Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer, Director of Religious Education Karen Lapidus and Worship Associate MaryLou Holly – Those who have died have never, never left. The dead have a pact with the living. So we will hear in church this morning as the choir sings the wonderful song written by Dr. Ysaye Barnwell and sung by Sweet Honey in the Rock. In this special, multigenerational service, we will lift up the wisdom of the Mexican holiday Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead,) as we remember our beloved dead. Everyone is invited to bring a photo or memento in remembrance of an an-cestor or someone else you have loved and lost to share on the altar during our service.

September 11, 2001 was a day the world shook. Ten years later as we gather in worship we will mark the tenth anniversary of those tragic events with prayers of peace and mercy. Because this is also our annual Ingathering service, we are going to re-imagine our gathering of the waters ritual. This year we ask you to bring water with you to our services from a place which you find peaceful. Traditionally this service is a multigenerational service and we are going to keep that tradition this year. We are working hard to ensure that this service will be meaningful and appropriate for people in first grade and older. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent choir will help us create moments of peace and harmony as they return from their summer break with special music.

Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer, Director of Religious Education Karen Lapidus and Worship Associate Trish McLoughlin – Before you celebrate with your own rituals and traditions, come celebrate Thanksgiving with your church community. The choir is preparing special music, we have a wonderful story to share and everyone is invited to break bread together. Please consider bringing a loaf of bread that symbolizes your family’s heritage to share during our communion.

The Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer, Worship Associate Elaine Bowen and Director of Religious Education, Karen Lapidus – Blessings abound! We have so many reasons to be grateful. The choir will sing and so will we. The puppets will tell a tale. We will share communion. Come and be inspired. Everyone is invited to this special multigenerational celebration of blessing and gratitude.

Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Kathy Kerns – From the youngest to the oldest, all are invited to come share in our celebration of multi-generational community. Just like a choir, our sound inspires when our voices blend in harmony. Come sing with us and let your spirit be renewed.