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
Natalie Miller-Moore, Worship Associate

Opening Greeting
Natalie Miller-Moore

Lighting the Chalice
from “Letter from a Region in My Mind,” by James Baldwin; published in The New Yorker, November 9, 1962
Natalie Miller-Moore & Rev. Anna Tulou, Guest Worship Leader

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
STJ #1003 “Where Do We Come From?”

Wisdom Story
Robin Jester Wootton, Director of Religious Education

Reading
from “Bridges,” The Past Didn’t Go Anywhere, by Utah Phillips with Ani Difranco
Rev. Anna Tulou

Meditation & Prayer
Natalie Miller-Moore

Words, Song, Silence
“We Shall Be Known”

Music for Candle Lighting
“Longing” (1st half), by George Winston
Heidi Souza, piano

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 essential operating expenses, support staff and our many activities, and fund the music that brings us so much joy on Sunday mornings. 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
“This Land Is Your Land,” by Woody Guthrie
Melanie McCord, vocals

Reading
from “To the Keepers of Stories,” Black Liturgies, by Cole Arthur Riley
Natalie Miller-Moore

Sermon
“Bless This Mess”
Rev. Anna Tulou

Closing Song
“America the Beautiful: A Vision,” lyrics by Amanda Udis-Kessler

Extinguishing the Chalice
from Spilling the Light: Meditations on Hope & Resilience, by Julian Jamaica Soto
Natalie Miller-Moore

Closing Words/Benediction
Rev. Anna Tulou

Recess

Postlude
Heidi Souza, piano

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal

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