ORDER OF WORSHIP | JANUARY 14, 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 Song
SLT #188 “Come, Come, Whoever You Are”
Opening Words
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister
Opening Welcome
David Hopkinson, Worship Associate
Announcements
Katrina Landon
Prelude
“Weeping Willow,” by Scott Joplin
Heidi Souza, piano
Opening 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.
Opening Hymn
STJ #1014 “Answering the Call of Love”
Lighting the Chalice
by Rev. Rebekah Savage
David Hopkinson
We light our flaming chalice as a beloved people united in love
and thirsting for restorative justice.
May it melt away the tethers that uphold whiteness in our midst.
May it spark in us a spirit of humility.
May it ignite in us radical love that transforms our energy into purposeful action.
This a chalice of audacious hope.
This chalice shines a light on our shared past, signaling our intention to listen deeply, reflect wisely, and move boldly toward our highest ideals.
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
Anthem
“Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” by Thomas A. Dorsey
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director
Prayer
Rev. Michelle Collins
Centering Hymn
STJ #1023 “Building Bridges”
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 the 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 the staff, “God POD” (trailer), hygiene and medical supplies, and hotel stays for guests when needed. Although WUU Social Justice budgeted for food and supplies for our week, March 3-10, we would like to generously support the COFM organization through Share the Plate. Thank you so much for your generosity.
Offertory Music
“To Dream the Impossible Dream,” from Man of La Mancha by Joe Darion & Mitch Leigh
Heidi Souza, piano
Reflection
“Why Bother Dreaming”
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing Hymn
“Gather ‘Round, Both Friend and Stranger”
Extinguishing the Chalice
David Hopkinson
We extinguish this flame,
but not the light of truth,
the warmth of community,
or the fire of commitment.
These we carry in our hearts
until we are together again.
Closing Words
Rev. Michelle Collins
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
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