December 3, 2023: “The Mystery of the Chalice”

ORDER OF WORSHIP | DECEMBER 3, 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.

Call to Worship
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister

Opening Welcome
Susan Fournier, Worship Associate

Announcements
Rev. Michelle Collins

Prelude
Allemande from Partita No. 4 in D, by Johann Sebastian Bach
Heidi Souza, piano

Opening Greeting
Susan Fournier

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.

Opening Hymn
STJ #1000 “Morning Has Come”

Anthem
“Shine with Radiant Light,” by Lowell Prescott
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director

Lighting the Chalice
Words by Albert Schweitzer
Susan Fournier & Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education

At times our own light goes out
and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude
of those who have lighted the flame within us.

Blessing the Children
“As You Journey,” by Ann Hossler, Director of Music, UU Fellowship of Vero Beach, FL

As you journey
     As you journey
May you know
     May you know
Love and hope go with you
     Love and hope go with you
Learn and grow
     Learn and grow

Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Michelle Collins

Centering Hymn
STJ #1048 “Ubi Caritas”

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.

The collection this week goes to our general operating fund to help cover all of those essential things like staff salaries and building maintenance, as well as the activities that are so important to all of us, from programming to crayons for our RE children. A recorded contribution to the general operating fund also fulfills the annual financial contribution requirement for WUU membership (WUU Bylaws). Thank you for your support!

Offertory Music
Canon in D, by Johann Pachelbel; arr. by Marion Verhaalen
Heidi Souza, piano

Reading
“A Little About Chalices”
Susan Fournier

Reflection
“The Mystery of the Chalice”
Rev. Michelle Collins

Closing Hymn
STJ #1028 “The Fire of Commitment”

Extinguishing the Chalice
Words by Albert Schweitzer
Susan Fournier & Rev. Michelle Collins

At times our own light goes out
and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude
of those who have lighted the flame within us.

Closing Words
Rev. Michelle Collins

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal


New to WUU? Welcome! Learn more about WUU and Unitarian Universalism by visiting wuu.org/about/.