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Authenticity Over Perfection

With Rev. Xolani Kacela, Ph.D.

August 3, 2025

Social media culture promotes impossible standards of perfection, leaving many feeling inadequate. Drawing from UU theology of inherent worth and dignity, we celebrate the beauty of authenticity, vulnerability, and the courage to show up as our genuine selves in a world demanding performance.

Sounding of the Bowl – Rev. Xolani Kacela, Ph.D.

Prelude – Jaime Ramirez                  

Welcome and Greeting                                           

Opening Words                    

Chalice Lighting                               

Opening Hymn – #188 Come, Come, Whoever You Are

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

Covenant   

Love is the doctrine of this church,         

The quest of truth is its sacrament and service is its prayer.

To dwell together in peace, To seek knowledge in freedom,

To serve humanity in fellowship,            

To the end that all souls shall grow into harmony with the divine,

Thus do we covenant with each other.   

El amor es la doctrina de esta iglesia,

Su sacramento es la búsqueda de la verdad

Y su oración es el servicio.

Convivir en paz, buscar sabiduría en libertad,

Dar a la humanidad nuestro servicio fraternal,

Para que todas las almas crezcan en armonía con la divinidad

Así pactamos el uno con el otro.                               

Anthem – “I’m Not Afraid of Anything” from Songs for a New World, performed by Grace Featherstone 

Stone Ceremony                 

Music for Reflection                       

Reading the Community Book of Life 

Pastoral Meditation

Story Wisdom – Tim Versteeg

Children’s Recessional  

May the road you travel guide you safely. May a friend be always at your side. May the love you find here in this moment guide your way and fill you with delight.

Que sea seguro tu camino, Que un amigo esté siempre a tu lado, Que el amor que sientes en este momento, Te guíe y te llene de placer.

Reading – “The New Rule” by Rumi

SermonCome As You Are

Invitation to Generosity                              

Offertory Music                

Closing Hymn – #298 Wake, Now, My Senses     

Wake, now, my senses, and hear the earth call;
feel the deep power of being in all;
keep, with the web of creation your vow,
giving, receiving as love shows us how.

Wake, now, my reason, reach out to the new;
join with each pilgrim who quests for the true;
honor the beauty and wisdom of time;
suffer thy limit, and praise the sublime.

Wake, now, compassion, give heed to the cry;
voices of suffering fill the wide sky;
take as your neighbor both stranger and friend,
praying and striving their hardship to end.

Wake, now, my conscience, with justice thy guide;
join with all people whose rights are denied;
take not for granted a privileged place;
God’s love embraces the whole human race.

Wake, now, my vision of ministry clear;
brighten my pathway with radiance here;
mingle my calling with all who will share;
work toward a planet transformed by our care.                       

Extinguishing the Chalice/Benediction    

Postlude