ORDER OF WORSHIP | JANUARY 8, 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
Liz Wiley, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon
Prelude
“En Bateau,” by Claude Debussy
Heidi Souza, piano
Welcome & Greeting
Liz Wiley
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
by the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister
Opening Hymn
STJ #1000 “Morning Has Come”
Lighting the Chalice
Liz Wiley
Deep calls unto deep, joy calls unto joy, light calls unto light.
Let the kindling of this flame rekindle in us
the inner light of love, of peace, of hope.
And “as one flame lights another, nor grows the less,”
we pledge ourselves to be bearers of the light, wherever we are.
Wisdom Story
“Moody Cow Meditates,” by Kerry MacLean
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.
New Member Welcome Ceremony
Meditation & Prayer, Sung, Spoken & Silent
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Centering Hymn
SLT #123 “Spirit of Life”
Sharing Our Gifts
Online Giving
Text-to-Give: 757-500-0688
In-Person Giving: Place offerings in the dropbox in the Gathering Hall.
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 Olde Towne Medical Center, which has been a mainstay of hope and compassion for those who are underserved in our community due to barriers to healthcare. Financial challenges, little or complete lack of insurance and the few providers that accept Medicaid and Medicare make Olde Towne a necessary option for many patients. Olde Towne serves both adults and children with primary medical care integrated with behavioral health, comprehensive dental care, vision care, chronic care, education and support along with other health resources and programs including a medication access program that helps reduce medication costs for patients. Thank you for your generosity!
Offertory Music
Prelude from Suite No. 5, by George Frideric Handel
Heidi Souza, piano
Reading
from “Equanimity: Finding Balance in Difficult Times,” by James Baraz
Liz Wiley
Sermon
“Wise Engagement: Inner Peace, Outer Action”
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Closing Hymn
SLT #298 “Wake, Now, My Senses”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Liz Wiley
We have basked in the warmth and beauty
of this flame and this community.
As the chalice flame is extinguished,
let us carry its glow within.
Let us kindle new sparks within these walls and beyond.
Closing Circle & Benediction
Adapted from the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman
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/.