ORDER OF WORSHIP | SEPTEMBER 8, 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 #361 “Enter, Rejoice, and Come In”
Opening Words
Adapted from Barbara Hamilton-Holway
Rev. Michelle Collins, Interim Minister
Opening Welcome
Susan Fournier, Worship Associate
Announcements
Prelude
“Metamorphosis Two,” by Philip Glass
Heidi Souza, piano
Opening Greeting
Susan Fournier
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 #349 “We Gather Together”
Lighting the Chalice
Words by Janet Parsons
Susan Fournier
The flame of our chalice this morning
is a symbol of the warmth and brightness of our connections.
The flame lights our way back together again
From our separate summer lives,
and it lights our way forward
Into this new church year of promise and renewal.
Communal Spiritual Practice
Rev. Michelle Collins & Lola Warren
Special Music
“Put Your Roots Down,” by Molly Hartwell
Performed by Liz Wiley and Jane Ferguson
Meditation & Prayer
“In Gatherings,” by Marta I. Valentín
Rev. Michelle Collins
Music for Meditation
“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.
This Sunday’s offering will go to support the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. WUU is a member of VICPP, which engages people of faith and goodwill in advocating for economic, racial and social justice in Virginia’s policies and practices through education, prayer and action. VICPP is a non-partisan coalition of 23,000 members including 700 faith communities and 1,000 clergy of all faiths and people of goodwill, all working for a more just society. Please visit their website to learn more – and give generously as you are able.
Offertory Music
“Serenata Andaluza” (1st half), by Manuel de Falla
Heidi Souza, piano
Reflection
“Ingathering”
Rev. Michelle Collins
Closing Hymn
STJ #1028 “The Fire of Commitment”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Fournier
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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