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Opening Words  -  Sylvia L. Howe

We bid you welcome on this first Sunday of the new year.

Like Janus we gather with part of us looking backward
     and part of us looking forward.

We gather on the edge of the new year
     saddened by our losses,
     cherishing our joys,
     aware of our failures,
     mindful of days gone by.

We gather on the cusp of this new year
     eager to begin anew,
     hopeful for what lies ahead,
     promising to make changes,
     anticipating tomorrows and tomorrows.

We invite you to join our celebration of life,
     knowing that life includes good and bad,
         endings and beginnings.

We bid you welcome!

Source: 1997 UUMA Worship Materials Collection

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