ORDER OF WORSHIP | JANUARY 22, 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
Leslie Fabian, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon
Prelude
Allemande from Suite No. 5, by G. F. Handel
Heidi Souza, piano
Welcome & 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.
Call to Worship
Ruth 1:16-17
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister
Opening Hymn
SLT #188 “Come, Come, Whoever You Are”
Lighting the Chalice
Leslie Fabian
Anthem
“In Dulci Jubilo,” traditional text; music by Dieterich Buxtehude
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director
Wisdom Story
“The Meaning of Pride,” written by Rosiee Thor & illustrated by Sam Kirk
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.
Sermon, Part 1
“The Tricky Texts”
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Meditation & Prayer, Sung, Spoken & Silent
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Centering Hymn
STJ #1053 “How Could Anyone”
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
Op. 19, No.4 from Songs Without Words, by Felix Mendelssohn
Heidi Souza, piano
Sermon, Part 2
“Affirming Images”
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Closing Hymn
STJ #1014 “Answering the Call of Love”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Leslie Fabian
Closing Circle & Benediction
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
Post-service conversation on Zoom: Zoom participants are invited to stay online for virtual social time.
New to WUU? Welcome! Learn more about WUU and Unitarian Universalism by visiting wuu.org/about/.