Video of sermon available on our YouTube Channel and below.
In honor of the life of Songteller Dolly Parton, who died August 25, 2026, we are lifting up the lessons in courage she left us. Dolly described her theology of faith and living through her lyrics. Beloved by one of the most diverse fan bases in music, she embodied Unitarian Universalist values throughout her work, her business decisions, and her generous charitable projects. As she said, “Forgiveness is all there is.” Her steadfast commitment to her personal covenants guided her decisions. Her dedication to right relationship, her faith in action with an eye toward justice, her habit of lifting others up, and her courage in pursuing her dreams were an example to us all, and they remain one.
This is also Bring a Friend Sunday. Join us in celebrating Dolly’s courage by bringing a friend, a family member, or other spiritual seekers who would benefit from this community.
Families are welcome! We will have extra activities specifically for children and parents this Sunday as well. (See below)
The Share the Plate for Sundays October 25 and November 1 is The Madison Reading Project. Madison Reading Project connects our community with free books and literacy resources that ignite a love for reading and affirm and reflect the diversity of young readers. On a search for reading resources, founder Rowan Childs discovered the alarming statistics associated with literacy rates and book ownership of families experiencing poverty. They currently serve thousands of families, schools and community organizations in Dane and Sauk counties by providing free books, and offering fun and engaging literacy programs to children and educators. They are the official local Literacy Champion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Through this exciting partnership, children from birth to age five receive a high-quality, age-appropriate book each month, personalized with the child’s name and mailed directly to the child’s home, to create a gifting experience that makes books exciting and ignites the joy of reading. They were nominated by Eva Wingren.
Share the Plate – click to donate
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Order of Service
- Gathering Song “Come, Come, Whoever You Are” #188
- Welcome
- Prelude “Nine to Five” by Dolly Parton, arr. Ed Lojeski
- Call to Worship
- Lighting the Chalice and Musical Response
- Centering in Beauty
- Shared Music “In the Sweet By and By” by Sanford F. Bennett and Joseph P. Webster
- Time for All Ages “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton
- Shared Music “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton
- Deepening Wisdom from “Paradise Road” by Dolly Parton
- Reflection
- Offering “If We Never Meet Again” by Albert E. Brumley, arr. Lyndell Leatherman
- Shared Music “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton
- Extinguishing the Chalice and Benediction
Topics: Courage