August 13, 2023: “The Stories & Blessings We Share”

ORDER OF WORSHIP | AUGUST 13, 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

Opening Welcome
Susan Marcinkus, Worship Associate

Announcements
Katrina Landon

Prelude
“Wake & Flow”
Written & performed by Scott Varney

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.

Call to Worship
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister

Opening Hymn
SLT #347 “Gather the Spirit”

Lighting the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus

When people meet, endless possibilities emerge:
New cultural experiences and openness to new ways of
understanding and doing things.
A special attention to the other and a sense of service
beyond self-development.
Today, this morning, let us light the chalice for openness,
willingness to grow, enriching curiosity, and active cooperation.

Wisdom Story
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.

Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Michelle Collins

Meditative Music
STJ #1053 “How Could Anyone”

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 go to Williamsburg House of Mercy, which provides quality compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of faith. Williamsburg House of Mercy provides a safe and welcoming environment for area homeless to find respite, receive services, and work toward ending their homelessness, and emergency assistance and supportive services to those struggling to maintain housing and regain stability. Thank you so much for your generosity.

Offertory Music
“Thank You”
Written & performed by Scott Varney

Sermon
“The Stories & Blessings We Share”
Rev. Michelle Collins

Closing Song
“Daydreamin”
Written & performed by Scott Varney

Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus

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.

Benediction
Rev. Michelle Collins

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal


Post-service conversation on Zoom: If you enjoy the post-service conversation on Zoom and would be willing to help make it happen, please email av@wuu.org. The AV Team will continue to provide Zoom access to Café Conversations during the summer. Otherwise, the Zoom feed will end after the service.

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