ORDER OF WORSHIP | FEBRUARY 26, 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
Susan Walkley, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon
Prelude
Intermezzo in Eb Major, Op. 117, No. 1, by Johannes Brahms
Heidi Souza, piano
Welcome & Greeting
Susan Walkley
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
“Love Beyond God”
Rev. Adam Lawrence Dyer, Guest Worship Leader
Opening Hymn
SLT #128 “For All That Is Our Life”
Lighting the Chalice
“The Holy Dwells in Each of Us,” by Renee Ruchotzke
Susan Walkley
The spirit of the holy dwells in each of us.
The spirit of love dwells in each of us.
May the flame in our hands remind us that
Eternal Love dwells in our hearts.
May the flame in our hands remind us that
The Spirit of Life dwells among us as we gather as a faith community.
May the flame in our hands remind us that
The arc of the universe needs our embodied love and faith to bend
toward justice.
Wisdom Story
Vanessa Jones
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
Rev. Adam Lawrence Dyer
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 contributions will go to Motel Meals, which began as a Greater Williamsburg Outreach Mission project, but has been transferred to From His Hands, an organization of faith groups that addresses food insecurity locally. Participating groups are expected to supply their own meals to be delivered once a month to families in four area motels. The families are extremely grateful to receive a delicious, nutritious meal, and we appreciate the opportunity to provide a welcome service to our neighbors. As always, your generous support makes our world a little better!
Offertory Music
Mazurka in Ab Major, Op. 50, No.2, by Frédéric Chopin
Heidi Souza, piano
Reading
Excerpt from My Grandmother’s Hands, by Resmaa Menakem
Susan Walkley
Sermon
“Love the Body You Are In”
Rev. Adam Lawrence Dyer
Closing Hymn
SLT #95 “There Is More Love Somewhere”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Words by Martha Kirby Capo
Susan Walkley
Our time together is finished, but our work is not yet done:
May our spirits be renewed and our purpose resolved
As we meet the challenges of the week to come.
The chalice flame is extinguished
Until once again ignited by the strength of our communion.
Go now in peace.
Closing Circle & Benediction
Rev. Adam Lawrence Dyer
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
Post-service conversation on Zoom: Zoom participants are invited to stay online for virtual social time.
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