We Gather
Live More | Live Deeply
UUCL members and friends 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.
Unitarian Universalist worship styles vary by congregation, and even within congregations. Some congregations’ worship is contemporary and high-tech. Some congregations’ worship is traditional and formal. Some feature exuberant music, some include long periods of silent reflection. Our congregation’s worship is at once traditional and contemporary, intellectual and contemplative, challenging and comforting.
You will find people come to church in formal or casual clothing. As such, you are invited to wear what makes you most comfortable.
UU Elements
Elements of a typical Unitarian Universalist Sunday morning worship service include:
Words of welcome
Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith
A multigenerational segment, as part of our Religious Exploration program, such as a “story for all ages”
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 a professional 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
“UUCL has given me gifts that I did not even anticipate.” - Testimonial from Charlie Lutz
We Celebrate
Unitarian Universalists also celebrate several holidays throughout the year:
Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter;
The Wheel of the Year, eight holidays honoring the solstices and equinoxes (Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Midsummer, Lammas, Mabon);
Services honoring and affirming world religious holidays (Diwali, High Holy Days, Bodhi Day, etc.);
Unique Unitarian Universalist holidays such as Flower Communion, Water Communion, Luminescence, Fire Communion, and others!
From time to time, UUCL worship incorporates holiday celebrations, multigenerational plays and pageants, longer musical performances, child dedications, and coming-of-age ceremonies. Our programs for children and youth are typically offered at the same time as the Sunday service.
We draw from many sources in our planning and celebrating in worship. From Christmas Eve Candlelight services to various interpretations of Beltane (humanistic, druidic, wiccan), every service is always anchored in our shared Unitarian Universalist tradition.
*Artwork by Judy Hower and Stacey Stone