ORDER OF WORSHIP | NOVEMBER 20, 2022 | 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
Ben Thacker-Gwaltney, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon
Prelude
Welcome & Greeting
Ben Thacker-Gwaltney
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
Steve DeLaney, Guest Worship Leader
Opening Hymn
Lighting the Chalice
Ben Thacker-Gwaltney
We light this chalice in honor of first steps.
For beginning even when the path ahead is unclear.
For the courage it takes to trust that the way will reveal itself
that light will come to clarify our vision that friends will be by our side.
May the words, song, stillness and common breath of this hour,
remind us that every step of the way
is never one we take alone.
Wisdom Story
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education
From the Heart
Molly Swetnam-Burland
Remembrance
“We Bear Witness,” by Amy Brooks
Ben Thacker-Gwaltney
Meditation & Prayer, Sung, Spoken & Silent
Ben Thacker-Gwaltney
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 offering will help our congregation pay down the mortgage for our beautiful building. We take these monthly mortgage collections in gratitude for the physical space that helps us gather, and in the spirit of lightening the financial load on future generations. If you have been inspired by the beauty of our buildings and you would like to support the well-being of our congregation far into the future, please give generously today to help pay down our mortgage debt. A recorded contribution to the operating fund, which includes contributions to pay down mortgage debt, will satisfy the annual financial contribution requirement for WUU membership (WUU Bylaws). Thank you for your support.
Offertory Music
“Crowded Table,” by Joshua Radin
Steve DeLaney
Sermon
“Love’s Confusing Joy – How Love and Gratitude Expand the Heart and Make Us Bigger (Inside)”
Steve DeLaney
Closing Hymn
STJ #1021 “Lean on Me”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Ben Thacker-Gwaltney
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.
Benediction
Steve DeLaney
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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