April 30, 2023: “Membership: To Grow New Leaders, We Need New Members”

ORDER OF WORSHIP | APRIL 30, 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.

Gathering

Announcements
David Hopkinson, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon

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

Welcome & Greeting
David Hopkinson

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
Music video of “Wild Things,” by Alessia Cara
Natalie Miller-Moore, Guest Worship Leader

Lighting the Chalice
“Dance of Fire, Dance of Transition,” by Gretchen E. Woods
David Hopkinson

As we kindle the flame of our spiritual community,
Let us pay attention to the dance of its fire.
It is not static, it does not stay the same.
It ebbs and flows in spontaneous patterns
of light and shade.
May we find our way as a congregation
through this dance of transition
with like spontaneity, responsiveness,
and warmth.

Wisdom Story
“Marley Takes the Stage: Dance Knows No Boundaries,” by Heather Booysen
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education

Blessing the Children
SLT #413 “Go Now in Peace,” by Natalie Sleeth (adapted)

Go now in peace, go now in peace.
May the spirit of love surround you.
Everywhere, everywhere, you may go.

From the Heart
Colin Moore

Meditation & Prayer
David Hopkinson

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 benefit the Minister’s Charitable Giving Fund, which helps people in our congregation and in the larger community who need short-term help paying rent and other essential expenses. Your gifts will help shelter homeless families, pay utility bills in the cold of winter, and offer hope in times of despair. Thank you so much for your generosity.

Offertory Music
Excerpt from Fantasie-Impromptu, by Frédéric Chopin
Heidi Souza, piano

Reflection
“On Membership”
Natalie Miller-Moore

Closing Song

Extinguishing the Chalice
David Hopkinson

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 Circle & Benediction
Natalie Miller-Moore

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal


Post-service conversation on Zoom: Zoom participants are invited to stay online for virtual social time.

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