October 23, 2022: “Befriending Fear”

ORDER OF WORSHIP | OCTOBER 23, 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
Susan Marcinkus, Worship Associate
Katrina Landon

Prelude
“Back to Now,” written & performed by Scott Varney, Guest Worship Leader

Welcome & 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
Scott Varney

Opening Hymn
STJ #1009 “Meditation on Breathing”

Lighting the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus

We light this chalice
for the warmth of love;
for the light of truth;
for the energy of action;
and for the harmony of peace:
Peace in our hearts,
peace in our community,
and peace in our world.

Wisdom Story
“The Creature of Habit,” by Jennifer E. Smith
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education

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.

From the Heart
Ellie Ransom

Meditation & Prayer, Sung, Spoken & Silent
Susan Marcinkus

Sharing Our Gifts
Online Giving
Text-to-Give: 757-500-0688
In-Person Giving: Place offerings in the dropbox in the Gathering Hall.

Twice a month we Share the Plate with local or nonprofit human service organizations that provide a much needed service to our community. This week, your contributions will go to UU the Vote, a non-partisan initiative of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) that works nationally to protect voting rights, educate voters, and encourage people to participate in the democratic process. WUU participates in UU the Vote primarily through postcard drives that provide accurate information and empowering messages to voters of color in states with a history of voter suppression. Thank you so much for your generosity.

Offertory Music
“Blank Pages,” written & performed by Scott Varney

Reading
“Enter with me that still place within, the center,” by Linda J. Hoddy

Sermon
“Befriending Fear”
Scott Varney

Closing Song
“Wanting and Waiting,” written & performed by Scott Varney

Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus

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.

Benediction
Scott Varney

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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