Spiritual Practice, Vision -
Let us be thankful and full of praise to be in the company of those who came before.Opening | By Karen G. Johnston | October 22, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Community, Connections, Direct Experience, Generations, Gratitude, History, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Vision -
We light this chalice—symbol of our faith alive in this world— naming our vision of collective liberation, and daring to re-member each other into beloved community.Chalice Lighting | By Deanna Vandiver | May 27, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 6th Principle (World Community), Anti-Oppression, Commitment, Community, Faith, Freedom, Hope, Justice, Living Our Faith, Oppression, Vision -
It is our work, shared with each other in covenant, That creates and sustains this beloved community. We extinguish this chalice, but its light lives on in the directions we have chosen today. The light of this faith lives on in us, together, in our hearts, minds, bodies and spirits. Amen and...Chalice Extinguishing | By Krista Taves | January 31, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Anti-Oppression, Community, Connections, Covenant, Faith, Growth, Interdependence, Relationships, Vision -
Spirit of Life and Love, Holy One of our Being and our Becoming, That which is Sacred Within, Among, and Beyond Us… We know so many stories about You: God, Lord, King, Father. Earth Mother, Great Spirit, Universe. Holy Parent, Divine Love, Deepest Longings, Covenanted Partner. We know stories...Prayer | By Mandie McGlynn | January 29, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Acceptance, Discernment, God, Honesty, Listening, Self-Respect, Truth, Unitarian Universalism, Vision -
We light this chalice to honor our work, to celebrate our community, and to bring hope and determination to our mission in the wider world....Chalice Lighting | By Chrystal Hogan | September 14, 2018 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Leadership, Ministerial Transition, Ministry, Purpose, Service, Teamwork, Vision, Work
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Happy new year! Happy new year for our beloved community. Happy new school year....Opening | By Debra Haffner | September 14, 2018 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Beginnings, Community, Homecoming / Ingathering, Inclusion, Judaism, Rosh Hashanah, Unitarian Universalism, Vision, Water Communion -
Come, let us enter this space of hope and community. Come, let us enter this space with our sorrows, our joys, our passion and compassion. Come. let us enter this space with the stories of our ancestors, for their strength and wisdom beats in our hearts....Opening | By Katie Romano Griffin | March 15, 2018 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Community, Community Ministry Sunday, Connections, Generations, History, Homecoming / Ingathering, Humanism, Interdependence, New Member Ceremony, Purpose, Scout Sunday, Tradition, Unitarian Universalism, Unity, Vision, Water Communion -
Every day in our world, people are feeling vulnerable, frightened, and heartbroken. For those [of us] who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color, the effects of racism and oppression are an everyday lived reality — and these feelings are not new....Offering | By Lena K. Gardner, Susan Frederick-Gray | October 25, 2017 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Anti-Oppression, Generosity, Multiculturalism, Race/Ethnicity, Stewardship, Vision
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We, the willing, follow the threads to one another; past rightness and quips and tweets. We will find one another and persist past sunrise.Reflection | By Robin Tanner | October 4, 2017 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), Children, Despair, Direct Experience, Disaster, Disaster or Crisis, Hope, Humanism, Parents, Salvation, Secular, Unitarian Universalism, Violence, Vision -
Here we are in our circle again. A circle of vision and reflection, A forum for deciding and empowering. Here we are at the base of another bridge, another space spanning the shores of today and tomorrow. Beckoning us to cross the chasm, one day at a time....Opening | By Shari Woodbury | August 11, 2017 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 5th Principle (Conscience & Democracy), Business Meetings, Calling, Community, Humanism, Installations, Leadership, Secular, Trust, Unitarian Universalism, Vision -
There are two questions that [a person] must ask [themselves]. The first is "Where am I going?" and the second is "Who will go with me?" If you ever get these questions in the wrong order, you are in trouble. source: Fire in the Belly by Sam Keen, p. 12.Quote | By Howard Thurman | January 3, 2017 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Compromise, Direct Experience, Discernment, Ethics, Humanism, Interdependence, Journey, Leadership, Listening, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Purpose, Secular, Unity, Vision -
The new year calls us forward, filled with mystery. As we turn toward that new year, we take a final glimpse of the past year, and reckon with all that it held for us. There are baskets moving through the aisles with pens and something called flash paper. It’s specially treated paper that...Ritual | By Erika Hewitt | December 15, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Beginnings, Direct Experience, Ending, Fire Communion, Letting Go, New Year, Self-Care, Self-Respect, Spiritual Practice, Transformation, Unitarian Universalism, Vision -
