What to Expect in Worship
We gather for worship at 10:30 AM on Sunday mornings in Holland Sanctuary throughout the year. As you move from the parking lot to the Sanctuary, you will likely be greeted by a few people at the front door. You will be invited to make a name tag for yourself. You can then move into the Sanctuary and choose your own seat.
Children have the opportunities to…
- stay in worship, to go to the nursery or to go to religious education.
- Ask a greeter by the front door for directions to Education Wing.
- Curious about what happens in the classes and nursery?
- Check out our webpage “For Children and Youth“.
Our services include words and music which seek to both challenge and comfort. We seek to inspire minds, hearts, and spirits to become more whole. All of our Sunday morning programs inspire us and awake us to our capacities to make a positive difference in the world. A typical Sunday morning worship service includes:
- Words of welcome
- Lighting of a chalice, the symbol of Unitarian Universalism
- A story for people all ages
- Music from our pianist, and also through congregational hymns and anthems from our Desert Chorale
- A time for lifting up the joys and concerns of the congregation
- A time for prayer, meditation, and contemplation
- 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 performances, child dedications, and other life transition ceremonies.
After worship, we gather for Social Hour in Goddard Hall. There are usually snacks and drinks, and almost always coffee and tea. Lunch is served by our Kitchen Ministry on occasion.
Around noon, there are often meetings and classes. Our Grief and Loss Group gathers each Sunday and is open to all. Listen to the Announcements in worship for that days’ offerings.