ORDER OF WORSHIP | FEBRUARY 18, 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 Hymn
STJ #1008 “When Our Heart Is in a Holy Place”
Opening Words
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister
Opening Welcome
Susan Marcinkus, Worship Associate
Announcements
Prelude
“Bethena: A Concert Waltz,” by Scott Joplin
Heidi Souza, 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.
Lighting the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus
We ignite this flame, symbol of our faith,
to beckon us into community,
warm our hearts with love,
and give us a light to follow as we carry our faith into action.
Anthem
“Echoes of Kindness,” by Linda Marcus & Ruth Elaine Schram
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director
Wisdom Story
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education
Blessing the Children
“Go Your Way in Peace”
Go your way in peace,
Wander as you may,
Blessed is the path you take,
May love guide you on your way.
Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Michelle Collins
Centering Hymn
STJ #1009 “Meditation on Breathing”
From the Heart
Roy Snyder
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
Venetian Gondola Song (Barcarolle) Op. 30, No. 6 from Songs Without Words, by Felix Mendelssohn
Heidi Souza, piano
Reflection
“The Greatest of These Is Love”
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing Hymn
SLT #325 “Love Makes a Bridge”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus
As flame is to spirit, so spirit is to breath, and breath to song.
Though we extinguish the flame in this sanctuary, may we tend it in our hearts until we meet again.
Closing Words
Rev. Michelle Collins
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
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