Go forth in simplicity. Find and walk the path that leads to compassion and wisdom, that leads to happiness, peace and ease. Welcome the stranger and open your heart to a world in need of healing. Be courageous before the forces of hate. Hold and embody a vision of the common good that serves the...Benediction | By Sam Trumbore | December 8, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 6th Principle (World Community), Community, Compassion, Courage, Freedom, Healing, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Simplicity, Unitarian Universalism, Vision, Wisdom -
In the face of hate, We answer the call of love.Responsive Reading | By Julia Corbett-Hemeyer | December 7, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Activism, Anti-Oppression, Commitment, Equity, Human Rights, Humanism, Indigenous Peoples Day, Justice, Justice Sunday, Living Our Faith, Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday, Multiculturalism, Pride Sunday, Secular, Seven Principles, Solidarity, Unitarian Universalism, United Nations Day, Vision -
We know that our financial contributions to this congregation come from sacrifice and hard work. We are so grateful for this, and commit together to ensure the funds we gather collectively do a greater good for ourselves and our world than they could have done alone. May there be an offering to...Offering | By Kayla Parker | September 25, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Gratitude, Responsibility, Stewardship, Unity, Vision -
The poet Langston Hughes has written: "Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." May this chalice flame challenge each of us to cherish to our dreams, for all things worth doing begin in the courage and inspiration of a dream.Chalice Lighting | By Maureen Killoran | September 18, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Activism, Anti-Oppression, Hope, Vision -
Holy God, we admit to you that all is not right — in our hearts and in our world, We look to the darkness and not to the light. We look for what is broken, and not at what is being mended. We look to criticize and not to praise. We look at ourselves and not to you. Turn us around so that we look...Prayer of Confession | By Beth Merrill Neel | September 2, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Brokenness, Christianity, Forgiveness, Health, Hope, Humility, Spirituality, Transcendence, Vision -
Let us go out into the world singing. Let us go out into the world singing songs that proclaim liberty. Songs that turn ashes into garlands Songs that bind up the afflicted and those who mourn. Songs that, like oaks, have roots that go deep and stand strong. Let us go out into the world singing....Benediction | By Dawn Skjei Cooley | March 1, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Activism, Arts & Music, Christianity, Compassion, Music Sunday, Transformation, Vision, Wholeness -
We light this chalice on the brink of a new year Letting go of what has been Open and hopeful for what may come Renewed, restored, ready To live Life fully anew May we move forward with intention. Note: this chalice lighting can be read in unison or responsively.Chalice Lighting | By Lois Van Leer | January 14, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Beginnings, Chinese New Year, Ending, Healing, Health, Hope, Letting Go, New Year, Purpose, Rosh Hashanah, Strength, Vision, Wholeness -
Out of the flames of fear We rise with courage of our deepest convictions to stand for justice, inclusion and peace Out of the flames of scrutiny We rise to proclaim our faith With hope to heal a fractured and hurting world Out of the flames of doubt We rise to embrace the mystery, wonder and awe...Chalice Lighting | By Sara Eileen LaWall | January 11, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), Awe, Courage, Doubt, Faith, Fear, Fire Communion, Healing, Inclusion, Justice, New Year, Peace, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Unitarian Universalism, Vision, WorshipWeb -
There are different versions of this Middle Eastern folktale; this version is just one way to tell it. You can find storytelling tips on WorshipWeb, but this story is also followed by suggestions about integrating this story into worship....Story | By Anonymous | August 10, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Animals, Honesty, Integrity, International, Mindfulness, Playfulness, Power, Relationships, Vision -
Dear great lathe of heaven, O foundry of souls, You churning, burning cosmos which has wrought me on the infinite loom of your celestial body. Spinning stars and indifferent stones: hear my prayer. Do not curse me to perish with all my dreams fulfilled....Prayer | By Kelly Weisman Asprooth-Jackson | June 18, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Acceptance, Calling, Challenge, Failure, Imagination, Letting Go, Limitations, Success, Vision, Work -
