September 22, 2024: “Yearning to Belong”

ORDER OF WORSHIP | SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 | 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 Song
SLT #358 “Rank by Rank Again We Stand”

Opening Words
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister

Opening Welcome
Nan Hart, Worship Associate

Announcements

Prelude
“Longing,” by George Winston (first half)
Heidi Souza, piano

Opening Greeting
Nan Hart

Lighting the Chalice
Nan Hart

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.

Welcoming Words

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
SLT #318 “We Would Be One”

Banned Books Presentation
Welcoming Congregation Team

Anthem
“How Can I Keep From Singing?” words and melody by Robert Lowrey (1826-99), arr. Don Michael Dicie
WUU Choir, directed by Chris Mooney, Music Director

Meditation & Prayer
“The House of Belonging,” by David Whyte
Rev. Michelle Collins

Music for Meditation
“What We Need Is Here,” by Amy McCreath

Reflection
“Yearning to Belong”
Rev. Michelle Collins

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 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
“Longing,” by George Winston (second half)
Heidi Souza, piano

Closing Hymn
SLT #354 “We Laugh, We Cry,” verses 1 and 4

Extinguishing the Chalice
Nan Hart

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

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal


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