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
Susan Marcinkus, Worship Associate

Opening Greeting
Susan Marcinkus

Call to Worship
Rev. Jude Geiger, Minister

Lighting the Chalice
by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Susan Marcinkus

Whatever you can do, 
or dream you can do, begin it. 
Boldness has genius, 
power, and magic in it.

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
SLT #123 “Spirit of Life”

Wisdom Story
“Art and Casting a Vision for a Better World”
Hilda Gomez, artist & Robin Jester Wootton, Director of Religious Education

Choral Anthem
“Behold How Good,” by Michael John Trotta
WUU Choir, directed by Chris Mooney, Music Director

Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Eleanor Piez, Williamsburg Solidarity Summit, consulting minister for statewide justice work

Words, Song, Silence
“Forget Your Perfect Offering,” adapted from Leonard Cohen

Music for Candle Lighting
Andante from Italian Concerto, by Johann Sebastian Bach
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. 

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 Grove Christian Outreach. Their ministries include a free food pantry, which includes fresh fruits and vegetables; serving meals to Grove students in summer; maintaining a clothes closet for residents, including prom finery; offering financial assistance; and collecting holiday gifts. Thank you so much for your generosity.

Offertory Music
“The Impossible Dream,” by Joe Darion & Mitch Leigh
Chris Mooney, vocals & Heidi Souza, piano

Sermon
Rev. Jude Geiger

Closing Hymn
SLT #121 “We’ll Build a Land”

Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus

Go with faith, that calls us to take the first step
even when the whole staircase sits beyond our view.
As we move toward the unseen,
may we remember and trust
that on this journey, we are not alone.

Closing Words/Benediction
Rev. Jude Geiger

Postlude
“Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” by Rodgers & Hammerstein
Heidi Souza, piano

Recess

SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal

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