Invisible Courage

Welcome to this place
where certainty transforms
to questions.
This place that takes what is
and imagines what can be.

(Written by Rev. Dr. David Breeden)

Good morning, and welcome to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fayetteville, North Carolina. My name is ___________. I am a member of this congregation, and it is my pleasure to lead the service this morning (be the service leader this morning). [Our speaker this morning is…]

[Feel free to grab a cup of coffee or use the restroom if needed during the service. Our restroom is located to your left. And please join us after the service for refreshments and a chat.]

We begin with our Chalice Lighting.

We begin with the courage
we have, not the power
we imagine. Not a fire
but a flame cupped
against the wind.

Courage is the breath
before speaking a truth;
the hand on a latch;
the body rising
with sorrow’s salt
still on our lips.

Courage is asking for help.
Courage is offering bread.
Courage is changing your mind
when that practiced road
turns cruel.

Courage is the voice
that breaks silence;
the heart refusing
the ease of stone.

We do not pledge
to be fearless.
We do pledge
to stay near what
love asks of us.

In hours of darkness,
may we be
a sheltering people,

lamps in the rain,
shoulder to shoulder,
keeping a path
that makes the path.

Come, come, whoever you are,
wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving.
Ours is no caravan of despair.
Come, yet again come.

Ours is a welcoming community where we find connection;
…a spiritual community where we find meaning;

Ours is a sharing community where our joys are amplified;
…a caring community where our sorrows are lessened;

We take this moment to reflect on our joys and sorrows and acknowledge the mutual support of our community.

If you would like, you may come forward and release a stone in the water in silence or with a brief verbal expression of a special joy or sorrow.

Please keep comments appropriate for all ages and no longer than 1-2 minutes per person, so that there is enough time for everyone who would like to share.

Closing:
I will drop one last stone in the water for all those joys and sorrows which remain unspoken, but which nevertheless live in our hearts.

To fight aloud, is very brave - 
But gallanter, I know
Who charge within the bosom
The Cavalry of Wo - 

Who win, and nations do not see - 
Who fall - and none observe - 
Whose dying eyes, no Country
Regards with patriot love - 

We trust, in plumed procession
For such, the Angels go -
Rank after Rank, with even feet -
And Uniforms of snow.

In our world, many voices are silenced. Many truths remain unspoken because the speaker fears rejection, judgment, or worse. Our financial offerings today help sustain this congregation as a place where all voices can be heard, where truth can be spoken without fear, where vulnerability is met with compassion. We give in gratitude for this beloved community, and with hope for a world where more voices can speak their truth.

As we go back to our normal lives,
as we leave this sacred space,
may you hold your values close,
may you lean on community,
and may you sing through your fear.

Go now in peace. Go now in peace.
May the light of Love surround you
everywhere, everywhere you may go.