April 7, 2024: “Your Past May Be Stained”

ORDER OF WORSHIP | APRIL 7, 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 Welcome
Susan Marcinkus, Worship Associate

Announcements

Prelude
“Always in My Heart,” written & played by David Hamilton, piano

Opening Greeting
Susan Marcinkus

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 Words
Steve Prince, Guest Worship Leader

Opening Song
“Draw the Circle,” words by Gordon Light & music by Mark A. Miller

Lighting the Chalice
“A Flame to Light Our Path”
Susan Marcinkus

Fire consumes and casts a bright light.
May our chalice flame consume our regrets for the past,
our fears about the future, and our worries about today.
May it light for us a path of joy and peace.

Wisdom Story
“Life Doesn’t Frighten Me,” by Maya Angelou with paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat
Liz Wiley, Chair of Worship Ministry

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

Anthem
“I Believe,” by Mark A. Miller
WUU Ad Hoc Singers, directed by David Hamilton with John Keating on guitar

Meditation & Prayer
Susan Marcinkus

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
“On That Glorious Day,” written & played by David Hamilton, piano

Reflection
“Your Past May Be Stained”
Steve Prince

Closing Song
“My Heart Is Ready,” by Cindy Kallett

Extinguishing the Chalice
“May You Be Changed”
Susan Marcinkus

May you leave this time together changed.
May the promises you have made to yourself about who you want to be feel closer to the reality of who you are right now.
May you share that feeling of transformation wherever you go.
May it spread into every word, deed, thought, and interaction
Until we are all changed, transformed, and transforming together, becoming our better selves.

Closing Words
Steve Prince

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal


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