Dear Fear…
Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains
October 18, 2026
Rev. Kevin Tarsa
Randy McKean, Worship Associate
Buddhist insight teaches that trying to run away from our fears, or otherwise trying to avoid them, only increases our suffering and others’ suffering. Plus, it strengthens our fears! Drawing on the wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh and Pema Chödrön, we’ll at least consider the possibility (Gulp!) of befriending what frightens us.
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Song for Gathering I Know I Can #1015 words by Dennis Hamilton, music by Jeannie Gagné
Lighting of the Chalice Courage-ing by Rev. Dr. David Breeden, with Gather Your Courage (refrain) by Coco Love Alcom
Land Acknowledgement
Wisdom for All Ages The Way Out of Fear as told by Pema Chödrön
Narrator, Catz Forsman, with Katie Ianni and Rod Tayler…and you
Wonder Box & Singing the Children on Their Way
Welcome Randy McKean, Worship Associate
Greeting One Another
Candle of Compassion, Resistance, and Resilience
Song I know This Rose Will Open #396, UUCM Pop-Up Choir, with all gathered
Joys & Sorrows
Prayer These Words Are What We Need by Maureen Killoran
Song How Can I Keep From Singing (My Life Flows On in Endless Song) #108 by Rev. Robert Lowry
Message Dear Fear… Rev. Kevin Tarsa
Song Greater by Lea Morris
Offering Randy McKean, Worship Associate
Offertory I Whistle a Happy Tune by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II
Heather Grove, piano; Randy McKean, reeds
Dedication
Thank you & Announcements
Closing Words
Closing Song Greater by Lea Morris
Community Benediction / Extinguishing of the Chalice
Carry the flame of peace and love until we meet again.
Music for Going Forth