Night has its own kind of beauty, different than the beauty of day. Night is a time of sleep and dreams and inward visions, A time of pause within activity. Darkness is an invitation to imagining and storytelling, And to using ears instead of eyes to listen to the world in its stillness....Meditation | By Gary Kowalski | June 3, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Balance, Beauty, Death, Earth-Centered, Imagination, Listening, Mystery, Searching, Silence, Solitude, Summer Solstice, Vision, Winter Solstice / Yule -
Our locks tell us a lot about our lives. Locks of all kinds hold my attention because of a dream I had when I was thirteen. In the dream a gray-haired woman in a white coat sat behind a desk. I knew she was me, far in the future. Behind her on the wall was a cross-stitched sampler with a motto. I...Meditation | By Meg Barnhouse | May 28, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Class, Courage, Fear, Meaning, Purpose, Race/Ethnicity, Relationships, Trust, Vision, Vulnerability -
We, bearers of the dream, affirm that a new vision of hope is emerging.Affirmation | By Loretta Williams | May 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Activism, Commitment, Hope, Justice, Unity, Vision
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Like those shepherds who were on the hillsides with their flocks, like those wise ones in their observatories with their telescopes and astronomical charts, we find our daily work interrupted by these holidays. Like them, we can’t keep on working, we have to listen to singing angels, we have to...Meditation | By Mary Wellemeyer | May 13, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Advent, Awe, Beginnings, Calling, Christmas Eve / Christmas, Journey, Searching, Vision, Work
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Unitarian Universalism is a grand vision of a world filled with peace and justice, love and joy. That vision is embodied in a few large congregations, numerous mid-sized congregations, and many, many small congregations....Offering | By Heather Christensen | March 24, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 6th Principle (World Community), Interdependence, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Stewardship, Unitarian Universalism, Vision, WorshipWeb
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I’ve always had a tough time falling asleep. As a child, I was skeptical about the whole idea of sleep. I thought, “Who needs it anyway? Can’t we just be awake all the time? Isn’t that what life is all about?” So it is not surprising that, when my now mother-in-law asked me a few years ago...Reading | By Nic Cable | March 23, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Choice, Direct Experience, Growth, Identity, Unitarian Universalism, Vision, Youth/Teens
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Nature provides ready metaphors for peace and justice. Jesus' peaceful kingdom is described as a mustard seed that grows into a large bush, providing shelter to all. the Hebrew prophet Amos cried for justice to roll down like water, and we sing, "I've got peace like a river" and "strength like a...Reading | By Stephen M. Shick | March 17, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Earth, Earth Day, Earth-Centered, Justice, Nature, Peace, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Vision, Climate Justice
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Into the dwelling place of togetherness, we come to collect remnants of hope.Responsive Reading | By Stephen M. Shick | March 12, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Hope, Justice, Peace, Solidarity, Strength, Unitarian Universalism, Vision -
Spirit of Life that flows through our hearts like a never ending stream, On this blessed day we are filled with gratitude to find ourselves together once again in this sacred time and place, unified in our diversity by the hope and compassion in our hearts, as well as the sadness and...Prayer | By Krista Taves | February 17, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: #BlackLivesMatter, 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), Brokenness, Compassion, Disaster or Crisis, Hope, Justice, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Race/Ethnicity, Unitarian Universalism, Vision
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When used as a responsive reading, "We are waiting" is the congregational response. 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...Responsive Reading | By Leslie Takahashi | January 25, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Advent, Balance, Calling, Christianity, Contemplation, Hope, Unitarian Universalism, Vision -
We ask blessings on this, our church home. May this building be a tool to continue the good work of our helping hands, our loving hearts, and open minds. May this home be safe harbor for all who sail upon the sea of Life, and a beacon of hope to those on rough waters....Blessing | By Jennifer Stokes | January 25, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Building/Space Dedication, Commitment, Community, Empathy, Generosity, Gratitude, Home, Responsibility, Reverence, Stewardship, Vision, WorshipWeb
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For nearly thirty years, Forrest Church served as the spiritual leader of the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in New York City. During his ministry, the church became both a haven for spiritual seekers and a beacon of social outreach to the community. He helped to found a shelter for...Activity | By Peter Friedrichs | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Acceptance, Fear, Purpose, Unitarian Universalism, Vision, Wisdom
