March 17, 2024: “And Now This. Expected and Unexpected Changes”

ORDER OF WORSHIP | MARCH 17, 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
David Hopkinson, Worship Associate

Announcements

Prelude
“The Story as I Remember It….” written & played by David Hamilton, piano

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 Words
from Hamlet, by William Shakespeare
Dan Moore, Guest Worship Leader

Opening Hymn
SLT #313 “O What a Piece of Work Are We”

Lighting the Chalice
David Hopkinson

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
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education

Blessing the Children
“As You Journey,” by Ann Hossler, Director of Music, UU Fellowship of Vero Beach, FL

As you journey
     As you journey
May you know
     May you know
Love and hope go with you
     Love and hope go with you
Learn and grow!
     Learn and grow!

Music
“A Beautiful Noise,” by Alicia Keys & Brandi Carlile
Jane Ferguson & Rachel Townsley, vocals; Dave Beals, mandolin; Alan Dooley, bass; David Hamilton, piano

Meditation & Prayer
David Hopkinson

Centering Round
STJ #1009 “Meditation on Breathing”

From the Heart
Thad Hecht

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
“To Spring,” by Edvard Grieg
Heidi Souza, piano

Reflection
“And Now This. Expected & Unexpected Changes”
Dan Moore

Closing Hymn
SLT #329 “Life Has Loveliness to Sell”

Extinguishing the Chalice
David Hopkinson

We extinguish this flame,
but not the light of truth,
the warmth of community,
or the fire of commitment.
These we carry in our hearts
until we are together again.

Closing Words
Dan Moore

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal


New to WUU? Welcome! Learn more about WUU and Unitarian Universalism by visiting wuu.org/about/.