ORDER OF WORSHIP | SEPTEMBER 10, 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.
Gathering
Opening Hymn
SLT #361 “Enter, Rejoice, and Come In”
Opening Welcome
Liz Wiley, Worship Associate
Announcements
Katrina Landon
Prelude
“The Shore,” by Mary Sallee
Heidi Souza, piano
Opening Greeting
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.
Multi-Voice Call to Worship
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister; Liz Wiley; Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education
Anthem
“Bridge Over Troubled Water,” by Simon & Garfunkel; arranged by Kirby Shaw
WUU Choir, directed by Kim Ness, Music Director
Lighting the Chalice
Liz Wiley
We light this chalice as a symbol of reunion.
We reunite in this sanctuary to share the flow of our hearts with one another.
We gather together in ritual
to celebrate our fountains of joy
to hold each other through storms of grief
to guide one another through rapids of transformation
to rest together on ponds of stillness.
Together, we honor the spirit of water, its many forms, and its life-giving essence.
Wisdom Story
“A Little Jar Labeled Freedom,” by Cynthia B. Johnson; from What If Nobody Forgave? And Other Stories, edited by Colleen M. McDonald
Austen Petersen
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.
Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Michelle Collins
Meditative Music
SLT #1 “May Nothing Evil Cross This Door”
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. This week your contributions will go to Blooms that Brighten, an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to bring joy to area seniors through flowers. Their unique Flower Workshops are brought to several area senior living communities where volunteers visit with residents while assisting them in creating arrangements of flowers that they can take to their own rooms. These workshops actively involve the residents who can engage their senses and enjoy the companionship of the volunteers. Their expenses include vases and other supplies, cost of storage facility, insurance and the cost of special flowers for memory support residents. Thank you so much for your generosity.
Offertory Music
“Wade in the Water,” trad. Spiritual
WUU Vocal Octet
Reflection
“Just the Right Ingredients”
Rev. Michelle Collins
Ritual: Adding Our Ingredients
Music: “Raindrop” Prelude, Op. 28, No. 15, by Frédéric Chopin; “Rainy Day,” by Mary Sallee
Heidi Souza, piano
Closing Hymn
STJ #1028 “The Fire of Commitment”
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
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing
Liz Wiley
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
Post-service conversation on Zoom: If you enjoy the post-service conversation on Zoom and would be willing to help make it happen, please email av@wuu.org. The AV Team will continue to provide Zoom access to Café Conversations during the summer. Otherwise, the Zoom feed will end after the service.
New to WUU? Welcome! Learn more about WUU and Unitarian Universalism by visiting wuu.org/about/.