ORDER OF WORSHIP | SEPTEMBER 24, 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.
Opening Welcome
Leslie Fabian, Worship Associate
Announcements
Katrina Landon
Prelude
Nocturne in C major, by Edvard Grieg
Heidi Souza, piano
Opening Greeting
Leslie Fabian
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
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister
Opening Hymn
SLT #358 “Rank by Rank Again We Stand”
Lighting the Chalice
Leslie Fabian
We gather this morning as one community,
A community united by common ideals:
Love, justice, diversity, freedom, mutual care, equity.
Yet look around. Look at the faces of those around you.
Each face represents an individual,
Every one of us with our own story, needs, strengths, and faults.
We light our chalice today honoring our common connection.
And also for the uniqueness that lives within each of us.
Wisdom Story
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.
Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Michelle Collins
Music for Meditation
SLT #123 “Spirit of Life”
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
“Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” from The Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein
Heidi Souza, piano
Reading
“Acquitted of Universalism,” by Robert Walsh
Leslie Fabian
Reflection
“UU Identity Crisis”
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing Hymn
STJ #1014 “Answering the Call of Love”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Leslie Fabian
As our chalice flame is extinguished this morning,
we can still remember that its glow is carried within us.
We can use our inner lights and this flame
to kindle new sparks throughout our lives and in the world.
May the spirit of peace and togetherness bless your lives.
Closing Words
Rev. Michelle Collins
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
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