ORDER OF WORSHIP | APRIL 21, 2024 | 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 Song
SLT #203 “All Creatures of the Earth and Sky”
Opening Words
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister
Opening Welcome
Nan Hart, Worship Associate
Announcements
Prelude
2nd Arabesque, by Claude Debussy
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.
Opening Hymn
SLT #21 “For the Beauty of the Earth”
Lighting the Chalice
Words by Paul Sprecher
Nan Hart
We light this chalice for the web of life which sustains us,
For the sacred circle of life in which we have our being,
For the Earth, the Sky, Above and Below, and
For our Mother Earth, and for the Mystery.
Anthem
“This We Know,” arr. Ron Jeffers
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director
Wisdom Story
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education
Blessing the Children
“‘Til We Meet Again”
‘Til we meet again,
‘Til we meet again,
May peace go with you,
May peace go with you.
Meditation & Prayer
“An Invitation from Gaia,” by Jezibell Anat
Rev. Michelle Collins
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.
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. Thank you for your support.
Offertory Music
Grasshopper’s Parade, by Sergei Prokofiev
Heidi Souza, piano
Reflection
“Thinking Like a Mountain (or a Coral Reef)”
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing Hymn
STJ #1064 “Blue Boat Home”
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
Rev. Michelle Collins
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
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