What to Expect on Sunday Mornings
From your UUCP Board: The Covid and flu season is upon us. If you think you might be getting sick, take advantage of the opportunities to participate by Zoom and stay away until you are well again. The right side of the sanctuary, in front of the audio booth and marked with yellow ribbons, is designated a “mask required” area. However, we encourage everyone to wear a mask.
We gather in worship to find meaning and live more deeply. Worship creates connections within, among, and beyond us, calling us to our better selves, calling us to live with wisdom and compassion.
Unitarian Universalist worship styles vary by congregation, and even within congregations depending on the Sunday in which you visit. Our congregation’s worship ranges from upbeat and exuberant to reflective and meditative. We suggest attending several services before you decide if UU worship is right for you.
We begin our service at 10 am each Sunday. You can expect the following elements in a typical service:
- Words of welcome
- Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith
- A multigenerational segment called the “time 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 period of mediation and/or reflection
- Readings—ancient or contemporary
- A sermon given by our minister, a guest speaker, or a member of the congregation
- An offering, collecting financial donations for justice work in the community.
From time to time, worships incorporate holiday celebrations, multi-generational plays and pageants, longer musical performances, child dedications, and coming-of-age ceremonies.
Visiting Families and Children
We look forward to families visiting our congregation. On your first visit you will be welcomed by our greeters and will have the chance to ask questions about our offerings for the day. Ginger Yoder, our Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration, is usually available to support you and your family as well.
Children attend the first part of the service which includes the welcome, chalice lighting and time for all ages. Children are then invited to go to their classes in our new addition. These run concurrently with the service, and end between 11:15 and 11:30 each Sunday. Classes are divided by age and focus on a variety of topics and activities. Children are always welcome to stay in the service with their families, and parents are welcome to attend their child’s classes. Find out more about your child’s classes under the “learning” section.
Nursery care is available for children aged birth through five from 9:45-11:30 each Sunday. Our trained nursery staff is happy to care for your child anytime during these hours; feel free to bring your child before the service or at any time during the service. Our cozy nursery space is located in the new building addition.