ORDER OF WORSHIP | JANUARY 15, 2023 | 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
“Lift Every Voice and Sing,” music by J. Rosamond Johnson
Heidi Souza, 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
by the Rev. Clyde Grubbs
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister, & Congregation
Opening Hymn
STJ #1018 “Come and Go with Me”
Lighting the Chalice
Adapted from Israel Zangwill
Nan Hart
Come into the circle of love and justice.
Come into the community of mercy, holiness, and health.
Come and you shall know peace and joy.
Anthem
“This Little Light of Mine,” arranged by Masa Fukuda
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director
Wisdom Story
“The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet!” by Carmen Agra Deedy
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education
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
with an excerpt from “Transformed Nonconformist,” by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Centering Hymn
STJ #1007 “There’s a River Flowin’ in My Soul”
Sharing Our Gifts
Online Giving
Text-to-Give: 757-500-0688
In-Person Giving: Place offerings in the dropbox in the Gathering Hall.
This Sunday’s offering will go to support the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. WUU is a member of VICPP, which engages people of faith and goodwill in advocating economic, racial and social justice in Virginia’s policies and practices through education, prayer and action. VICPP is a non-partisan coalition of 23,000 members including 700 faith communities and 1,000 clergy of all faiths and people of goodwill, all working for a more just society. VICPP is again sponsoring A Day for All People on January 18, which is our chance to interact collectively with our legislators to advocate for laws that promote economic, racial, health equity, and justice reform issues. Please visit their website to learn more – and give generously as you are able.
Offertory Music
“Every Time I Feel the Spirit”
Heidi Souza, piano
Reading
from an interview with Ruby Sales by the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis
Sermon
“Prophets of Justice, Including You”
Including the poem “You-Shaped Hole,” by Tara Mohr
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Closing Hymn
SLT #108 “My Life Flows On in Endless Song”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Words by Frederick E. Gillis
Nan Hart
May the Love which overcomes all differences,
which heals all wounds,
which puts to flight all fears,
which reconciles all who are separated,
be in us and among us
now and always.
Closing Circle & Benediction
by the Rev. Wayne Arnason
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
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/.