Together, we will navigate the “Great In-Between” — the sacred space where we honor the lives that have ended and celebrate the new lives that have just begun.

During the service, we will share a “Litany for the Dead and the Living” and participate in a ritual of “Addressing the Departed.” You will be invited to write messages to loved ones you have lost — words of joy, sorrow, or farewell — which we will then release together in a ritual fire. Come and be part of this “warmth of community” as we embrace one another in compassion.

Bio for Rev. Fred Small: A Unitarian Universalist pastor, singer-songwriter, and former environmental lawyer, Rev. Small serves as Minister for Climate Justice at Arlington Street Church, Boston. Rev. Small continues to preach for us monthly during this 2025-2026 church year.

Bio for Melissa Martin: A staff member at UUCR since 2013, Melissa serves as our Member Services & Volunteer Coordinator. She also holds certifications as a Life-Cycle Celebrant, Grief Educator, Conscious Dying Coach, Sacred Passage End-of-Life Doula, Sacred Death Care Guide, and Reiki Master Teacher