ORDER OF WORSHIP | MARCH 19, 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
Liz Wiley, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon
Prelude
Heidi Souza, piano
Welcome & 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.
Opening Hymn
Call to Worship
“Come Sit by Our Fire,” by Jennifer Kitchen
Rev. Aileen Fitzke, Guest Worship Leader
Lighting the Chalice
Liz Wiley
We light this flame today
as campfires of old
For light
For warmth
For sharing story
Come gather round
To feel
To connect
To wonder
O come gather
Choral Anthem
“The Road Not Taken,” words by Robert Frost, music by Randall Thompson
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director
Wisdom Story
“Sister Goose and the Foxes,” by Faye Mogensen
Rev. Aileen Fitzke
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
“Constellations of Our Lives,” by Karen G. Johnston
Rev. Aileen Fitzke
Centering Hymn
Sharing Our Gifts
Online Giving
Text-to-Give: 757-500-0688
In-Person Giving: Place offerings in the dropbox in the Gathering Hall.
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
Heidi Souza, piano
Sermon
“The Power of Myths and Stories”
Rev. Aileen Fitzke
Closing Hymn
Extinguishing the Chalice
Liz Wiley
We extinguish this flame,
but not the light of imagination
the warmth of community,
or the spark of wonder.
These we keep aglow
until we gather again.
Closing Circle & Benediction
“You Are in the Story of the World,” by Ean Huntington Behr
Rev. Aileen Fitzke
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/.