March 19, 2023: “The Power of Myths and Stories”

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.

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