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.

Opening Welcome/Announcements
Mimi Rodgers, Worship Associate

Opening Greeting
Mimi Rodgers

Call to Worship
Rev. Jude Geiger, Minister

Lighting the Chalice
Mimi Rodgers

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
STJ #1007 “There’s a River Flowin’ in My Soul”

Wisdom Story
Rev. Jude Geiger

Choral Anthem
“Ain’-A That Good News,” arr. William L. Dawson
WUU Choir, directed by Chris Mooney, Music Director

Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Jude Geiger

Silence, Song, Words, Song
SLT #123 “Spirit of Life”

Music for Candle Lighting
“I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free,” by Billy Taylor/Nina Simone
Paulette Amory, 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 Endowment Sunday, the collection plate will go to the Endowment Fund to ensure the vibrant future of WUU as a liberal religious community. An annual contribution from fund income is made to the WUU operating budget to provide support for yearly ministries, while preserving investment principal. In addition to some large gifts, which have boosted the investment balance, small cash gifts have provided a huge portion of the overall investment. Your contribution counts, whether large or small…once or many. Thank you for your support.

Offertory Music
“Visions,” by Stevie Wonder
Paulette Amory, piano

Sermon
“Dare Not Linger: Finding Joy”
Rev. Jude Geiger

Closing Hymn
STJ #1030 “Siyahamba”

Extinguishing the Chalice
Mimi Rodgers

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

Postlude
“When All God’s Children,” Trad Spiritual 
Paulette Amory, piano

Recess

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal

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