ORDER OF WORSHIP | JUNE 18, 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
Leslie Fabian, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon
Prelude
“Summer Breeze,” by Mary Sallee
Heidi Souza, piano
Welcome & 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.
Call to Worship
by Hildegard of Bingen
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister
Opening Chant
“Earth My Body”
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig & Liz Wiley
Earth my body,
water my blood,
air my breath,
and fire my spirit
Lighting the Chalice
“The Abundance of Our Lives Together,” by Katie Gelfand (adapted)
Leslie Fabian
We light our chalice as a symbol of gratitude
as we celebrate the abundance of our lives together.
In this community, we harvest bushels of strength for one another,
and we offer our crop with the hands of compassion and generosity.
In the authentic and gentle manner of our connections,
we cultivate a simple sweetness to brighten our spirits.
May we be grateful for the ways we nourish and uplift each other,
for it is in this sharing together that sustains us.
Wisdom Story
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education
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 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. A recorded contribution to the operating fund, which includes contributions to pay down mortgage debt, will satisfy the annual financial contribution requirement for WUU membership (WUU Bylaws). Thank you for your support.
Offertory Music
“A Satisfied Mind,” by Jack Rhodes & Red Hays
Corey Anderson, David Hamilton & John Keating, vocals
Sermon
“Life Calls Us On”
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Saying Goodbye
Katrina Landon, Kerry Mellette, Linda Lane-Hamilton & Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Hymn
“Life Calls Us On”
Extinguishing the Chalice
“Daring Vision,” by Maureen Killoran
Leslie Fabian
We extinguish this chalice flame,
daring to carry forward the vision of this free faith,
that freedom, reason and justice
will one day prevail in this nation and across the earth.
Closing Circle & Benediction
by Rabindranath Tagore
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Closing Hymn
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/.