“This special service brings a sermon and other worship elements from our Unitarian Universalist Association staff. It asks the question, what seeds are you planting for the new year? How are you weaving your magic into your relationships with others? How can we center beauty and goodness and love in all that’s ahead?” ~Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt ,President, UUA
CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.
A multi-platform service led by Rev. Steven Protzman.
As Rev. Steven prepares to be away for sick leave, we will have a conversation about continuing to be the community we are- a people of care, support, kindness, and inclusiveness- and we will reflect on this mystery that is life, the unexpected things that can happen, and the importance of a spiritual life that invites us to lean into the Love that holds us and will not let us go, no matter what.
CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.
Starting on February 4, 2024 we will be piloting a new Sunday morning schedule and format that includes a return to two services, but with different formats meeting different needs.
Our “traditional” hour-long worship service format, with readings, hymns, special music, and a sermon/homily will be offered at 11:00am (late sleepers, rejoice!).
We are adding an “all ages” 45-minute service starting at 9:15am, followed at 10:00 am by a 45-minute “all ages” time for religious exploration, with children and youth in age-appropriate classes, and adults in facilitated small discussion groups in Hobbs Hall (with coffee/tea). Occasionally, we will offer opportunities for multi-generational activities during this time.
At 10:00am, we will also have our “Community Café” in Hobbs Hall, a time to meet and greet others and with other opportunities for connection.
Our nursery will be staffed during the all ages religious exploration (10:00-10:45am in the Hobbs Hall building) and the during the traditional service (11:00am-12:00pm in the church building). The nursery room in the church building will also be open during the all ages service for parents/guardians who need a quieter spot during the all ages service.
What Is The Difference Between The Two Services?
The 9:15am “all ages” service might be described as both “scruffy and wiggly.” We welcome babies and anyone who is neuro-divergent. It is shorter, followed by an opportunity for discussion and reflection. The “all ages” service is only offered in person — there is no Zoom option. It provides many opportunities for lay involvement (in leading service elements as worship host or offering a short lay reflection), several consistent ritual elements, and music that leans toward participation rather than performance. We hope that, over time, those who worship with us regularly at the early service will have a repertoire of songs, poems, and prayers that they can access “in their pocket” from memory when needed in daily life.
The 11:00am service is “multi-platform,” i.e. there is a Zoom option. It includes more varied elements, including readings and a sermon or homily. It also includes offerings from our robust music ministry, including choral pieces, special musical guests, small group ensembles, and performances by our tone chime choir.
Tell Me More About All Ages Religious Exploration
We have been using a monthly “theme-based” ministry model for worship and religious exploration for our children and youth for several years using the Soul Matters curriculum. As part of this transition to two services and adding a Sunday morning option for adults, we will be leaning more deeply into our monthly themes:
Our children and youth have already been using the Soul Matters themes and their teachers will continue to use materials and activities to compliment the monthly theme.
Adults
Religious exploration is an important part of our ministry, which often happens in small-group theological and ethical discussions on our monthly themes It is a wonderful opportunity for our members and friends to have deep, pragmatic conversations about how we can live into our Unitarian Universalist values. Trained facilitators help keep the group focused and the sharing equitable. Learn more…
A multi-platform service led by Rev. Steven Protzman and Director of Religious Education Colleen Theole.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that “Love is the greatest force in the Universe”. As we honor the life of the Rev. Dr. King, we will reflect on his legacy of love, a love that called him to reject violence as a solution to conflict and to devote his life to justice, peace, and equality, and ask how his legacy challenges and inspires us to continue his work.
CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.
A multi-platform service led by Rev. Steven Protzman and Worship Associate CLM Kathy Kerns.
Hymn #323 “Break Not the Circle” speaks of a love that frees, a love that invites people “grow, to be themselves, where human bonds remain unbroken”. As we explore January’s Soul Matters theme, “The Gift of Liberating Love”, let us ask together: What does a truly liberating love look like? How does Unitarian Universalism invite us into this love? What does the love that sets us free ask of us?
CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.
A multi-platform service led by Ginny Horvath and Worship Associate Lori Mirkin-McGee.
Although people often think of the New Year as a chance to make resolutions, most of those are abandoned within a few weeks. Instead, this intergenerational service will look briefly at global New Year’s traditions and then focus on our own intention. Using wisdom from reflective spiritual practices and social science research about befriending our future selves, we will consider ways to think about the people we intend to be. Your intention can lead you to a new understanding of yourself and your choices to care for your future self as you would a trusted, valued friend.
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations, come join us for some all ages (children, be sure to bring your parents!) community time of singing carols, being together, enjoying a cookie swap, and/or making an ornament or two. For the cookie swap, please bring some cookies to share and a container to take some home.
Merry Christmas!
Christmas Eve services, The Mystery, the Magic and the the Music, will be held at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM in the Church Sanctuary.
Sunday, December 24, 2023 at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM in the Church Sanctuary (and Zoom).
A multi-platform service led by Rev. Steven Protzman, Dir. of Religious Education Colleen Thoele, and Worship Associates David Weaver and Heidi Shaffer Bish.
As we welcome Christmas once again, we will tell stories and sing songs about the birth of Jesus and reflect on the magic, mystery and beauty of this night with its promise that amid the struggles, problems, and suffering of life, there is wonder and joy.
We will have an all ages candlelight service at 6:30 pm, and a meditative candlelight service at 8:30 pm. There will be no morning service.
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 10 AM in the Sanctuary.
A multi-platform service led by Director of Religious Education Collleen Thoele with our Children and Youth. Our annual holiday pageant will feature an adaptation of The Tree That Was Meant to Be, written by Yuval Zommer.
CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.
At 10:00am, we will also have our “Community Café” in Hobbs Hall, a time to meet and greet others and with other opportunities for connection.
