“THE PATH IS MADE BY WALKING: PILGRIMAGE AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE”
ORDER OF WORSHIP | JULY 13, 2025 | 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 place a stone in water for the joys and sorrows in your heart. Please respect those seeking silence.
Opening Welcome
Nan Hart, Worship Associate
Prelude
Allegro moderato from Suite No. 5 in E major, by George Frideric Handel
Heidi Souza, piano
Opening Greeting
Nan Hart
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
Lighting the Chalice
Nan Hart
May the light we now kindle
Inspire us to use our powers
To heal and not to harm,
To help and not to hinder,
To bless and not to curse,
To serve you, Spirit of freedom.
Opening Hymn
SLT #188 “Come, Come, Whoever You Are”
Communal Spiritual Practice
Steve DeLaney
Meditation & Prayer
SLT #464 “And Then,” by Judy Chicago
Nan Hart
Centering Hymn
STJ #1020 “Woyaya”
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.
Once a month we Share the Plate with a local or nonprofit human service organization that provides a much-needed service to our community. It offers us an opportunity to extend our compassion to others in need. This week, your contributions will support the Summer Meals for Kids program. A consortium of congregations with sponsorship from Meals on Wheels makes lunches for children living in low income neighborhoods and motels. WUU and our partner St. Martin’s Episcopal pack lunches every Friday during the summer for approximately 300 children that would be receiving free lunches at school. Many of you have participated in this simple act of kindness in past years. This is a wonderful social justice project for families with children 8 years and older, and adults appreciate the time to catch up with friends while they fill “bento boxes” with yummy, healthy items and pack bags with snacks, drinks, cookies, and fresh fruit. Although Meals on Wheels and Greater Williamsburg Outreach Mission are doing some fundraising, the congregations are providing the bulk of the funding. Please give as generously as you can.
Offertory Music
Allegro moderato from Sonata in A major, Opus 120, by Franz Schubert
Heidi Souza, piano
Reflection
“The Path Is Made by Walking: Pilgrimage as a Spiritual Practice”
Steve DeLaney
Closing Hymn
STJ #1064 “Blue Boat Home”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Nan Hart
Grant us the ability to find joy and strength
not in the strident call to arms,
but in stretching out our arms
to grasp our fellow creatures
in the striving for justice and truth.
Closing Words
Steve DeLaney
Announcements
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
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