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
Liz Wiley, Worship Chair

Opening Greeting
Leslie Fabian, Worship Associate

Lighting the Chalice
Leslie Fabian

As we light this chalice, 
We honor the diverse abilities within our community,
And recognize the strength in our differences.
Here, where everyone is valued and empowered, 
We celebrate the richness that each individual brings,
Advocating for accessibility and understanding for all.

Welcoming Words
by Monica Jacobson-Tennessen
Leslie Fabian

Welcome! What you bring–who you are–enriches us all.
We say “Welcome” to your joy, your hope, your pride.
We say “Welcome” to your grief, your fear, your anger.
We also welcome the parts of you that are not yet ready 
to be seen and heard,
For we are a people of faith…in the precious gift of our truths.
May this time together be a blessing.

Opening Song
“This Pretty Planet,” by Tom Chapin
Liz Wiley

From the Heart
“At Eye Level with My Paraplegic Mom”
Leslie Fabian

Meditation & Prayer

Words, Song, Silence
STJ #1009 “Meditation on Breathing”

Music for Candle Lighting
“May Night,” by Selim Palmgren
Heidi Souza, piano

From the Heart
“Close Your Eyes to See What I See: Being Blind in a Visual World”
Jacki Bruce, Guest Worship Leader

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.

From the Heart
“Counter-Intuitive Aspects of Hearing Loss: Living in a World of Sounds That Are Not Always Heard”
Kathi Mestayer, Guest Worship Leader

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. 

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
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” by “Yip” Harburg & Harold Arlen
Melanie McCord, vocals & Heidi Souza, piano

From the Heart
“Freed from a Life of Feeling Stupid, Unseen, and out of Place: Being Transformed with the Discovery of Learning Differences”
Beth Haw, Guest Worship Leader

Closing Hymn
SLT #16 “‘Tis a Gift to Be Simple”

Extinguishing the Chalice
by Adam Slate
Leslie Fabian

We end our gathering with gratitude for camaraderie,
shared wisdom, goodwill, and support that we extend 
to each other within this community.
May we continue to bless each other with these gifts,
And may we reflect those blessings back out into the world
As we minister to those around us.

Closing Words/Benediction

Recess

Postlude
Courante from Suite No. 3 in d minor, by George Frideric Handel
Heidi Souza, piano

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal

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