ORDER OF WORSHIP | May 14, 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
“Touch the Sky,” by Julie Fowlis, from the movie Brave
Kanen & Justice Craig
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
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister
Opening Hymn
SLT #346 “Come, Sing a Song with Me”
Lighting the Chalice
by Aisha Hauser & Susan Lawrence
Nan Hart
We are Unitarian Universalists.
With minds that think,
Hearts that love,
And hands that are ready to serve.
Together we care for our Earth,
And work for friendship and peace in
our world.
Wisdom Story
“We’re All in the Same Boat,” by Barney Saltzberg
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education
Anthem
“A Million Dreams,” by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, from the movie The Greatest Showman
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director
Reflection
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Meditation & Prayer, Sung, Spoken & Silent
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Centering Song
Medley: “Rainbow Connection,” written by Paul Williams & Kenneth Ascher, & “What a Wonderful World,” written by Bob Thiele (as “George Douglas”) & George David Weiss
Kanen & Justice Craig
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.
The collection this week goes to our general operating fund to help cover all of those essential things like staff salaries and building maintenance, as well as the activities that are so important to all of us, from programming to crayons for our RE children. A recorded contribution to the general operating fund also fulfills the annual financial contribution requirement for WUU membership (WUU Bylaws). Thank you for your support!
Offertory Music
“Singin’ in the Rain,” by A. Freed & Nacio Herb Brown
Heidi Souza, piano
Reading
from With Head and Heart, by the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Bridging Celebration & Blessing
Words by Austen Petersen & Julia Hamilton
Closing Hymn
STJ #1028 “The Fire of Commitment”
Extinguishing the Chalice
by Gary Kowalski
Nan Hart
With faith to face our challenges,
With love that casts out fear,
With hope to trust tomorrow,
We accept this day as the gift it is:
a reason for rejoicing.
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/.