ORDER OF WORSHIP | APRIL 16, 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
Susan Marcinkus, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon
Prelude
“Bethena: A Concert Waltz,” by Scott Joplin
Heidi Souza, piano
Welcome & Greeting
Susan Marcinkus
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 Lyn Cox (adapted)
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister
Opening Hymn
SLT #194 “Faith Is a Forest”
Lighting the Chalice
“Igniting This Precious Light,” by Vanessa Titang
Susan Marcinkus
In igniting this chalice,
we cast upon it our hopes and intentions
for all that is positive
in our minds, and in our hearts.
May this precious light shine on.
Wisdom Story
“The Night We Turned Ourselves Back into Mermaids,” by Raelinda Woad
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
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
The Magnificat of Mary (Luke 1:46–55, trans. Eugene Peterson)
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Centering Hymn
STJ #1069 “Ancient Mother”
Sharing Our Gifts
Online Giving
Text-to-Give: 757-500-0688
In-Person Giving: Place offerings in the dropbox in the Gathering Hall.
This week’s offering will help our congregation pay down the mortgage for our beautiful building. We take these monthly mortgage collections in gratitude for the physical space that helps us gather, and in the spirit of lightening the financial load on future generations. If you have been inspired by the beauty of our buildings and you would like to support the well-being of our congregation far into the future, please give generously today to help pay down our mortgage debt. A recorded contribution to the operating fund, which includes contributions to pay down mortgage debt, will satisfy the annual financial contribution requirement for WUU membership (WUU Bylaws). Thank you for your support.
Offertory Music
Venetian Barcarolle Op. 30, No. 6 from Songs Without Words, by Felix Mendelssohn
Heidi Souza, piano
Sermon
“Veiled Goddess: Stories of Survival and Syncretism”
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Closing Hymn
SLT #51 “Lady of the Seasons’ Laughter”
Extinguishing the Chalice
“We Keep Its Light in Our Hearts,” by Maddie Sifantus
Susan Marcinkus
We extinguish this flame,
But we keep its light in our hearts,
with its message of love and justice,
Taking it outside these walls to the world we live in,
until we are together again.
Closing Circle & Benediction
by Kurt Vonnegut
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.
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