If you are new to Unitarian Universalism then you could be wondering what a Sunday service might be all about. A typical service is featured here with pictures taken at a number of services and a composite Order of Service. Each week is a bit different to accommodate what is happening with the congregation and the world at large.
Visitors will be given some information about UCM, asked to sign our guest book and be given a nametag. At the friendship hour, following the service, visitors are invited to use the blue mugs to help identify themselves to our other members. Families will meet with our SE Director and shown to the appropriate classroom following the 'Moments for Young People' at the first part of the service
Upon entering the hall on a Sunday a welcoming Greeter will give you an Order of Service and a song book. Headphones are available so that the hearing impaired can follow the service. For a summary of our upcoming Sunday service topics, click here.
SUNDAY SERVICE - 10:30am
CHIMES - a call to service
GATHERING SONG
The service starts with a gathering song. This changes from week to week and the words appear in the Order of Service. A favourite is:
Enter rejoice, and come in, Enter rejoice, and come in.
Today will be a joyful day, enter, rejoice, and come in.
Open your ears to the song. Open your ears to the song...
Open your hearts everyone, Open your hearts everyone,..
Don't be afraid of some change. Don't be afraid of some change...
Enter rejoice, and come in, Enter rejoice, and come in.
WELCOMING
The service leader for that day welcomes regular members and newcomers
OPENING MUSIC
The choir sings for the congregation. All members are welcome to join the choir - please show up early for the practice
CALL TO CELEBRATION
Opening words from the service leader
CHALICE LIGHTING
Each week someone is honoured by asking them to light the Chalice that marks the official start of the service. As the person(s) light the chalice, the congregation sings:
Rise up, O flame, by thy light glowing,
show to us beauty, vision, and joy
SONG
There are usually two and sometimes three songs that the congregation sings. They are usually from the songbook but sometimes special ones are printed with the Order of Service. Traditional hymns, folksongs and even pop tunes are sung.
MOMENTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
The children have a special story time before they go to their classes
DEPARTURE SONG
The congregation sings the Departure Song as the children leave:
Go now in peace. Go now in peace.
May the love of life surround you, everywhere, everywhere you may go.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The minister or service leader delivers announcements of events of interest that will be happening in the coming week or thereafter
OFFERING
Like any congregation we depend on an offering plate being passed around
AFFIRMATION OF COMMUNITY
Many responsive readings and ones in unison are found in the song book; but special ones are also often printed in the Order of Service
READING
A reading of material relevant to the sermon is read
MEDITATION
Some uplifting words are said by either the minister or service leader, This is followed by a few moments of silence and concluded by a piano piece by our talented music director on our beautiful sounding Steinway. An artistic floral arrangement is provided each week by a member of the congregation
SERMON
Our equally talented minister is very much up to giving a weekly dissertation on some topical subject. His love of poetry and prose is very evident as well as his in depth knowledge of the subjects. On occasion a guest speaker will give the sermon with a talk about their field of expertise
SONG
A final song for the congregation to sing. After the song we remain standing for the Closing Words, Chalice Extinguishing and Benediction
CLOSING WORDS
The minister or service leader will say a few final words. The service has lasted a bit over one hour
CHALICE EXTINGUISHING
BENEDICTION
After the Chalice Extinguishing the members of the congregation all hold hands to form a continuous chain and sing to each other:
From you I receive, to you I give
Together we share, and by this we live
FRIENDSHIP HOUR
Coffee, tea, juice, sweets and companionship!
