ORDER OF WORSHIP | SEPTEMBER 4, 2022 | 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
Announcements
Nan Hart, Worship Associate
Prelude
James Sudbury, piano
Welcome & 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. Viola Abbitt, Guest Worship Leader
Opening Hymn
SLT #360 “Here We Have Gathered”
Lyrics by Alicia S. Carpenter, © 1979; used with permission of the Estate of Alicia Carpenter
Lighting the Chalice
with words by Rev. Scott Taylor
Nan Hart
May the flame we now kindle
light the path back to our center,
back to that place of belonging
to what is true, what is deepest within,
what knows us even before we know ourselves.
And may our chalice remind us
that we are held
and welcomed whole,
without the need to hide
a single piece or part
of who we are.
Wisdom Story
“Water Dance,” by Thomas Locker
Susan Walkley
Meditation & Prayer, Sung, Spoken & Silent
Nan Hart & Anne Stevens
Centering Hymn
SLT #323 “Break Not the Circle”
Sharing Our Gifts
Online Giving
Text-to-Give: 757-500-0688
In-Person Giving: Place offerings in the dropbox in the Gathering Hall.
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. Thank you for your support!
Offertory Music
James Sudbury, piano
Video Poem
“How to be Alone,” by Pádraig Ó Tuama; video by Leo G Franchi
Sermon
“What Does Inclusion Really Mean?”
Rev. Viola Abbitt
Closing Hymn
SLT #144 “Now Is the Time Approaching”
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. Viola Abbitt
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
Post-service conversation on Zoom: Zoom participants are invited to stay online for virtual social time.
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