"A Love That Won't Back Down"

As we move more deeply into the New Year we are sharing the plate with the New Neighbors Interfaith Alliance, an all-volunteer non-profit charitable organization that for the past eight years has been dedicated to supporting local immigrant communities in Montgomery County through the coordinated efforts of dozens of faith communities, civic organizations and individuals. Coalescing these powerful forces, NNIA has been able to provide both emergency and longer-term support to recently resettled immigrants, including refugees, asylum seekers and others entering the U.S. as persons worthy of

respect as they pursue safer and more promising lives.

NNIA is powered entirely by a coalition of supporters across a wide range of faith traditions, community representation and organizational focus, including such diverse groups as the International Rescue Committee, Catholic Charities, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, the Rockville Baha’i community and the Knights of Columbus. UUCR’s own Social Justice Committee is a participant. Donations are directed exclusively to assisting new immigrants through help with rent payments, employment advice, food access and social services, as well as assistance through group forums, social gatherings and broader coordinated programs. NNIA partners with more than 20 Montgomery County faith communities alone, in furtherance of its mission.

The threat to the immigrant community in the United States rarely has been greater than it is today, with asylum claims virtually precluded and attacks against undocumented migrants spreading to those with legal resident status and even citizenship. As you are willing and able, please join in supporting NNIA in its mission of welcoming newcomers into the Maryland community.

Online giving options include: Realm or Paypal, at https://uucr.org/give;

Or you may mail a check to UUCR at 100 Welsh Park Dr, Rockville MD, 20850

OFFERTORY ANTHEM “The Echo” by Kishona - bēheld

WORDS OF INSPIRATION - Ethan Ambrose

SONG OF PREPARATION "Tomorrow" by Justin & Kate Miner - bēheld

REFLECTION - Rev. Mykal O. Slack, Assistant Minister for Lifelong Faith Formation

SONG OF RESPONSE - bēheld & UUCR Community Choir

TIME OF RENEWAL, SHARING, & PRAYER - Rev. Mykal O. Slack & bēheld

CLOSING WORDS - Rev. Dr. Rebekah A. Savage, Senior Minister

CLOSING SONG “Lead with Love” by Melanie DeMore - bēheld

POSTLUDE - Mark Sabath, Piano

Thank you to our members and congregants who make this service possible!

Worship Steward: Joan Keith

A/V Tech: Mike Holmes (Audio)

Ushers / Greeters: José Clemente, Scott Reilly, Mark Shannon, Claire McDonald, and Sharon Fitzpatrick

Hospitality: Marge Holmes, Lynne Shaer, Dave Fitzpatrick, and Mary Lanigan

Lyrics

“Ella’s Song” by Sweet Honey In The Rock

We who believe in freedom cannot rest.

We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.

“Here Together” by David. M Glasgow

We are here, here together,

in this holy moment,

and we’re grateful for

the winding road

that brought us to this place.

“The Echo” by Kyshona

No you can't see the house through the trees

All around it the roots buried deep

I can still feel your presence on this land

And the wind in the trees is the touch of your hand

You are the song

I am the echo

Wherever I am

It's cause you dared to go

You dug the land

So I could grow

You are the song

I am the echo

All that's left of a life is a stone

No one knows all the stories it holds

No one knows your name but you made your mark

The blood that was shed still beats strong in my heart

You are the song

And I am the echo

Wherever I am

It's cause you dared to go

You dug the land

So I could grow

You are the song

I am the echo

The words that you speak

(It's an echo, it's an echo)

Where you plant that seed

(It's an echo, it's an echo)

When you love real deep

(It's an echo, it's an echo)

What you gave to me

(It's an echo, it's an echo)

You are the song

And I am the echo

Wherever I am

It's cause you dared to go

You dug the land

So I could grow

You are the song

I am the echo

“Tomorrow” by Justin & Kate Miner

There will be better days

Let the wave wash over me

(there will be better days)

Let the wave wash over me

(there will be better days)

I am already under

(there will be better days)

Let the wave wash over me

(there will be better days)

Let the wave wash over me

(there will be better days)

Let the wave wash over me

(there will be better days)

I am already under

(there will be better days)

Let the wave wash over me

(there will be better days)

There will be better days x20

Let the wave wash over me

(there will be better days)

Let the wave wash over me

(there will be better days)

Let the wave wash over me

(there will be better days)

Let the wave wash over me

(there will be better days)

There will be better days

“Love Will Find a Way” by Rosephanye Powell

These days are dark an’ full of fear,

our vision blurred by blinding tears,

while screaming silence fills our ears.

Yet in the distance cries a voice:

Raise your hands! Look up! Rejoice!

Love will find a way! Love will find a way!

No fingers grip the spinning wheel;

Our future plans now turn surreal

As threats of war an’ violence peal.

