A typical service will include ritual lighting of the chalice with reading, singing of hymns, prayer and musical or silent meditation, the sermon and benediction or closing blessing. The congregation participates in the service by singing hymns, sharing of joys and concerns and through the congregational response, a time following the sermon when individuals may share what the sermon has raised within them. These may be modified to accommodate our participants on Zoom.

Visitors and guests are always welcome! After the service, visitors are invited to stay for coffee and conversation. It is an opportunity to get to know members of our Fellowship and ask questions you may have about Unitarian Universalism and this liberal religious tradition.

Elements of our service might include:

• Words of welcome
• Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith
• Hymns and other music, both instrumental and vocal, and in a variety of styles
• Prayer and meditation
• A multigenerational segment, such as “Time for All Ages”
• Readings—ancient or contemporary
• A sermon delivered by our part-time minister Rev. Jim Coakley or a visiting guest speaker. We draw inspiration from a variety of resources including local colleges, community groups, individuals and lay members. From time to time, a visiting Unitarian Universalist minister will lead the service.
• A sharing of Joys and Concerns – allows people to briefly name major positive and negative situations and events in their lives to receive the support of the congregation.
• An offering, collecting financial donations for the congregation or for justice work in the community
• Response to the sermon – a time to ask questions of the speaker, or share some thoughts or insights.
• Announcements for the coming week
• Closing blessing or benediction

From time to time, services incorporate holiday celebrations, multigenerational plays and pageants, longer musical performances and other ceremonies.