ORDER OF WORSHIP | FEBRUARY 19, 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
David Hopkinson, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon
Prelude
Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op.9, No.2, by Frédéric Chopin
Heidi Souza, piano
Welcome & Greeting
David Hopkinson
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
by Karen Quinlan
David Hopkinson
Opening Song
“Holy Now,” by Peter Mayer
Jane Ferguson; Kim Ness, Music Director; and Liz Wiley
Lighting the Chalice
by Cynthia Landrum
Jessica O’Brien
For the wonder and inspiration
We seek from sun and stars
And all the lights of the heavens
We light this chalice.
Choral Anthem
“Sing for Joy,” arr. by Susan LaBarr
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness
Wisdom Story
You Are Stardust, by Elin Kelsey
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.
Reflections: From the Head
Franz Gross
Meditation: Spoken & Silent
Gene Roche, Guest Worship Leader
Sharing Our Gifts
Online Giving
Text-to-Give: 757-500-0688
In-Person Giving: Place offerings in the dropbox in the Gathering Hall.
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. A recorded contribution to the operating fund, which includes contributions to pay down mortgage debt, will satisfy the annual financial contribution requirement for WUU membership (WUU Bylaws). Thank you for your support.
Offertory Music
“Imagine,” by John Lennon
Heidi Souza, piano
Reading
from UU World magazine, by the Rev. Dr. William Murray
Sally Fisk
Talk
“How Humanist Are You? Drawing the Line”
Gene Roche
Closing Song
“Let the Mystery Be…” by Iris DeMent
Jane Ferguson, Kim Ness, and Liz Wiley
Extinguishing the Chalice
Jessica O’Brien
We extinguish this flame
But not the light of our intellect
Or the warmth of our compassion.
These we hold sacred.
These we share freely.
Closing Circle & Benediction
from On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity & Getting Old, by Parker J. Palmer
Bev Peterson
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
Post-service congregational meeting: Zoom participants are invited to stay online for the annual congregational meeting.
New to WUU? Welcome! Learn more about WUU and Unitarian Universalism by visiting wuu.org/about/.