Talking to Strangers
Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains
October 5, 2025
Rev. Kevin Tarsa
Gail Johnson Vaughan, Worship Associate
Many of us were taught to be cautious of strangers. As we go about our day, we usually interact with family, friends and coworkers. These relationships can help us feel cared for and connected. But what if there’s a whole category of people in our lives whose impact is overlooked? What if these interactions hold a key for current times?
Song for Gathering There’s a River Flowing in My Soul #1007 by Faya Ora Rose Touré
Greeting Rev. Kevin, with How Do You Do from St. Helena Island, South Carolina, as curated by Harry Belafonte and taught by Jan Spencer
Land Acknowledgement read Yvonne Bartlett
Lighting of the Chalice We Lay Down Our Burdens by Kate Steinberg read by Mick Hayes
Wonder Box & Singing the Children on Their Way
Welcome Gail Johnson Vaughan
Song May I Be Light by Mykal Slack, from the new UUA virtual hymnal, Sing Out Love
Joys & Sorrows Meditation & Ritual
Reading Open Up the Doors by Lindasusan Ulrich,
read by Gail Johnson Vaughan, Marlene Bottenfield, and Rev. Kevin Tarsa
Ritual
If you wish, you may type into the chat a joy, a sorrow, a care or concern that you carry
in your heart this morning, or type an “O” as the parallel of placing a stone in the bowl.
Music Before the Last Leaf Falls by David Lanz Linda Snyder, piano
Closing
Message Talking to Strangers Rev. Kevin Tarsa
Offering Gail Johnson Vaughan with Nick Wilczek (Sierra Roots)
Offertory Excerpt from Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, adapted for piano by Linda Snyder
Dedication Gail Johnson Vaughan
Thank you
Blessing of our Membership Team and Volunteers
Announcements
Closing Song Building Bridges #1023, as heard at the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp in England, 1983
Closing Words
Community Benediction / Extinguishing of the Chalice
Carry the flame of peace and love until we meet again.
Music for Going Forth