ORDER OF WORSHIP | SEPTEMBER 25, 2022 | 10:00 AM HYBRID SERVICE
We are committed to being an antiracist, anti-oppressive congregation. We celebrate people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations. We honor our spiritual connection to the earth and all living things.
Before the service: You may light a candle for the joys and sorrows in your heart.
Please respect those seeking silence.
Gathering
Announcements
Nan Hart, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon
Prelude
James Sudbury, piano
Welcome & Greeting
Nan Hart
Come, come, whoever you are,
Whomever you love,
Whatever your image of the Holy,
Your presence here is a gift.
All are worthy, all are welcome.
Call to Worship
Rev. Doug McCusker, Guest Worship Leader
Opening Hymn
SLT #345 “With Joy We Claim the Growing Light”
Lighting the Chalice
Nan Hart
Our prophets died for the freedom of faith;
We are here in their spirit.
We are here to practice and sustain our living tradition;
To light a chalice, claiming for justice
The heat and power of fire.
In our free faith, We are here,
Seeking freedom from despair,
The freedom to be loved as ourselves,
And the freedom to grow beyond imagination.
We are here, gathered in the name of all that we find holy.
Let us give thanks for the gift of gathering together.
Wisdom Story
“The Mystic and the Scientist”
Vanessa Jones
Blessing the Children
SLT #413 “Go Now in Peace,” by Natalie Sleeth (adapted)
Go now in peace, go now in peace.
May the spirit of love surround you.
Everywhere, everywhere, you may go.
Meditation & Prayer, Sung, Spoken & Silent
Nan Hart
From the Heart
Herb Jones
Sharing Our Gifts
Online Giving
Text-to-Give: 757-500-0688
In-Person Giving: Place offerings in the dropbox in the Gathering Hall.
Twice a month we Share the Plate with local organizations that provide a much needed service to our community. It offers us an opportunity to extend our compassion to others in need. This week, your contributions will go to the William & Mary Law School Immigration Clinic, which provides much needed legal representation to immigrants in the Hampton Roads area at no cost, and is essential to our Journey to Asylum program. The Clinic is responsible for fundraising for a majority of its budget and so relies on community donations to make this critical work possible. You can learn more about the Clinic’s work by visiting their blog and reading their latest Impact Report. Thank you for your generosity.
Offertory Music
James Sudbury, piano
Sermon
“UUs, Faith and Reason”
Rev. Doug McCusker
Closing Hymn
STJ #1028 “The Fire of Commitment”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Nan Hart
We extinguish this flame,
but not the light of truth,
the warmth of community,
or the fire of commitment.
These we carry in our hearts
until we are together again.
Benediction
Rev. Doug McCusker
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
Post-service conversation on Zoom: Zoom participants are invited to stay online for virtual social time.
New to WUU? Welcome! Learn more about WUU and Unitarian Universalism by visiting wuu.org/about/.