ORDER OF WORSHIP | APRIL 28, 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
Led by Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister & Kim Ness, Music Director
Opening Words
by Kenneth Patton
Rev. Michelle Collins
Opening Welcome
Leslie Fabian, Worship Associate
Announcements
Prelude
Adagio from Sonata in C Major, Hob. XVI, No. 50, by Joseph Haydn
Heidi Souza, piano
Opening 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.
Opening Hymn
SLT #302 “Children of the Human Race”
Lighting the Chalice
Leslie Fabian
Today’s chalice lighting is in honor of our Homecoming,
coming home to this beloved Unitarian Universalist community.
We celebrate the joy of being together in this beautiful setting.
May the light of our chalice continue to spark joy,
gratitude, and hope in each of us throughout our time together.
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
“Marginal Wisdom,” by Leslie Takahashi
Rev. Michelle Collins
Centering Hymn
SLT #318 “We Would Be One”
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 support the Summer Meals for Kids program. A consortium of congregations with sponsorship from Meals on Wheels will be making lunches for children living in low-income neighborhoods and motels. WUU and our partner St. Martin’s Episcopal will be making sandwiches and packing lunches every Friday during the summer for approximately 300 children that would be receiving free lunches at school. Although Meals on Wheels and Greater Williamsburg Outreach Mission are doing some fundraising, the congregations are providing the bulk of the funding. Please give as generously as you can. Thank you for your support.
Offertory Music
Gigue from Suite No. 7 in G minor, by George Frideric Handel
Heidi Souza, piano
Reading
“We Come into Thy Secret Place,” by Van Ogden Vogt
Rev. Michelle Collins
Reading
“In Gatherings,” by Marta I Valentín
Leslie Fabian
Reflection
“Our Great Big Tent”
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing Hymn
STJ #1017 “Building a New Way”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Leslie Fabian
We extinguish the chalice here
That it might glow gently in our hearts.
May it light your path as you leave this place.
May it guide your way until we are together again.
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/.