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

Prelude
Sonatina in F, by Ludwig van Beethoven
Arden Walker, piano

Opening Greeting
Susan Marcinkus, Worship Associate

Opening Words

Lighting the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus

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
Susan Marcinkus

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 #318 “We Would Be One”

Wisdom Story
“What If Nobody Forgave”
Rev. Jude Geiger, Minister

Music for Meditation
STJ #1009 “Meditation on Breathing”

Meditation & Prayer
Rev. Jude Geiger

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 the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP). WUU is a member of VICPP, which engages people of faith and goodwill in advocating for economic, racial and social justice in Virginia’s policies and practices through education, prayer and action. VICPP is a non-partisan coalition of 23,000 members including 700 faith communities and 1,000 clergy of all faiths and people of goodwill, all working for a more just society. Thank you so much for your generosity.

Offertory Music
“Waterfall,” composed & performed by Arden Walker, piano

Reflection/Sermon
“Independent Minds, Dependent Hearts”
Rev. Jude Geiger

Closing Hymn
SLT #324 “Where My Free Spirit Onward Leads”

Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus

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.