"Service & Gratitude"

#6 Just as Long as I Have Breath

Just as long as I have breath, 

I must answer, “Yes,” to life;

though with pain I made my way, 

still with hope I meet each day.

If they ask what I did well, 

tell them I said, “Yes,” to life.

Just as long as vision lasts, 

I must answer, “Yes,” to truth;

in my dream and in my dark,

always that elusive spark.

If they ask what I did well, 

tell them I said, “Yes,” to truth.

Just as long as my heart beats,

I must answer, “Yes,” to love;

disappointment pierced me through,

still I kept on loving you.

If they ask what I did best, 

tell them I said, “Yes,” to love.

#123 Fuente de Amor / Spirit of Life

Fuente de Amor, ven hacia mí. 

Y al corazón, cántale tu compasión. 

Sopla al volar, sube en el mar, 

Hasta moldear la justicia de la vida. 

Arráigame, libérame, 

Fuente de Amor, ven a mí, ven a mí. 

Spirit of Life, come unto me. 

Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion. Blow in the wind, rise in the sea; 

Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice. Roots hold me close; wings set me free; 

Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me. 

#1053 How Could Anyone

How could anyone ever tell you

you were anything less than beautiful?

How could anyone ever tell you

you were less than whole?

How could anyone fail to notice

that your loving is a miracle?

How deeply you’re connected to my soul.

“Let Us Carry Out That Dream” by Steve Sametz

Let us carry out that dream to end the divisions that exist so deeply in our country. 

To remove the stain of bloodshed from our land.  To understand and to comprehend;

to replace violence with compassion 

and with love.  

Let us tame the savageness of men 

and make gentle the life of this world.  

Let us dedicate our lives to that 

and say a prayer for our country 

and for our people.

“Undivided” by Karen Marrolli

When darkness drops and achor

In the fearful oceans on our minds,

And when the world is preaching rancor,

I can choose to be kind.

And maybe more will find the quiet rivers,

Where we’ll lift a peaceful melody,

And undivided we will stand,

Stand together, hand in hand.

And when hatred shatters silence,

And each one clings to each one’s will,

And when the world bows down to violence,

I can refuse to kill.

And maybe more will join in sweet resistance,

Singing chords in gentle harmony,

And undivided we will stand,

Stand together hand in hand.

And when anger breeds division,

We can choose to stand side by side,

And when the world exalts derision,

We can choose to lift each other high.

And maybe then we’ll join in one big chorus

Singing songs of peace and unity,

And undivided we will stand,

Stand together hand in hand.

#388 Dona Nobis Pacem 

Dona nobis pacem, pacem;

dona nobis pacem, pacem.

Dona nobis pacem, pacem;

dona nobis pacem, pacem.

Dona nobis pacem, pacem;

dona nobis pacem, pacem.

How Long? By Pepper Choplin

How long, how long ‘til 

this world is free from suffering?

How long, how long ‘til 

blessed peace will reign?

How long, how long ‘til 

the pow’r of love will come

and heaven’s will is done? 

How long, how long?

How long, how long ‘til ev’ry gun is silence?

How long, how long ‘til hate and war shall end;

‘til ev’ry battle’s thunder

will fade to blessed peace

and sounds of war will cease? 

How long, how long?

Press on, press on, 

let faith and hope sustain you.

Press on, press on, 

keep working for the day

when all of God’s children 

will live in peace as one.

Until that new day comes, 

press on, press on.

Send me, send me to work for the kingdom.

Send me, send me to go and live for peace.

Until the love of heaven to earth shall descend

and peace will reign again, send me, send me.

Press on, we’ll press on. 

We will sing a peaceful song! 

But still we’re praying on, 

how long, how long?

• After the service today the documentary film "No Other Land" will be shown in Founders Hall. The film was recorded between 2019 - 2023 and was co-produced by a Palestinian-Israeli collective to document devastation in the West Bank. The 2024 film won an Oscar for Best Documentary, yet is not available in theaters or via streaming. Suzanne Leonard purchased a copy of the film to give UUCR congregants an opportunity to view the award-winning film. A potluck will begin at 11:45a, followed by the 90-minute film and a discussion moderated by UU Rev. Louise Green. The film is rated R for language and violence. This event is limited to UUCR congregants.

• Poinsettia Sales begin today! There will be a table in Fellowship Hall after the service each Sunday through November 30.  The plants will be $7 each, and can be picked up to take home after the last Christmas Ever service. If you have questions call Carolyn Randall at 301-219-9015.

• UUCR will be teaming up again with Community Reach of MC to provide Thanksgiving Baskets for our neighbors in need. If your family, neighbors, book group (you get the picture!) would like to put together a basket, please contact Dolores Barnes, Dammbarnes@verizon.net. Completed Baskets (think laundry or box with handles) can be dropped off at UUCR on Sunday, Nov. 9th and 16th.  Arrangements can also be made between November 12th- 20th. Completed baskets will be distributed to Community Reach on Nov. 21st. There will be a collection bucket outside the Sanctuary if you would like to drop off individual items over the next few weeks. What goes in a basket? Visit uucr.org/baskets to learn!

• Our next Midweek Vespers is on Wednesday, November 12th at 7:30p, led by Julia Earp, with music by Theresa Schneider!

• K-Pop Demon Hunters Movie Showing - Nov. 16th at Noon - Join us for an afternoon of action, music, and community spirit as we screen K-Pop Demon Hunters — an animated adventure where dazzling idols use their talent (and a little magic!) to fight demons and protect the world! Popcorn, snacks, and good company provided! Bring your family, friends, and fellow K-pop fans for a fun-filled afternoon celebrating courage, creativity, and connection. Costumes, lightsticks, and singing along encouraged! 

• Would you like to help people make connections at UUCR? We’re in search of one or two folks to coordinate Dinners for 8. There is a mailing list of people who have expressed interest in dining together. Once per month, you send out a letter asking for *hosts* and invitees to respond if they can come. It's on the second Saturday.  Once you have hosts and guests, you divide the groups so that each host has about 8 (6 to 12) total people and notify the hosts. The hosts then notify the guests. In addition, you give new folks the chance to sign up and add them to the mailing list. For additional information contact Nita and Spence Hines. We thank them for all of the fun and friendship at Dinners for 8 during their tenure. 

• You’re invited to join us right after service on Sunday, December 7th for our annual Getting Ready for the Holidays (GR4TH) celebration! Enjoy an exciting afternoon full of crafts, live music, and delicious food—including vegetarian and vegan options. Everyone is welcome!

• UUCR LGBTQ+ Portrait Project: Call for Participants - We are excited to share a new art project celebrating the vibrant LGBTQ+ community within UUCR. The project will feature portraits of congregants, taken with care and creativity, as a way of honoring our shared stories and presence in this community. - The portraits will be created by our creative team of UUCR congregants Sal LaFianza and Lara Klopp, and the collection will be shared as both an art installation and an archive of pride, visibility, and belonging. We’re looking for volunteers! If you identify as LGBTQ+ and are part of UUCR, we would love to include you in this portrait series. Participation is completely voluntary, and every photo session will be handled with respect and care. Youth are encouraged and welcome to participate with a caregiver or parent's permission. We can’t wait to see the ways it will celebrate our community and spark connection. To participate or learn more, please reach out to Rev. Rebekah or Rev. Mykal or UUCR congregants Sal LaFianza or Lara Klopp.