What to Expect in Worship
Our members 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. Some congregations’ worship is contemporary and high tech. Some congregations’ worship is traditional and formal. Some feature exuberant music, some include long periods of silent reflection.
Elements of a typical Unitarian Universalist Sunday morning worship service include:
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- 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 or spoken performances, child dedications, and coming-of-age ceremonies. Special services include Good Friday, Passover Seder, and participating in the Conejo Valley Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Childcare is available during the Sunday service as well as children’s religious education classes.
Plan for service to last for 1 hour and 15 minutes, but occasionally we finish a little earlier.