What to Expect on Sundays

Services are at 9:30 and 11:15 each Sunday September through June and at 10:00 during the summer months. They are held in the Auditorium of the Main Building. Children's R.E. classes are held at 9:30 to 11:15. Child care (ages 5 and under) is provided in room 11 from 9:15 to 12:45.

Dress is casual.

Order of Service

Our Order of Service lasts for about an hour, and generally follows this structure

Prelude

A musical interlude intended to help one to begin to sooth the soul and quiet the mind.

Welcome & Hand of Fellowship

This is the "Official" Welcoming of everyone to this morning's services by a lay Worship Leader. This is also the time when special announcements are highlighted. The welcome is followed by a short period when the congregants are asked to greet and welcome each other.

Opening Hymn

A hymn from either Singing the Living Tradition, Singing the Journey or some other source provided in the Order of Service is sung by the congregation. These hymns come from a variety of sources — traditional hymn tunes with new or adapted lyrics, spirituals, folk songs from various cultures, original compositions by Unitarian Universalist musicians, to name just a few. The opening Hymn is occasionally excluded depending on other elements of the particular service.

Chalice Lighting & Affirmations

Signifies the beginning of services. The lighting of the chalice is followed by the congregation reciting our mission, values and convenant statements which are printed in the Order of Service.

Joys and Sorrows

This is a time in our service where we can share significant joys or sorrows with the congregation. Those wishing to share something are asked to come forward and light a candle, state their name and share their joy or sorrow. It is requested that those sharing keep their time brief. Once everyone wishing to share something is finished, a short congregation al response is sung.

Offering

During the Offering, a musical interlude is usually presented.

Sermon

This is the time when the Minister or speaker presents the pri mary talk regarding today's service theme.

Closing Hymn

One more chance for everyone to sing.

Closing Words

The closing words by the Minister or speaker, usually intended to provide a "thought for the week" line with the theme of the service.

Postlude

A closing musical interlude performed by one of UUSS' talented musicians or the UUSS Choir.