ORDER OF WORSHIP | APRIL 23, 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
Leslie Fabian, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon
Prelude
“Grasshopper’s Parade,” by Sergei Prokofiev
Heidi Souza, piano
Welcome & Greeting
Leslie Fabian
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
from the U.N. Environmental Sabbath Program
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister
Opening Hymn
STJ #1064 “Blue Boat Home”
Lighting the Chalice
Leslie Fabian
Wisdom Time
“Tree Bridges,” adapted from “Living Tree Bridges in a Land of Clouds,” by Prasenjeet Yadav
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig & 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.
Anthem
“Earth Song,” by Frank Ticheli
WUU Choir and friends, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director; Heidi Souza, piano
Meditation & Prayer, Sung, Spoken & Silent
with words from an Ojibwe prayer
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Centering Hymn
SLT #163 “For the Earth Forever Turning”
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 or nonprofit human service 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 Hampton Roads Refugee Relief (HR3), whose mission is to promote the independence and wellbeing of refugees resettling in Hampton Roads. HR3 helps build stronger communities from Williamsburg to the Southside by connecting refugee families to needed resources, providing educational support, and distributing donated household goods. Your support allows them to continue welcoming our newest neighbors with care and compassion, as they assist them in becoming independent, contributing members of our community. Your generosity means everything to these families who have endured such hardship. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Offertory Music
“Moonlit Meadows,” by Sergei Prokofiev
Heidi Souza, piano
Reading
from Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Leslie Fabian
Sermon
“Partners with the Earth”
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Closing Hymn
“The Tide Is Rising,” by Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman & Yotam Schachter
Extinguishing the Chalice
Leslie Fabian
Closing Circle & Benediction
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/.