Here Before Our Ancestors
Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains
October 8, 2023
Rev. Kevin Tarsa
in conversation with Shelly Covert, Spokesperson
Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe
In our annual service paying tribute to the Nisenan, on whose ancestral homelands we live and worship, we follow the tribal members’ ongoing journey toward recognition and stabilizing their people, and we attend to the layered legacies we inherit. Tribal spokesperson Shelly Covert will join us once again, speaking from her growing knowledge and evolving insight.
with Cheryl Morris, Worship Associate
Music for Gathering Rain
Lighting of the Chalice Invoking the Past, Present, and Future by Katie Romano Griffin
Song Shelly Covert, Spokesperson, Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe
Greeting and Welcome Rev. Kevin Tarsa
Land Acknowledgement read by Bernell Scott and Carmen Riley, with All
Introduction Rev. Kevin
Poem Being White Listening to Indigenous by Eileen Hale
Listening
In Conversation Shelly Covert, Spokesperson, Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe and Executive Director of the Tribally guided non-profit CHIRP (the California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project), whose mission is to preserve, protect and perpetuate Nisenan Culture.
Listening: Water Music
In Conversation (cont’d)
Gratitude Rev Kevin Tarsa
Offering Cheryl Morris, Worship Associate
Offertory The Lone, Wild Bird words by H.R. MacFayden, Julie Tillinghast, soprano, Kevin Tarsa, piano
Dedication Cheryl Morris
Thank you’s
Announcements
Song Circle ‘Round for Freedom by Linda Hirschhorn #155
Closing Words
Community Benediction / Extinguishing of the Chalice
Carry the flame of peace and love until we meet again.
Music for Going Forth