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We come to this time and this place: To rediscover the wondrous gift of free religious community; To renew the faith in the holiness, goodness, and beauty of life; To reaffirm the way of the open mind and full heart; To rekindle the flame of memory and hope; and To rekindle the vision of an earth...Reading | By David C Pohl | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Beauty, Faith, Good, Hope, Vision
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Because of those who came before, we are;in spite of their failings, we believe;because of, and in spite of, the horizons of their vision,we, too, dream.Let us go remembering to praise,to live in the moment,to love mightily,to bow to the mystery.(No.680, Singing the Living Tradition)...Closing | By Barbara J Pescan | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Connections, Generations, Purpose, Tradition, Vision
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With humility and courage born of our history, we are called as Unitarian Universalists to build the Beloved Community where all souls are welcome as blessings, and the human family lives whole and reconciled. With this vision in our hearts and minds, we light our chalice. —“A vision for...Chalice Lighting | By UUA Leadership Council | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Acceptance, Brokenness, Calling, Courage, Diversity, Humility, Strength, Unitarian Universalism, Vision, Wholeness, Worth -
Come into this circle of love and justice, Come into this community where we can dream and Believe in those dreams— Come into this holy space where we remember who we are And how we want to live. Come now, and let us worship together!Opening | By Marilyn Sewell | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Vision
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Welcome to this place. This is a home where no revealed truths are promoted and no scripture or human being accepted as infallible. This is a place for searching for truth. But we are believers....Opening | By John M Higgins | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), 6th Principle (World Community), Caring, Freedom, Identity, Purpose, Truth, Unitarian Universalism, Unity, Vision
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Today we celebrate a dream awakening. Today we worship with renewed hope in our hearts. Today we act on an audacity of hopes and dreams for the future. Today we begin the hard work for justice, equity and compassion in all human relations, for today is a day like no other and it is ours to shape...Opening | By Elizabeth M Strong | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Commitment, Courage, Justice, Purpose, Unitarian Universalism, Vision
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(May be read responsively) We light this chalice to affirm that new light is ever waiting to break through to enlighten our ways: That new truth is ever waiting to break through to illumine our minds: And that new love is ever waiting to break through to warm our hearts. May we be open to this...Chalice Lighting | By Charles A. Howe | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Birth, Calling, Grace, Growth, Healing, Hope, Listening, Love, Truth, Vision, Winter Solstice / Yule -
We light our flaming chalice To illuminate the world we seek. In the search for truth, may we be just; In the search for justice, may we be loving; And, in loving, may we find peace.Chalice Lighting | By Elizabeth M McMaster | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), Justice, Love, Peace, Purpose, Truth, Vision
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Reverently I offer this symbol of our hope and high intent. Reverently I bequeath this flame to you. This is the light that is lit for everyone who comes into the world. Bear this light to others, one by one. Let the flame go from life to life till all is lit with its warmth. Tell that the light...Chalice Lighting | By Elizabeth M Strong | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), Acceptance, History, Hope, Inclusion, Interdependence, Kindness, Reverence, Sacrifice, Seven Principles, Vision, Wisdom -
May we light this chalice to honor our past: for Jan Hus, burned at the stake for suggesting that the cup be shared by all; for our Service Committee's earliest days, when its logo enabled the persecuted to find a safe haven. May we light this chalice to endorse our present: for our commitment to...Chalice Lighting | By George G Brooks | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), Commitment, Dignity, Freedom, Generations, History, Justice, Partner Church Observation, Relationships, Unitarian Universalism, Unitarianism, Vision
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What we try to express as Unitarian Universalists, are these truths: Each of us is unique. Each of us has gifts we were given at birth – we were born with these gifts; they are wired within us. Each of us has the responsibility to apply these talents to the world. Each of us must navigate how to...Sermon | By Beth Graham | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Calling, Canvass/Pledge, Meaning, Searching, Service, Stewardship, Vision