Appreciating Our Ancestors
Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains
November 2, 2025
Rev. Kevin Tarsa
Beth Karow, Worship Associate
As the nights lengthen and the days become noticeably shorter (and we set our clocks back an hour!), we find ourselves, yet again, in the time between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice. Known by names such as Samhain, Dia De Muertos, Halloween, and more; many believe the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is thinnest at this time of year, and thus it is a good time to reflect upon and remember our Beloved (and maybe not so beloved) Dead. Together we’ll add our photos and objects to a community altar honoring those who have gone before us, and offer gratitude for the legacy of lessons, gifts, and challenges they have bestowed upon us.
Song for Gathering Gathered Here #389 by Philip A. Porter
Chimes and Altar Lighting
Opening Words Beth Karow, Worship Associate and Rev. Kevin Tarsa
Lighting of the Chalice All Souls Chalice Lighting by Debra Burrell and Florence Caplow
Candle of Compassion, Resistance, and Resilience
Wonder Box and Singing the Children on their Way
Welcome & Greeting Beth Karow
Calling the Ancestors and Land Acknowledgement
Song All My Memories of Love #336 words by Anna Akhmatova, translated by Mark Belletini
Rituals of Remembrance
Gratitude
Ho’oponopono
Song He Kehau by Lila Flood, based on a Hawaiian Proverb
Offering Beth Karow
Offertory Who Knows Where the Time Goes by Sandy Denny Heather Grove, voice and guitar
Dedication
Thank you & Announcements
Closing Words & Song We Remember Them adapted from Roland B. Gittelsohn
With sung response: “I Will Remember You.”
Community Benediction / Extinguishing of the Chalice
Carry the flame of peace and love until we meet again.
Music for Going Forth