ORDER OF WORSHIP | MARCH 26, 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
Susan Marcinkus, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon
Prelude
“March—Song of the Lark,” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Heidi Souza, piano
Welcome & Greeting
Susan Marcinkus
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 Marta I. Valentín (adapted)
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister
Opening Hymn
SLT #360 “Here We Have Gathered”
Lighting the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus
We light this chalice to find inner peace,
love for each other, and faith in ourselves.
Also, to be welcoming to whomever we meet
and kind to all living creatures. So, gather around
this light of hope as we share this time together.
Wisdom Story
“Who Knows What’s Bad or Good?”
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.
From the Heart
Linda Cole
Meditation & Prayer, Sung, Spoken & Silent
with words by Melissa Jeter
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Centering Hymn
STJ #1002 “Comfort Me”
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 benefit the Williamsburg Bike Co-op. The Co-op collects donated bikes, and volunteers refurbish them to ensure they can provide safe and reliable transportation. The Co-op then donates bikes, helmets, locks, and bike lights to those referred to them by social service agencies such as social services, FISH, House of Mercy, Avalon, and more. One of our Journey to Asylum guests received a bike from the Co-op so that he could commute to work. To learn more about the Co-op, visit www.bikewalkwilliamsburg.org/bikecoop. Thank you so much for your generosity.
Offertory Music
“Rain and the Rainbow,” by Sergei Prokofiev
Heidi Souza, piano
Reading
“Life Is a Process,” by Anne Wilson Schaef
Susan Marcinkus
Sermon
“Things Fall Apart”
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Closing Hymn
SLT #363 “Alleluia! Sang Stars”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus
We extinguish the chalice here that it might glow gently in our hearts.
May it light your path as you leave this place.
May it guide your way until we are together again.
Closing Circle & Benediction
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
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/.