The oldest stories tell us we came from the dust, and to dust we will return. But dirt? That’s different. Dust is fine, often even sterile. Dirt, on the other hand, is made up of messier stuff.

We are the recipients of an incredible gift and a beautiful vision.

A script for commissioning an affiliated community minister.

Let us bless these candles with our tender hopes for the coming year.

Today we celebrate the new name that reflects a truth long-hidden, now revealed.

The circle of evergreens reminds us that life and love will never end.

We give thanks to the Sacred, woven in and among us, for the teachers, youth advisors, youth mentors, and parents in our community.

May you feel the freedom to stretch fully into your most true self.

Your contributions are a tangible commitment to the mission and vision of this congregation.

We scatter these remains to the earth returning creation unto itself.

Now is the time for our financial offering. [Particular donation info, e.g. Donations can be made directly into the baskets being passed around, or online through our website, by mail, or by email. If you donate to the loose collection, then half of your donation will go to the congregation while...

May we know that the infinite web of life and love holds us all and holds all the stories.

May you know that your care is powerful.

Writing in a book—a hardback book! with pen!—goes against everything we’ve been taught, but now is the time to do it.

I am afraid and exhausted from the constant fear. I don’t know who to trust for information about the virus.

You are sacred, and that energy runs through your hands, through the hands of all Unitarian Universalists. You are part of that interdependent network.

Let’s breathe and remember that it is not the device that has value; the value is found in the connections which the device allows us to sustain.

Minister: At this time, we would like to introduce a special ritual. The holidays can be an especially poignant time of year. Alongside the joy in these present moments, we may recall fond memories of past celebrations with our loved ones....

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is real for all of us, whether we are touched by it directly or indirectly. Some of us know people who have the virus, and its impact is getting closer as we learn of second cousins and friends of friends who have died of COVID-19....

Today we kick off Religious Education classes with [over number registered] children and youth in our congregation. [Number of volunteers] adult volunteers carry the sacred privilege and responsibility of journeying beside them on our behalf....