ORDER OF WORSHIP | AUGUST 18, 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 #188 “Come, Come, Whoever You Are”
Opening Words
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister
Opening Welcome
Susan Fournier, Worship Associate
Announcements
Prelude
Träumerei (Reverie), by Robert Schumann
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
SLT #331 “Life Is the Greatest Gift of All”
Lighting the Chalice
Susan Fournier
We light this chalice, symbol of the warmth of community and
brightness that love brings to the world
Illuminating our search for justice and peace.
Light—the force that nurtures all living things
here in our midst in this flame,
so tiny and so significant.
Blessing of the Backpacks & Gratitude Blessing to the Volunteer Teachers
Rev. Michelle Collins and Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education
Music for the Children’s Departure
Song
“Ripple,” by the Grateful Dead
Performed by Dave Beals, mandolin and vocals; Jane Ferguson, guitar and vocals; and John Trindle, bass
Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Michelle Collins
Music for Meditation
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
“Cowboy Waltz” and “A Finnish Polka,” Traditional
Performed by Dave Beals, mandolin and vocals; Jane Ferguson, guitar and vocals; and John Trindle, bass
Reading
“The Duck of Enlightenment,” by Kathleen McTigue
Susan Fournier
Reflection
“Moments That Bring Awakening”
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing Hymn
SLT #298 “Wake, Now, My Senses”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Fournier
As we extinguish this flame we are reminded: love is the center.
As we explore and rest, engage and heal: love remains the center.
When all we can see is cold ashes: love remains.
Closing Words
Rev. Michelle Collins
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
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