Palate Cleanser: Poetry and other words for these times
Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains
July 19, 2026
Beth Karow , Worship Leader
Recently, we sang “in these hard times there will always be singing.” Truly, in these hard times there will be all kinds of art, including poetry. Hearing poems read out loud helps us to slow down our endlessly active brains, as we are invited to take them in–not for the utilitarian purpose of gaining knowledge or information–but for the gentle yet profound way they invite us to recognize beauty, access our hearts, breathe more slowly and deeply, and use our imaginations. Today, we pause together to listen to wise and whimsical words intended to feed our spirits and nourish our souls.
Songs for Gathering
There’s a River Flowing in my Soul #1007
Come, Come, Whoever You Are # 188
Greeting Beth Karow, service leader
Land Acknowledgement read by Sarah Joy Blum
Poem Being White While Listening to Indigenous by Eileen Hale
Lighting of the Chalice written and read by Cynthia Burton
Poem I Wonder by Jeannie Kirby, read by Sarah Joy Blum
Wonder Box & Singing the Children on Their Way This Little Light of Mine
Freedom Summer Moment We Carry Our History with Us Tracy Pepper and Allison Rivers
Candle of Compassion, Resistance, and Resilience
Poem Unconcerned by Lynn Ungar
Song Unconcerned by Lea Morris
Poem Trillion by Lynda Hopkins, read by Allison Rivers
Joys & Sorrows
Music during Joys and Sorrows Oh Break My Heartwords attributed to Rumi, music by Kate Munger
Prayer & Meditation Wild Geeseby Mary Oliver, read by Cynthia Burton
Poems Don’t Know How by Eileen Hale
Today My Mind by Angi Sullins
Puerto Escondido, Mexico by Mike Chrisman
Untitled Poem by Matt Moberg
Offering Sarah Joy Blum
Offertory Michelle Amador
Dedication Sarah Joy Blum
Thank you & Announcements
Closing Song Let It Be A Dance #311 by Ric Masten
Closing Words
Community Benediction / Extinguishing of the Chalice
Carry the flame of peace and love until we meet again.
Music for Going Forth