ORDER OF WORSHIP | APRIL 9, 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
Susan Fournier, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon
Prelude
Intermezzo in C Op. 119, No. 3: Grazioso e giocoso, by Johannes Brahms
Heidi Souza, piano
Welcome & 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.
Call to Worship
“An Earth Song,” by Langston Hughes
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister
Opening Hymn
SLT #270 “O Day of Light and Gladness”
Lighting the Chalice
Susan Fournier
May the flame we kindle now
Like the gentle radiance of daybreak,
shining on eyelids clenched against life’s hardness
Awaken us to a world alive with possibility and hope.
Wisdom Story
“The Easter Story,” by Brian Wildsmith
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.
Anthem
“Alleluia,” by Randall Thompson
WUU Choir & friends, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director
Meditation & Prayer, Sung, Spoken & Silent
with words by Lisa Doege
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Video Meditation
“Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” by Dolly Parton, as sung by the Wailin’ Jennys
Performed by Crossley Hawn, Margot Rood & Kristen Dubenion-Smith
From the Heart
Lola Warren
Sharing Our Gifts
Online Giving
Text-to-Give: 757-500-0688
In-Person Giving: Place offerings in the dropbox in the Gathering Hall.
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
“To Spring,” by Edvard Grieg
Heidi Souza, piano
Sermon
“Clear Blue Morning”
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Closing Hymn
SLT #344 “A Promise through the Ages Rings”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Fournier
May the longtime sun shine upon us,
all love surround us,
and the sweet light within us guide our way.
Closing Circle & Benediction
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
Post-service conversation on Zoom: Zoom participants are invited to stay online for virtual social time.
New to WUU? Welcome! Learn more about WUU and Unitarian Universalism by visiting wuu.org/about/.