October 22, 2023: “Asking for Help”

ORDER OF WORSHIP | OCTOBER 22, 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 Fournier, Worship Associate

Announcements
Katrina Landon

Prelude
“Solace,” by Scott Joplin
Heidi Souza, piano

Opening Greeting
Susan Fournier

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. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister

Opening Hymn
STJ #1000 “Morning Has Come”

Lighting the Chalice
Susan Fournier

Even as the days grow shorter,
and our homes shrink smaller,
and our wicks burn lower,
and our will to endure flickers,

we light this chalice to kindle a flame of warmth
as a reminder of the connection that draws us in
to a community that opens us up in gratitude
for the breath in our lungs
and the love in our hearts,
for the gift of this day, alive.

Wisdom Story
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education

Blessing the Children
“As You Journey,” by Ann Hossler, Director of Music, UU Fellowship of Vero Beach, FL

As you journey
     As you journey
May you know
     May you know
Love and hope go with you
     Love and hope go with you
Learn and grow
     Learn and grow

Meditation & Prayer
with reading from George Odell
Rev. Michelle Collins

Centering Hymn
STJ #1002 “Comfort Me”

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. Information about the recipient organization for this Share the Plate for Social Justice collection will be provided during the service. Thank you so much for your generosity.

Offertory Music
“You’ll Never Walk Alone,” by Rodgers & Hammerstein
Heidi Souza, piano

Reading
Excerpt from Driving with Your Feet, by Ann Larsen
Susan Fournier

Reflection
“Asking for Help”
Rev. Michelle Collins

Closing Hymn
STJ #1021 “Lean on Me”

Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Fournier

The Chalice is now extinguished, but its light lives on
in the minds and hearts and souls of each one of you.
Carry that flame with you as you leave this place
and share it with those you know, with those you love,
and, most especially, with those you have yet to meet.

Closing Words
Rev. Michelle Collins

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal


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