OUR WORSHIP SERVICES

We gather together in spiritual community because we need constant reminders of what matters most in life. In a world of heartbreak and dehumanization, our congregations and communities call us to our better selves. We learn to live with more wisdom, more connection, and more compassion.

Sunday Services
Our Sunday Services begin at 10:30 a.m. and last about about an hour and 15 minutes. Every service is followed by a social hour of friendly conversation and light snacks in our Pavilion. Every First Sunday of the month there is a free potluck lunch offered to all attendees.

Our Worship Services are weekly reflections that weave together our own thoughts and experiences with music, beauty, poetry, and words that both comfort and challenge. Our programs for all ages inspire us, and awaken us to our capacities to make a difference in our own lives and in the world.

We are inspired not just by religious sources but by the people with whom we journey: the diverse and spirited Unitarian Universalists.

Unitarian Universalist worship styles vary by congregation, and even within congregations. Some congregations’ worship is contemporary and high tech. Some congregations’ worship is traditional and formal. Some features exuberant music, some includes long periods of silent reflection. Our congregation’s worship is casual, but structured.

Elements of a typical Unitarian Universalist Sunday morning worship service include:

• Words of welcome
• Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith
• A multigenerational segment, such as a “story for all ages”
• Music, both instrumental and vocal and in a variety of styles
• A time for lifting up the joys and concerns of the congregation
• A meditation or prayer
• Readings—ancient or contemporary
• A sermon given by a professional minister, a guest speaker, or a member of the congregation
• An offering, collecting financial donations for the congregation or for justice work in the community.

From time to time, worships incorporate holiday celebrations, multigenerational plays and pageants, longer musical performances, child dedications, and coming-of-age ceremonies. We offer childcare and learning programs for children and youth during the Sunday service.

Worship Committee
The Worship Committee helps to plan and carry out Sunday Worship Services. The committee is open to any person who is interested in planning Worship, including folks who prefer to work “behind the scenes.” The committee does the following:

• Meets once a month (third Monday of each month)
• Assists the minister during Sunday services
• Assists in planning the year’s Worship Schedule
• Finds guest speakers for Sundays when the minister is not in pulpit
• Interfaces with the Religious Education Director, Choir Director, and guest speakers in planning services

Contacts: David Early (see Directory for his contact information).