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 place a stone in water for the joys and sorrows in your heart. Please respect those seeking silence.

Announcements
Susan Marcinkus, Worship Associate

Opening Greeting
Susan Marcinkus

Lighting the Chalice

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

Wisdom Story
The Peace Tree, by Sandra Moore; illustrated by Kazumi Wilds
Robin Jester Wootton, Director of Religious Education

Anthem
“I Will Sing with the Spirit,” by John Rutter
WUU Choir, directed by Chris Mooney, Music Director

Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Jude Geiger, Minister

Chant
“We Shall Be Known”

Music for Candle Lighting
“Church of Trees,” by Liz Story
Heidi Souza, piano

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.

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. Please note that any checks placed in the collection plates or mailed to WUU should have the designated fund specified on the memo line. 

This week’s offering will help our congregation pay down the mortgage for our beautiful building. We take these monthly mortgage collections in gratitude for the physical space that helps us gather, and in the spirit of lightening the financial load on future generations. If you have been inspired by the beauty of our buildings and you would like to support the well-being of our congregation far into the future, please give generously today to help pay down our mortgage debt. Thank you for your support.

Offertory Music
“The Sound of Music (The Hills Are Alive),” by Rodgers & Hammerstein
Melanie McCord, vocals & Heidi Souza, piano

Sermon
“Growth Rings”
Rev. Jude Geiger

Closing Song

Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus

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/Benediction
Rev. Jude Geiger

Recess

Postlude
“Grasshoppers' Parade,” by Sergei Prokofiev
Heidi Souza, piano

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal

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