ORDER OF WORSHIP | JULY 23, 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
Opening Welcome
David Hopkinson, Worship Associate
Announcements
Katrina Landon
Prelude
“Namo Namo (Sat Nam),” by Ram Dass & Nirinjan Kaur
Opening Greeting
David Hopkinson
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 Song
Nasadiya Sukta, Rig Veda, Hymn of Creation
Opening Reading
Rig Veda 10.129 (Nasadiya Sukta)
Patton Burchett, Guest Worship Leader
Lighting the Chalice
David Hopkinson
As the chalice is lit let us come together
into the sacred space we have created.
Let the cares of the day fall away
and know that here is a place for quiet reflection,
for a pause in our lives, for breathing into our true selves.
Let what is said and felt here
add richness to the dimensions of our lives and spiritual practices.
We are strong together in community.
We share the experience of being human.
Wisdom Story
Mae Among the Stars, by Roda Ahmed
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.
Meditation & Prayer
David Hopkinson
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 Share the Plate for Social Justice will go to the Summer Meals for Kids program. WUU has been a Summer Meals for Kids participant with our partner St. Martin’s Episcopal since the program began in 2018. This year we will provide 280 (up from 200 last year) lunches every Friday for children living in motels and low-income housing. Our partners, Bruton Parish, Williamsburg United Methodist, New Zion, King of Glory, St. Stephen’s, Newtown United Methodist, Williamsburg Presbyterian, and From His Hands, will be making meals Monday through Thursday at the Meals on Wheels Kitchen located at WISC. The Lions Club will continue to deliver meals every day.
The estimated cost of the program is estimated to be $21,000.00. Greater Williamsburg Outreach Mission has pledged $5,000.00, Meals on Wheels is fundraising, and other faith groups have donated substantial amounts. At this time we are still in need of raising about $4,000.00 to finish paying for ingredients for the remainder of the summer.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. This program is providing a nutritious meal to children who would be receiving free lunch during the school year.
Volunteers and cookies are still needed Friday mornings. Sign up online to participate.
Offertory Music
“Woodstock,” by Joni Mitchell
Reading
Chandogya Upanishad 6.10 & 6.13
Patton Burchett
Sermon/Reflection
“More than Stardust: Spiritual Insights from the Hindu Traditions”
Patton Burchett
Closing Music
“Ya Ghat Bheetar,” by Vipul Rikhi
Extinguishing the Chalice
David Hopkinson
Let the warmth of the chalice
lit during our time together
connect us
and carry us into the world.
Closing Words
Patton Burchett
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
Post-service conversation on Zoom: If you enjoy the post-service conversation on Zoom and would be willing to help make it happen, please email av@wuu.org. The AV Team will continue to provide Zoom access to Cafe Conversations during the summer, including July 30 (Golden Owl). Otherwise, the Zoom feed will end after the service.
New to WUU? Welcome! Learn more about WUU and Unitarian Universalism by visiting wuu.org/about/.