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
Liz Wiley, Worship Chair

Prelude
Heidi Souza, piano

Opening Greeting
Asha McLaughlin, Worship Associate

Opening Words/Call to Worship
Rev. Jude Geiger, Minister

Lighting the Chalice, Advent Candle & Hanukkah Menorah
by DC Fortune

We light this chalice as a symbol of our free faith.
We light this [menorah] to remember the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.
We light th[ese candles] to mark the nights of midwinter.
We light this [advent candle] as we wait for the sun to return.

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
Rev. Jude Geiger

Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Jude Geiger

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

Music for Candle Lighting
Chris Mooney, Music Director

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. 

Once a month we Share the Plate with a local or nonprofit human service organization that provides a much-needed service to our community. It offers us an opportunity to extend our compassion to others in need. This week, your contributions will go to Williamsburg House of Mercy, which provides quality compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of faith. Williamsburg House of Mercy provides a safe and welcoming environment for area homeless to find respite, receive services, and work toward ending their homelessness, and emergency assistance and supportive services to those struggling to maintain housing and regain stability. Thank you so much for your generosity.

Offertory Music
Heidi Souza, piano

Reflection/Sermon
“Called by Loss, Called by Peace”
Rev. Jude Geiger

Closing Hymn

Extinguishing the Chalice
Asha McLaughlin

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

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal

New to WUU? Welcome! Learn more about WUU and Unitarian Universalism by visiting wuu.org/visit-us.