Yet in the distance cries a voice:

Raise your hands! Look up! Rejoice!

Love will find a way! Love will find a way!

A single spark can start a flame

that burns away all guilt an’ shame

‘til nothing but love remains.

So wave yo’ hands in unity,

for love has come to set us free

to be all that we can be!

Love will find a way!

Love is patient. Love is kind.

Love will ease yo’ troubled mind.

Yes! Love will find a way!

When you feel you can’t hold on,

a friend is there to make you strong.

Yes! Love will find a way!

Love will take away the fear.

It will make the future clear.

Yes! Love will find a way!

It will grip the spinning wheel

an’ it will help us all to heal,

for love will, love will find a way!

“Thank you for your Blessings” by Beautiful

Thank you for your blessings

Your guidance is wise indeed

Thank you for your blessings

Your lessons live on in me

“Lead with Love” by Melanie DeMore

Chorus x2:

You gotta put one foot in front of the other

And lead with love

Put one foot in front of the other

And lead with love

Don’t give up hope

You’re not alone

Don’t you give up

Keep movin on

Chorus x2

Lift up your eyes

Don’t you despair

Look up ahead

The path is there

Chorus x2

I know you’re scared

And I’m scared too

But here I am

Right next to you

Upcoming Events & Announcements

Advocacy Sunday Today at 11:45a in Founders Hall Come join the launch of UUCR’s monthly multigen Advocacy Sundays, sponsored by the Social Justice Committee and Family Faith Formation! This will be a great opportunity to connect with our children and youth and people of all ages around what it means to be advocates for justice in our community, country and world. We will engage our shared values and learn more about how to live them out in these challenging times. This will be a fun and meaningful way to be citizen advocates, together! We’ll provide information about current UU Action Alerts and tips on advocating about your concerns. And at the Activism Creation Station, you can write gratitude notes to elected officials who support our UU values, enjoy coloring fun, and learn about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Let's get in "good trouble" together! This is what democracy looks like!
Collecting Pet Food Donations - Between now and January 25th we will be collecting pet food donations for Chompers Pet Food Bank, an organization that distributes no-cost dog and cat food to families facing financial hardship. Wet or dry food is appreciated. Bins are in the corridor. Thank you for your support!
Our next Midweek Vespers is on Wednesday, January 21st at 7:30p, led by Isabel Dawson with music by Kathy Long!
UUCR Game Nights are powering back up! Come to Founder’s Hall on January 24th from 5:30-8:30 PM for a night of games and fellowship. This is an all ages event! If you are able, bring a small snack to share.
New2UUCR - January 24th from 1p-4p; Led by Chloe Ockey and Rev. Mykal O. Slack - New2UUCR is a class both for those of you who are new to our congregation and are interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism broadly speaking and about its particular expression here, and also for those who have been around a little while and have decided to deepen your commitment to UUCR by joining as members.
January RE Family Breakfast - Sunday, January 25th at 9a - The Family Faith Formation Team invites families with infants, toddlers, and school-age children through the end of high school to gather for our Family Breakfast! Food will be provided, as well as post-meal childcare. We will also be providing discussion questions on our January theme, Practicing Resistance, for our parents and caregivers. This event is intended to support the families within our congregation and give them time and space to be in community with each other. For those with any questions or dietary concerns, please feel free to reach out to Ginny Folsom or Joan Keith.
Sunday Movie Matinee: Trolls World Tour - Sunday, February 1st at Noon in the Sanctuary - Join us for an afternoon of color, music, and community fun as we screen Trolls World Tour — a high-energy animated adventure where Poppy and Branch travel the globe, discovering new sounds, big beats, and the power of unity through music! Popcorn, snacks, and good company provided!
Wheel of the Year: Imbolc - Sunday, February 1st at 5p - Amid the Winter chill, quiet stirrings of life awaken. Imbolc marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, and signals the warmth of Spring drawing near. Join us in celebration as we welcome the thaw of winter and returning light. A potluck will begin at 5pm, followed by the ritual at 6pm. A dessert social will follow the ritual. Food contributions to either dinner or dessert are appreciated. Childcare will be available with advance registration.
Community Potluck and Gathering - Feb. 4th at 6p - No RSVP Required, all are welcome!
February Welcome Breakfast - Sunday, Feb. 8th at 9a in Founders Hall - All Newcomers, Visitors, and New Members to UUCR over the past year or so are invited to attend a Welcome Breakfast with our minister, Rev. Dr. Rebekah A. Savage. If you’ve come to UUCR in that time, please take this opportunity to meet (or re-meet) and be in conversation with Rev. Rebekah! If you’re able to join, please do register to let us know you’re coming so that we can be sure to have enough food to go around! Come, even if you haven’t registered, and even if you’ve attended another breakfast recently...we’d love to have you join us again!

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