ORDER OF WORSHIP | FEBRUARY 4, 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 Words
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister
Opening Welcome
Leslie Fabian, Worship Associate
Announcements
Prelude
Allegro moderato from Sonata in A Major, Op. posth. 120, by Franz Schubert
Heidi Souza, piano
Opening Greeting
Leslie Fabian
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 Hymn
SLT #149 “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Lighting the Chalice
Leslie Fabian
Our prophets died for the freedom of faith;
We are here in their spirit.
We are here to practice and sustain our living tradition;
To light a chalice,
Claiming for justice
The heat and power of fire.
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.
From the Heart
Deborah Fabian
New Member Recognition
Rev. Michelle Collins & Melanie Williams
Charter Sunday Recognition
Rev. Michelle Collins
Anthem
“Love Is the Spirit of this Church,” by Thomas Yeakle
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director
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.
The collection this week goes to our general operating fund to help cover all of those essential things like staff salaries and building maintenance, as well as the activities that are so important to all of us, from programming to crayons for our RE children. A recorded contribution to the general operating fund also fulfills the annual financial contribution requirement for WUU membership (WUU Bylaws). Thank you for your support!
Offertory Music
“Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” from The Sound of Music by Rodgers & Hammerstein
Heidi Souza, piano
Responsive Reading
SLT #591 “I Call that Church Free,” by James Luther Adams
Leslie Fabian
Reflection
“The Prophethood of All Believers”
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing Hymn
SLT #6 “Just as Long as I Have Breath”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Leslie Fabian
We extinguish this chalice flame,
Daring to carry forward the vision of this free faith,
That freedom, reason, and justice
Will one day prevail in this nation and across the earth.
Closing Words
Rev. Michelle Collins
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
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