What To Expect During Worship

lit chalice is on a table in front of the lectern along with a bouquet of flowers

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 (UU) worship styles vary by congregation. Our Sunday Services are a mix of traditional observances and newer practices. Most of them are led by our minister, but others are led by members of the congregation or guest speakers. We’re also a congregation that loves to sing UU hymns that reflect our values!

Elements of a typical Sunday morning worship service include:

  • Music prelude before service starts;
  • Ringing the chimes to signify that Sunday Service has begun;
  • Words of welcome by a congregation member;
  • Congregation news and announcements by a member of the board;
  • Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith, and reciting our intention, “This flame affirms the light of truth, the warmth of community, and the fire of commitment;”
  • The call to Worship;
  • A UU hymn;
  • A multigenerational segment, such as a “Story for all Ages;”
  • A sermon given by a professional minister, a guest speaker, or a member of the congregation;
  • Singing UU hymns and music, both instrumental and vocal, and in a variety of styles;
  • A time for lifting up the joys and concerns of the congregation in person and via Zoom;
  • A short, silent meditation or prayer;
  • An offering, collecting financial donations for the congregation or for social justice work in the community;
  • Extinguishing the flaming chalice and reciting our intention, “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;” and
  • Holding hands (optional) while singing the closing hymn, #1010, “We Give Thanks.”

Because members of our congregation come from many different faith traditions, at various times during the year our services may include various holiday observances and reflections drawn from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Earth-Centered, and other liturgical calendars.

We also occasionally incorporate 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.

Connection After Sunday Service

After each Sunday Service, there is a coffee hour. Each third Sunday of the month features a potluck lunch either outside or in our assembly room following the service, providing extra time for fellowship among members and visitors, and once per year we have a picnic by Lake Del Valle. Visitors are always encouraged to enjoy the refreshments without concern for contributing, as there is always plenty of food, and your presence is your gift to us!

Frequently Asked Questions

We have a parking lot directly in front of our main, Sanctuary building. When you drive in, look for the parking spaces marked ‘Guest’ on your left.

We provide childcare and children’s religious education classes during service every Sunday. Children are also welcome to stay in the Sanctuary during service. Learn more on our religious education page.

We hold a variety of different ways to support and connect with one another throughout the year. To read about what we are currently offering, please go to Connections.

Our Social Justice Committee plans many different ways to get involved in the community, including participating in protests and writing letters, which you can read about here.

If you are contemplating membership or hoping to become better connected with the congregation, please read more about it or feel free to talk to our minister!

We encourage you to read about it here, or to come to one of our Sunday Services and talk to one of our members or the minister.