ORDER OF WORSHIP | SEPTEMBER 3, 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 Welcome
Nan Hart, Worship Associate
Announcements
Katrina Landon
Prelude
“Adagio cantabile,” from Sonata Pathétique, by Ludwig van Beethoven
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
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister
Opening Hymn
SLT #346 “Come, Sing a Song with Me”
Lighting the Chalice
Words by Julianne Lepp
Nan Hart
We seek our place in the world
and the answers to our hearts’ deep questions.
As we seek, may our hearts be open to unexpected answers.
May the light of our chalice remind us that this is a community of warmth,
of wisdom, and welcoming of multiple truths.
Wisdom Story
Click Clack Moo, by Doreen Cronin, pictures by Betsy Lewin
Rev. Michelle Collins
Transition Music
Op. 30, No. 3 from “Songs Without Words,” by Felix Mendelssohn
Heidi Souza, piano
Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Michelle Collins
Meditative Music
STJ #1064 “Blue Boat Home”
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.
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
Opening section from Allegro moderato, Sonata in A Major, Op.120, by Franz Schubert
Heidi Souza, piano
Reflection
“When Welcoming Is Hard”
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing Hymn
SLT #305 “De Colores”
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.
Benediction
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing
Nan Hart
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/.