July 14, 2024: “The Interdependent Web: What Animals Teach Us about Human Nature & Our Covenant to Protect All Beings from Exploitation”

ORDER OF WORSHIP | JULY 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 Welcome
Nan Hart, Worship Associate

Announcements

Opening Words
Jennifer Springsteen, Guest Worship Leader

Prelude
Prelude II (“Blue Lullaby”), by George Gershwin
Heidi Souza, piano

Opening Greeting
Nan Hart

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 #38 “Morning Has Broken”

Lighting the Chalice
Words by Jean M. Rowe
Nan Hart

We have a calling in this world:

We are called to honor diversity,
to respect differences with dignity,
and to challenge those who would
forbid it.

We are people of a wide path.

Let us be wide in affection
and go our way in peace.

Wisdom Time
“Trees,” adapted from We Believe
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education

Wisdom Chant
“Fur & Feather”
Liz Wiley, Worship Committee Chair

Blessing the Children
To the tune of SLT #413 “Go Now in Peace”

Fly now in peace
Hop now in peace
May the spirit of animals surround you
Everywhere, Everywhere you may run

Meditation & Prayer

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 Village, which is dedicated to equity and justice in the Williamsburg-James City County Schools and community. The Village works with Williamsburg-James City County (WJCC) schools to address the achievement gap and the disproportionate percentages of expulsion and suspension of minority youth which leads to the pipeline to prison. They also seek to educate the community on voting at all levels and promote social justice by inviting everyone to be part of the process. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Offertory Music
“The Entertainer,” by Scott Joplin
Heidi Souza, piano

Video
“Un Albero Un Anno  –  One Tree One Year,” by Bruno D’Amicis & Umberto Esposito

Reflection
“The Interdependent Web: What Animals Teach Us about Human Nature & Our Covenant to Protect All Beings from Exploitation”
Jennifer Springsteen

Closing Hymn
SLT #324 “Where My Free Spirit Onward Leads”

Extinguishing the Chalice
Words by Deena Metzger
Nan Hart

There are those who are trying 
to set fire to the world.

We are in danger.

There is time only to work slowly.

There is no time not to love.

Closing Words
Jennifer Springsteen

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal


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