May 15, 2022: “Planting Stories: Annual Bridging Service”

ORDER OF WORSHIP | MAY 15, 2022 | 10:00 AM HYBRID SERVICE

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

Opening Hymn
SLT #188 “Come, Come, Whoever You Are,” words adapted from Jelaluddin Rumi, music by Lynn Adair Ungar
Sung by Christopher Watkins Lamb, Sara Edwards, Jenn Powell, Sally Lee, Kara Shobe & Amber Lamb of Foothills Unitarian Church

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
by Richard S. Gilbert
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister

Lighting the Chalice
Nan Hart

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
“Planting Stories,” written by Anika Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education

Reflection
“The Stories We Carry”
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig

Meditation & Prayer, Sung, Spoken & Silent
with words by the Rev. Marta Valentín
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig

Centering Hymn
SLT #123 “Spirit of Life,” by Carolyn McDade
Sung by the Orange County Unitarian Universalist Choir

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 Share the Plate for Social Justice collection will go to the Summer Meals for Kids program. WUU has been a Summer Meals for Kids participant with our partner St. Martin’s Episcopal since the program began in 2018. This year we will provide 200 lunches every Friday for children living in motels and low-income housing. Our partners, Bruton Parish, Williamsburg United Methodist, New Zion, King of Glory, St. Stephen’s, Newtown United Methodist, Williamsburg Presbyterian, Chick-fil-A, and From His Hands, will be making meals Monday through Thursday at the Meals on Wheels Kitchen located at WISC. The Lions Club will deliver meals every day. Thank you so much for your generosity.

Offertory Music
“Put a Little Love in Your Heart,” written by Jackie DeShannon, Jimmy Holiday & Randy Myers
Sung by Al Green & Annie Lennox

Reading
from Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig & Austen Petersen

Bridging Celebration & Blessing
Words by Austen Petersen & Julia Hamilton

Closing Hymn
STJ #1064 “Blue Boat Home,” written & performed by Peter Mayer

Extinguishing the Chalice 
Nan Hart

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 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.

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