ORDER OF WORSHIP | JANUARY 28, 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 #361 “Enter, Rejoice, and Come In”
Opening Words
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister
Opening Welcome
Susan Marcinkus, Worship Associate
Announcements
Prelude
Allemande from Partita No. 4 in D, by Johann Sebastian Bach
Heidi Souza, piano
Opening Greeting
Susan Marcinkus
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 #95 “There Is More Love Somewhere”
Lighting the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus
We light this chalice, the beacon that calls us:
To love
To justice
To a deepening of the spirit.
Wisdom Story
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education
Blessing the Children
“As You Journey,” by Ann Hossler, Director of Music, UU Fellowship of Vero Beach, FL
As you journey
As you journey
May you know
May you know
Love and hope go with you
Love and hope go with you
Learn and grow!
Learn and grow!
Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Michelle Collins
Centering Hymn
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. WUU participates in the Motel Meals program, which is organized by John Moravetz for From His Hands and Greater Williamsburg Outreach Mission. Meals are prepared at WISC by Meals On Wheels for $11.00, which feeds a family of 4. On the second Wednesday of every month, the WUU team delivers hot dinners to families and seniors living in America’s Inn, Travelodge on Bypass Rd, and Col. Waller motels. The Motel Meals team members (Trenna Tankersley, Jon and Karla Mitovich, Fred Gilbertson, Martha Elim, Henry Bellows, Kerry Mellette, David and Linda Lane-Hamilton, Helen Hansen, Jackson Verburg, and Savanah Williams) take turns picking up meals and delivering them to the recipients who are nominated by motel managers. The Social Justice budget covers part of the cost of meals, but Share the Plate donations are needed to make up the difference. As always, we hope WUU congregants will give generously to support our neighbors in need.
Offertory Music
“Love Never Fails,” music by J.A.C. Redford, based on 1 Corinthians 13: 1-8
Heidi Souza, vocals & piano
Story
The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein
Rev. Michelle Collins
Story
The Receiving Tree, by Jerry Wright
Susan Marcinkus
Musical Response
SLT #402 “From You I Receive”
Reflection
“Saying ‘No’ Is Saying ‘I Love You'”
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing Hymn
STJ #1053 “How Could Anyone”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus
As flame is to spirit, so spirit is to breath, and breath to song.
Though we extinguish the flame in this sanctuary, may we tend it in our hearts until we meet again.
Closing Words
Rev. Michelle Collins
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
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