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 place a stone in water for the joys and sorrows in your heart. Please respect those seeking silence.

Opening Welcome & Announcements
Liz Wiley, Worship Associate

Prelude
Duetto, by Felix Mendelssohn
Heidi Souza, piano

Opening Greeting
Liz Wiley

Opening Words/Call to Worship
Rev. Jude Geiger, Minister

Lighting the Chalice
“Intention and Creativity,” by Deanna Vandiver 
Liz Wiley

As we light a chalice,
a container of air, earth, and fire,
this ritual of our faith
reminds our subtle-and-crashing-about beings
that we are part of a collective—
a community of care and connection,
courage and questions,
scared and sacred together.

Today we gather with intention and creativity,
releasing what we must,
shaping what we will,
in a space made possible
by generations of community care
and the courage of connection.

Welcoming Words
Liz Wiley

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 Hymn

Wisdom Story
Rev. Jude Geiger

Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Jude Geiger

Music for Candle Lighting
“Again September,” by Joseph Scianni
Heidi Souza, piano

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. Please note that any checks placed in the collection plates or mailed to WUU should have the designated fund specified on the memo line. 

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
Allemande from Suite No. 3, by George Frideric Handel
Heidi Souza, piano

Reading

Reflection/Sermon
“Faith, Belief, and Unrest”
Rev. Jude Geiger

Closing Hymn

Extinguishing the Chalice
Liz Wiley

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/Benediction
Rev. Jude Geiger

Recess

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal

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