ORDER OF WORSHIP | NOVEMBER 12, 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.
Opening Welcome
Susan Marcinkus, Worship Associate
Announcements
Katrina Landon
Prelude
“The Sound of Music,” by Rodgers & Hammerstein
Heidi Souza, piano
Opening 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
“Music Arises,” by Arlen Goff
Kim Ness, Music Director
Opening Hymn
SLT #108 “My Life Flows On in Endless Song”
Lighting the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus
The chalice is the container—
the space where the musicians and the listeners gather.
The oil is the fuel—
the hours of practice and the life experiences of everyone in the room.
The wick is the instruments and vocal cords
through which the music will flow.
And the flame—the flame!—
is the music which is created, as if by magic,
when the instruments are lifted,
the breath is inhaled,
and the downbeat is nodded.
May this flame ignite the music within us all!
Wisdom Story
Kim Ness
Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister
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 contributions will go to Dancing with the Williamsburg Stars, a non-profit that produces an annual stage performance to raise money and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters and Literacy for Life.
For the last 15 years, participants have accepted the challenge to compete in front of a sell-out audience and a panel of judges in the annual Dancing with the Williamsburg Stars fundraiser. This year’s “Dancing through the 50s” event will be held on February 24th, 2024. One of this year’s stars is WUU member BethAnne Klaver, who volunteered because the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is very important to her. Their mission is to use mentorship to help build social skills, increase academic achievement, and create healthy lifestyles for enrolled youth. For every dollar donated, BBBS returns an investment of $18 back to local communities. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Offertory Music
“Bethena: A Concert Waltz,” by Scott Joplin
Heidi Souza, piano
Reflection
Kim Ness
Choral Selection #1
“Spin,” by Fred Strong
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness
Reading
from The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare, adapted
Liz Wiley
Choral Selection #2
“Serenade to Music,” by Ralph Vaughan Williams
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness
Soloists:
Emma Wise (soprano)
Katherine Beale (soprano)
Erica White (alto)
Amrita Ghose (alto)
Ethan Dillard (tenor)
Broden Windsor (baritone)
Ethan VanValkenburgh (bass)
Closing Hymn
STJ #1028 “The Fire of Commitment”
Extinguishing the Chalice
by Becky Laurent
Susan Marcinkus
As flame is to spirit, so spirit is to breath, and breath to song.
Though we extinguish the flame in this sanctuary,
may we tend it in our hearts until we meet again.
Closing Words
by Dawn Skjei Cooley
Kim Ness
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
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