ORDER OF WORSHIP | AUGUST 20, 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 Fournier, Worship Associate
Announcements
Katrina Landon
Prelude
Nocturne in Eb Major, Op. 9 No. 2, by Frédéric Chopin
Heidi Souza, piano
Opening 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
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister
Opening Hymn
SLT #360 “Here We Have Gathered”
Lighting the Chalice
Words by Jennifer Gracen
Susan Fournier
We come together every week
Bound not by a creed,
Or a mutual desire to please one God
Or many Gods
Yet we are drawn together
By a belief, that how we are in the world,
Who we are together
Matters.
We light this chalice,
together in the knowledge
That love, not fear, can change this world.
Blessing of the Backpacks
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education, & Rev. Michelle Collins
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.
New Member Recognition Ceremony
Rev. Michelle Collins & Melanie Williams
Meditation & Prayer
“In Between,” by Rev. Kate Walker
Rev. Michelle Collins
Meditative Music
SLT #83 “Winds Be Still”
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 help our congregation pay down the mortgage for our beautiful building. We take these monthly mortgage collections in gratitude for the physical space that helps us gather, and in the spirit of lightening the financial load on future generations. If you have been inspired by the beauty of our buildings and you would like to support the well-being of our congregation far into the future, please give generously today to help pay down our mortgage debt. Thank you for your support.
Offertory Music
“Prelude: Allegro moderato,” from Suite No. 5 in E Major, by George Frideric Handel
Heidi Souza, piano
Reading
“School Supplies,” by Vanessa Southern
Susan Fournier
Reflection
“Ch-ch-ch-changes”
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing Song
“May I Suggest,” by Susan Werner, arranged by Lisa G Littlebird
Jane Ferguson, Kim Ness, Music Director, & Liz Wiley
Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Fournier
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 Words
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing
Susan Fournier
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.
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