ORDER OF WORSHIP | FEBRUARY 25, 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.
Prelude
“Take Me to Church,” by Hozier with video
Danced by Sergei Polunin; directed by David LaChapelle
Opening Welcome
Liz Wiley, Facilitator for Our Whole Lives Adult Sexuality Education
Announcements
Opening Greeting
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.
Opening Dance Song
“Further to Fly,” by Holly Near
Performed by Paul Simon
Call to Worship
“I Don’t Want to Be Demure or Respectable” (after Mary Oliver), by D. Coffyn
Natalie Miller-Moore, Facilitator for Our Whole Lives Adult Sexuality Education
Lighting the Chalice
by Sarah Lammert
The element of fire represents
Passion, Veracity, Authenticity, and Vitality.
If the chalice is the supporting structure of our faith,
Then we are the flame.
We are the flame
Fanned strong by our passion for freedom,
Our yearning for truth-telling,
Our daring to be authentic with one another,
And the vitality we sustain in our meeting together.
In all of this, there is love.
Wisdom Story
“Everything Possible,” by Fred Small
John Keating with Liz Wiley
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
From the Heart
Kate McGaw
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 Community of Faith Mission (COFM) for the 2023-2024 Emergency Winter Shelter, which has provided safety, warmth, and sustenance to our most vulnerable neighbors since 2012. Hospitality is provided at area churches for one week at a time, and funding is needed for paid staff, supplies, and training volunteers. The shelter will be at WUU March 3-10 and there are many ways to help that week. Thank you so much for your generosity. Contact Kate McGaw (katemcgaw1@gmail.com) or Helen Hansen (helenfoxhansen@gmail.com) if you have questions.
Offertory Music
“Together We Fly,” by Felipe Baldomir
From the Heart
Carolyn Greathouse
Reading
“Self-Portrait,” by David Whyte
Reflection
“WHOLLY HOLY: Sacred Beings, Body Mind & Spirit”
Natalie Miller-Moore
Closing Song
“Both Sides Now,” by Joni Mitchell
Instrumental piano recording by Emilia Jones
Extinguishing the Chalice
As we extinguish the chalice
We take with us the warmth of human connection
We feel our inner flame as the spirit of Sacred Play
That expands our experience of living
We celebrate our aliveness, body, mind & spirit
So may it be.
Closing Words
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
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