Introduction to Unitarian Universalist Worship
Worship services are central to Unitarian Universalism and part of a full spiritual life. Worship services are created, the congregation gathers, the service unfolds, and that is when Worship happens.
Reverand Erika Hewitt describes the members of the congregation: “For the individuals attending, each carrying a unique set of questions, gladness, longings, and sadness, worship is a wellspring of hope, a container for grief, and a laboratory for meaning-making”.
“For Unitarian Universalists, worship speaks to our experiences in life, touches our feelings, challenges us to develop deeper relationships, and connects us to things, human and divine, which are beyond ourselves.”
Music- congregational, instrumental, and choral- is an integral part of our worship services and is chosen from many genres. Occurring throughout the service, music contributes to the emotional flow of the service.
“Worship is a multisensory experience in which something greater is created—a narrative about the people who have gathered, the values that enliven and challenge them, and our understanding of a responsibility to carry that message out into the world.”
“Importantly, ours is a tradition of a Free Pulpit. The speaker, whether an ordained minister or a layperson, is invited to give voice to the truth as they perceive it.” The congregation also has freedom as explained by Reverend Seth Carrier-Ladd. ‘We encourage everyone in the pews on Sunday mornings to filter the sermon against their own beliefs, experiences, and understandings, and then, form their own opinions…Freedom of the pew is central to what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist”.
There is great variety in Unitarian Universalist church spaces and worship services. It is the direction from the Worship Team, verbal and written in the Order of Service, that successfully guides worshippers throughout the service.
Worship Teams create worship services and define the themes and focus of the services The team may consist of the following: a member of the clergy or lay pulpit guest, a lay worship leader, the Director of Music Ministries, a member of the Chancel Art Committee, the leader of Religious Education, and, for live-streamed services technical support staff.
To learn more about Worship Associates, please contact the Worship Associates Chair, Michael Michaud
