ORDER OF WORSHIP | JULY 9, 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
Liz Wiley, Worship Associate
Announcements
Katrina Landon
Opening Music
“Vision,” by Høly River
Opening 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.
Lighting the Chalice
by Erik Walker Wikstrom
Justice Craig, Hannah Thomas & Nia McArdle
Here, today, in this place and with these people,
May we listen so that we can hear;
May we hear so that we can feel;
May we feel so that we can know; and
May we know so that we can change ourselves and this world.
May this chalice we light,
Light our Way.
Call to Experience
Liz Wiley
Poem
“Not Tonight,” by Mac Mestayer
Reprise of Opening Song
Høly River
Wisdom Story
Four Haiku by Carol Sherman
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education, & Liz Wiley
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
Liz Wiley
Poem
“Stillness,” by Bev Peterson
From the Heart
On Circle Dinners
Anne Stevens
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 Navigators USA, an alternative scouting program created to include everyone and help each person develop their fullest potential without discrimination. The aim is to foster a world without prejudice or ignorance and to treat every person with respect – regardless of race, creed, lifestyle, or ability.
Navigators Chapter 36 was established in Williamsburg in 2013 and has hosted an array of outdoor events such as camping, hiking, and kayaking at various sites around the peninsula and as far as Shenandoah National Park. There have also been more civic-oriented events such as emergency safety training with James City County and a tour of a local landfill, as well as an annual pinewood derby.
In recent years, many of the core group of participants have outgrown the program and there has been steadily dwindling attendance. The Chapter 36 co-leaders are seeking new leadership so that a new group can revitalize this amazing program.
Thank you so much for your generosity.
“Seasons”
Høly River
Poems
“Crone Observes” & “Sixth Day Lament,” by Mary DeLara
Reflection
Liz Wiley
“Born of Water”
Høly River
Poem
“Water Is Life,” by Anne Stevens
“Courage”
Høly River
Poems
“One Small Thing,” by Mac Mestayer
“On Ode We Owe,” by Amanda Gorman; read by Chris Llewellyn
“Høly River”
Høly River
Closing Words & Extinguishing the Chalice
by Becky Laurent
Liz Wiley
As flame is to spirit
So spirit is to breath
And breath to song.
Though we extinguish the flame in this sanctuary
May we tend it in our hearts until we meet again.
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 9 (Navigators), July 16 (Board info listening session), and 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/.