ORDER OF WORSHIP | JANUARY 7, 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
Susan Walkley, Worship Associate
Announcements
Katrina Landon
Prelude
“Duetto,” by Felix Mendelssohn
Heidi Souza, piano
Opening 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.
Opening Hymn
SLT #346 “Come, Sing a Song with Me”
Lighting the Chalice
Susan Walkley
We light this chalice
for the warmth of love;
for the light of truth;
for the energy of action;
and for the harmony of peace:
Peace in our hearts,
peace in our community,
and peace in our world.
Wisdom Story
“The Road Not Taken,” by Robert Frost
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
“The Road Not Taken,” text by Robert Frost, music by Randall Thompson
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director
Meditation & Prayer
by Rachel Lamb
Rev. Michelle Collins
Centering Hymn
SLT #6 “Just as Long as I Have Breath”
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
Op. 19 No. 4 from Songs Without Words, by Felix Mendelssohn
Heidi Souza, piano
Reading
“What’s Your Word,” by UU Director of Religious Education Tim Atkins
Susan Walkley
Reflection
“What’s Your Word”
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing Hymn
SLT #131 “Love Will Guide Us”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Walkley
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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