What to Expect in Worship
We gather in worship to find meaning and live more deeply. Worship creates connections within, among, and beyond us, calling us to our better selves, calling us to live with wisdom and compassion.
Our congregation’s worship varies from Sunday to Sunday, offering a rich array of styles, themes and ways of coming together.
Elements of our typical Sunday morning worship service, however, include:
- Words of welcome.
- Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith.
- Music, both instrumental and vocal and in a variety of styles.
- A time for lifting up the joys and concerns of the congregation.
- A meditation or prayer.
- Readings — ancient or contemporary.
- A sermon given by our 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 coming-of-age ceremonies. When we met in person, we offered childcare and learning programs for children and youth during the Sunday service.