A Typical Sunday
Every UU service is written fresh weekly—relevant to today’s world and reflective of a wide range of beliefs.
Music for Gathering
Welcome
One of our Worship Associates (UUFES members who help plan and create worship) and the minister welcome newcomers and long-timers. They say a few words about what Unitarian Universalism is and introduce the theme of the service.
Lighting of the Chalice
Every service begins with the lighting of the chalice,
symbol of Unitarian Universalism.
Centering
A time of contemplative music and quieting.
Opening Hymn
Our hymns are a mix of old Protestant chestnuts with updated lyrics, new pieces written for this faith, and world music.
Shared Affirmation
Many UU churches recite this covenant written by Unitarian Rev. James V. Blake in the 1880s. We sometimes sign the words as we speak them.
Love is the spirit of this Fellowship,
the quest for truth is its sacrament,
and service is its prayer.
This is our great covenant:
to dwell together in peace, to seek truth in love,
and to help one another.
A Time for All Ages
A story, with appeal across the generations, that ties into the service theme.
Joys and Sorrows
People are invited to briefly share a joy or sorrow.
Meditation/Prayer
A quieting hymn, often the beloved UU anthem,“Spirit of Life,” is the gateway into a time of meditation/prayer, which ends in a long silence.
Spirit of Life, come unto me.
Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion.
Blow in the wind, rise in the sea;
Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.
Roots hold me close, wings set me free;
Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me.
Reading
Words that deepen the service theme: a poem or essay; a reading from one of the world religions; a book excerpt.
Sermon/Reflection
A message from the minister—about fifteen minutes.
The Morning Offering
A chance for people to support the life of the fellowship.
Once a month, the offering is given away to a chosen
cause (see Social Action/Special Collections).
Anthem
Performed by a variety of musicians, instrumental and vocal. Music
Director Shana Aisenberg creates a wide welcome for musicians.
Community Response
During months of Zoom services during Covid, we created a time to "hear back" from each other after the Sermon.
Closing Hymn
“How can we keep from singing….”
Extinguishing the Chalice
Together, we say...
We extinguish this flame,
but not the light of truth,
the warmth of community
the fire of commitment.
These we carry in our hearts.
Postlude
Worship begins and ends with music.
Benediction
Parting words…until next week.
A Zoom and an in-person coffee hour follows the service - a time of fellowship.
