ORDER OF WORSHIP | MARCH 12, 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
Nan Hart, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon
Prelude
Nocturne in B-flat minor, Op. 9, No. 1, by Frédéric Chopin
Heidi Souza, piano
Welcome & 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.
Call to Worship
from Daring Greatly, by Brené Brown
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister
Opening Hymn
SLT #348 “Guide My Feet”
Lighting the Chalice
Adapted from Israel Zangwill
Nan Hart
Come into the circle of love and justice.
Come into the community of mercy, holiness, and health.
Come and you shall know peace and joy.
Wisdom Story
“Happy Dreamer,” by Peter Reynolds
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, Sung, Spoken & Silent
by the Rev. Richard S. Gilbert
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Centering Hymn
STJ #1012 “When I Am Frightened”
Sharing Our Gifts
Online Giving
Text-to-Give: 757-500-0688
In-Person Giving: Place offerings in the dropbox in the Gathering Hall.
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 Community of Faith Mission (COFM) for the 2023-2024 Emergency Winter Shelter, which has provided safety, warmth and sustenance to our most vulnerable neighbors since 2012. Hospitality is provided at area churches for one week at a time, and funding is needed for paid staff, supplies, and training volunteers. WUU has been a host faith group until last year, when members were invited individually to sign up for shifts at other host sites. Thank you so much for your generosity.
Offertory Music
Prelude in A Major, Op. 28, No. 7, by Frédéric Chopin
Heidi Souza, piano
Reading
from The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brené Brown
Nan Hart
Sermon
“The Courage to Be Seen”
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Closing Hymn
STJ #1029 “Love Knocks and Waits for Us to Hear”
Extinguishing the Chalice
1 Corinthians 16
Nan Hart
Keep alert, stand firm in your faith; be courageous, be strong.
Let all that you do be done in love.
Closing Circle & Benediction
by the Rev. Kimberly Quinn Johnson & June Jordan
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
Post-service conversation on Zoom: Zoom participants are invited to stay online either for a café conversation to discuss WUU’s role for the next season of the Community of Faith Mission Emergency Winter Shelter or for virtual social time.
New to WUU? Welcome! Learn more about WUU and Unitarian Universalism by visiting wuu.org/about/.