ORDER OF WORSHIP | JULY 21, 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
Leslie Fabian, Worship Associate
Announcements
Opening Words
by Gretchen Haley
Rev. Kimberley Debus, Guest Worship Leader
Prelude
“Variations,” by Dmitri Kabalevsky
Heidi Souza, piano
Opening 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.
Opening Hymn
SLT #128 “For All That Is Our Life”
Lighting the Chalice
Leslie Fabian
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
“Learning to Laugh”
Rev. Kimberley Debus
Song
“I Love to Laugh,” by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman from Mary Poppins
Liz Wiley, vocals; Heidi Souza, piano; and kazooers
Blessing the Children
Meditation & Prayer
Leslie Fabian
Music for Meditation
“Rainbow Connection,” by Jim Henson
Katrina Landon, vocals, and Heidi Souza, piano
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.
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. Thank you for your support.
Offertory Music
“The Happy Farmer,” by Robert Schumann
Heidi Souza, piano
Sermon
“The Best Medicine”
Rev. Kimberley Debus
Closing Hymn
STJ #1024 “When the Spirit Says Do”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Leslie Fabian
We extinguish this flame,
but not the lightness of a giggle,
the warmth of a shared chuckle,
or the fire of the belly laugh.
These – along with our commitment to
justice, equity, and compassion –
we carry in our hearts
until we are together again.
Closing Words
by Molly Fumera
Rev. Kimberley Debus
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
New to WUU? Welcome! Learn more about WUU and Unitarian Universalism by visiting wuu.org/about/.