ORDER OF WORSHIP | May 28, 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
“Morning Mist,” by Mary Sallee
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.
Call to Worship
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister
Opening Hymn
SLT #21 “For the Beauty of the Earth”
Lighting the Chalice
Words by Amy Zucker Morganstern
Liz Wiley
Within the heart of the flower, the fountain of beauty
Within the heart of the community, a fire that warms and dances
Within the heart of each of us, a spark of the spirit of life.
Holy,
holy,
holy.
Anthem
“One Small Voice,” by Jeff Moss, from Sesame Street
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director
Wisdom Story
“The Story of the Flower Communion”
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Meditation & Prayer, Sung, Spoken & Silent
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Centering Hymn
SLT #352 “Find a Stillness”
Board Commissioning & Recognition of Leaders & Volunteers
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.
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 offering will support WUU’s Journey to Asylum program, which seeks to offer compassion and solidarity to migrants and their families. We are currently sponsoring a family from Honduras. Your support provides them with a safe home, ESL tutoring, therapy and child-development resources, medical care, food and clothing, transportation, and so much more. We are truly demonstrating our UU values through this program. Thank you for your generosity!
Offertory Music
“What a Wonderful World,” by George David Weiss & Bob Thiele
Heidi Souza, piano
Reflection
“More Than a Metaphor”
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Flower Communion
with a blessing from Rev. Dr. Petr Samojský, minister, Prague Unitarian Congregation
Music: “May” from The Seasons, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, & Arabesque No. 2, by Claude Debussy
Closing Hymn
SLT #402 “From You I Receive”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Words by Debra Burrell
Liz Wiley
We have basked in the warmth and beauty
of this flame and this community.
As the chalice flame is extinguished,
let us carry its glow within.
Let us kindle new sparks within these walls and beyond.
Closing Circle & Benediction
from “Flower Communion,” by Lynn Ungar
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
Post-service conversation on Zoom: Zoom participants are invited to stay online for an Article II information/listening session or virtual social time.
New to WUU? Welcome! Learn more about WUU and Unitarian Universalism by visiting wuu.org/about/.