WORSHIP LIFE
There's a joke in which a man curious about church shows up, sits through the service, and is approached by a member who recognizes him as a newcomer. "What did you think of the minister?", she asks. The man replies, "That's a cushy job, if you ask me - all she did was talk for 20 minutes, sing a couple of songs, and then go schmooze."
The reality is much more complex - and rewarding! Some say worship service preparation takes one hour per minute of service. Others say it takes a lifetime. I find that both are true, and then some. At their best worship services weave together knowledge, skills, wisdom, patience, insight, humor, compassion, rhythm, movement, holy curiosity, humility and deep presence.
They appeal to each of the senses, capture the attention of people of all ages, and invite their full participation and reflection. In this sense a worship service is never "over". It continues to evolve in the minds and hearts of those who engage with it.
Ideally, all portions of the worship service are woven together, affirming the Unitarian Universalist context (history and values) as inextricably linked with whatever may be going on in both the political and social realms, and the lives of individuals.
My preferred order of service tends to be as follows:
I enjoy working closely with the Music Director and Religious Exploration volunteers, relishing opportunities to collaborate on worship services that strengthen Unitarian Universalist identity, congregational programs, service in the wider community and the unique circumstances and gifts of individuals.
Recently, I have been inviting members of the Teen Group to participate as readers on the third Sunday, the younger children to participate as Ushers, and the Senior Group to offer a monthly blessing.
For those Sundays when I am not scheduled to be in the pulpit, I provide a list of recommended Unitarian Universalist ministers and lay preachers, and I advocate for fair compensation (according to the standard set at PSWD UUMA Chapter meetings).
The Worship Service "script" is reviewed and assessed on a regular basis, with adjustments made to keep it fresh, relevant, responsive, creative and reverent.
In the drop-down menu you will find audio recordings of sermons, as well as video recordings.
The reality is much more complex - and rewarding! Some say worship service preparation takes one hour per minute of service. Others say it takes a lifetime. I find that both are true, and then some. At their best worship services weave together knowledge, skills, wisdom, patience, insight, humor, compassion, rhythm, movement, holy curiosity, humility and deep presence.
They appeal to each of the senses, capture the attention of people of all ages, and invite their full participation and reflection. In this sense a worship service is never "over". It continues to evolve in the minds and hearts of those who engage with it.
Ideally, all portions of the worship service are woven together, affirming the Unitarian Universalist context (history and values) as inextricably linked with whatever may be going on in both the political and social realms, and the lives of individuals.
My preferred order of service tends to be as follows:
- Meditative Gathering Music
- Call to Worship (ringing the Bowl)
- Opening Words
- Opening Hymn
- Welcome (including sermon topic and which Principle/s it reflects)
- Greeting One Another (brief time to turn to those seated near you)
- Chalice Lighting (by a member sharing a personal UU testimonial)
- Words of Affirmation (congregational covenant)
- Collection for Food Pantry (children take up the collection and join me)
- Intergenerational Time (generally a conversation or story)
- Special Music, Poem or Reflection by a member
- Offering (3rd Sunday proceeds benefit a charitable organization)
- Stones of Joys and Sorrows, Forgiveness to be Given or Received
- Meditation in Words & Silence
- Centering Hymn or Music
- Sermon
- Musical Bridge
- Closing Hymn
- Extinguishing the Chalice
- Closing Words
- Postlude
I enjoy working closely with the Music Director and Religious Exploration volunteers, relishing opportunities to collaborate on worship services that strengthen Unitarian Universalist identity, congregational programs, service in the wider community and the unique circumstances and gifts of individuals.
Recently, I have been inviting members of the Teen Group to participate as readers on the third Sunday, the younger children to participate as Ushers, and the Senior Group to offer a monthly blessing.
For those Sundays when I am not scheduled to be in the pulpit, I provide a list of recommended Unitarian Universalist ministers and lay preachers, and I advocate for fair compensation (according to the standard set at PSWD UUMA Chapter meetings).
The Worship Service "script" is reviewed and assessed on a regular basis, with adjustments made to keep it fresh, relevant, responsive, creative and reverent.
In the drop-down menu you will find audio recordings of sermons, as well as video recordings.