ORDER OF WORSHIP | DECEMBER 18, 2022 | 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
Liz Wiley
Prelude
“Sing We Now of Christmas,” Traditional French Carol
Arranged & performed by David Hamilton, 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
“What Song,” by the Rev. Victoria Safford
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister
Opening Hymn
STJ #1010 “We Give Thanks,” led by the Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Choir
Lighting the Chalice
Susan Fournier
We light this chalice
for the warmth of love;
for the light of truth;
for the energy of action;
and for the harmony of peace:
Peace in our hearts,
peace in our community,
and peace in our world.
Wisdom Story
“Santa Lucia”
Liz Wiley
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, Sung, Spoken & Silent
with “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella,” Traditional French Carol
Words adapted from the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Centering Hymn
SLT #225 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” led by Kiena Williams, voice, & Adam Podd, arranger and accompanist
Sharing Our Gifts
Online Giving
Text-to-Give: 757-500-0688
In-Person Giving: Place offerings in the dropbox in the Gathering Hall.
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 offering will support WUU’s Journey to Asylum program, which seeks to offer compassion and solidarity to migrants and their families. We are currently sponsoring a family from Honduras. Your support provides them with a safe home, ESL tutoring, therapy and child-development resources, medical care, food and clothing, transportation, and so much more. We are truly demonstrating our UU values through this program. Thank you for your generosity!
Offertory Music
“Silent Night” (jazz arrangement), Traditional German Christmas Carol by Franz Gruber
Arranged & performed by David Hamilton, piano
Reading
“Religion and the Brain,” by Sharon Begley
Susan Fournier
Sermon
“Neurotheology: This Is Your Brain on Religion”
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Closing Hymn
SLT #130 “O Liberating Rose,” led by Jess Huetteman
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 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/.