ORDER OF WORSHIP | OCTOBER 1, 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
David Hopkinson, Worship Associate
Announcements
Katrina Landon
Prelude
“Andante molto,” from Sonata in E minor, Op. 7, by Edvard Grieg
Heidi Souza, piano
Opening Greeting
David Hopkinson
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.
Opening Words
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister
Opening Hymn
SLT #300 “With Heart and Mind”
Lighting the Chalice
Words by Jennifer Gracen
David Hopkinson
We come together every week
Bound not by a creed,
Or a mutual desire to please one God
Or many Gods
Yet we are drawn together
By a belief, that how we are in the world,
Who we are together
Matters.
We light this chalice,
together in the knowledge
That love, not fear, can change this world.
Anthem
“The Fruit of Silence,” by Peteris Vasks
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director
Wisdom Story
“Banned Books”
Kate McGaw & Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education
Dedication of Banned Books Library
Rev. Michelle Collins
We dedicate these books and this library
To the mission and work of our congregation
We unite against hate and bigotry
That seeks to suppress and silence
Voices that should be heard
We uphold the inherent worth and dignity of all people
And we call for the freedom and the right
For all stories to be freely shared
Blessing the Children
SLT #413 “Go Now in Peace,” by Natalie Sleeth (adapted)
Go now in peace, go now in peace.
May the spirit of love surround you.
Everywhere, everywhere, you may go.
Dedication of Progressive Pride Flag
Rev. Michelle Collins
We dedicate this flag and our commitment
To affirm and celebrate loving relationships in all of their forms
And gender identities in their many expressions
May this flag inspire us to live with pride
To embrace our truths
And to unite in the face of adversity
May it remind us to work towards a world
Where love knows no bounds
Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Michelle Collins
Centering Hymn
SLT #170 “We Are a Gentle, Angry People”
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
“Venetian Gondola Song” (“Barcarolle”), Op. 30, No. 6, from Songs Without Words, by Felix Mendelssohn
Heidi Souza, piano
Reflection
“The History of the UU Principles and Sources”
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing Hymn
SLT #187 “It Sounds Along the Ages”
Extinguishing the Chalice
David Hopkinson
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 Words
Rev. Michelle Collins
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
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