November 26, 2023: “Something Judges Us, Something Accepts Us”

ORDER OF WORSHIP | NOVEMBER 26, 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.

Opening Welcome
Nan Hart, Worship Associate

Announcements
Katrina Landon

Prelude
Intermezzo Op. 119, No. 3: Grazioso e giocoso, by Johannes Brahms
Heidi Souza, piano

Opening 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
with words adapted from Robert French Leavens
Liz Wiley, Worship Associate

Opening Hymn
SLT #83 “Winds Be Still”

Lighting the Chalice
Nan Hart

We light this chalice in loving gratitude
for the privilege of being together,
of listening deeply and of being heard,
and for those moments
when such sharing brings us closer
to that ‘harmony with the divine’
that we long to find.

Wisdom Song
“Please,” written & performed by Heather Jinmaku, voice & guitar

Meditation & Prayer
Liz Wiley

Sharing Our Gifts
Online Giving
Text-to-Give: 757-500-0688
In-Person Giving: Place offerings in the collection plates as they’re passed during the service.

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 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. Thank you for your generosity.

Offertory Music
“Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” by Irving Berlin
Heidi Souza, piano

Reading
“The Gaffe,” by C. K. Williams
Nan Hart

Reflection
“Something Judges Us, Something Accepts Us”
Sermon given at the University Unitarian Church of Seattle, WA, on July 9, 2023
Rev. Bruce Bode, Minister Emeritus, Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Closing Hymn
SLT #205 “Amazing Grace!”

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.

Closing Words
from the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker
Liz Wiley

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal


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