Newcomers are greeted warmly and invited to make a name tag, pick up informational brochures, and sign up to receive communications. New families with children are introduced to our Director of Religious Exploration, who shares information about our children’s programs and offers a tour of our welcoming RE classrooms.

Volunteers are available in the Gathering Hall to answer questions about our congregation, Unitarian Universalism, and upcoming activities. After a social time, a chime is our signal to move through the great doors and into the more contemplative atmosphere of our Sanctuary for the morning service.

We feel that worship is more than what transpires on Sunday morning. It is what happens in every moment of our lives as we face the challenges of our world, interact with other human beings or experience this magnificent world. It occurs when we express ourselves, when we offer acts of compassion and when we share in an act of social justice. Our lives speak to what we believe and therefore become avenues of worship. We invite you to join us on this quest of the soul: meaningful and worship-filled lives!

The origin of the word “worship” is the Old English "weorthscipe," which means “worthiness, acknowledgment of worth.” That is what we do when we gather on Sunday mornings—we remind ourselves of what matters most in life. Worship creates connections within, among, and beyond us, helping us find meaning and live with wisdom and compassion. Our services combine words of beauty, inspiration and challenge and opportunities for reflection, meditation, and celebration.

Our worship services begin with the ringing of our temple bell and a musical prelude. Elements of a typical worship service include:

• words of welcome

• lighting a chalice, the symbol of our faith

• multigenerational time, often including a story for all ages

• music, both instrumental and vocal, in a variety of styles

• a time for sharing the joys and sorrows of the congregation

• a meditation

• readings from a variety of sources of humanist and spiritual wisdom and inspiration

• a sermon or talk given by a professional minister, guest speaker or member of the congregation

• an offering of donations to support the work of the congregation and for community organizations that are aligned with UU principles

Our services vary in format, from formal to informal and contemporary. Highlights of the church year include the Ingathering Service with Water Communion in the fall, Solstice and Christmas Eve services in winter, and Easter Sunday and Flower Communion in the spring. Services may incorporate multigenerational participation, longer musical performances, and special ceremonies to celebrate life’s passages. Services during the summer months are often lay-led or with guest speakers while our minister is away on vacation and study leave.

All children are included in the first part of the service; in the summer months during our 10 a.m. service, the congregation sings our children to their classrooms after the Time for All Ages. Childcare for children 3 and younger is provided.

Music

Music is a moving and inspirational part of our worship services. Our choir is a dedicated group of singers who rehearse weekly and perform twice a month at both services, with a break in July and August. There is special music on many other Sundays, provided by instrumentalists, small ensembles, soloists, or our house band.

coffee Hour

Our Coffee Hour, following the service, is a time for connecting, deepening relationships, and learning about the many possibilities for engagement and participation at UUFCO and beyond.