"To worship is to stand in awe under a heaven of stars, before a flower, a leaf in sunlight, or a grain of sand. To worship is to sing with the singing beauty of the earth; it is to listen through a storm to the still small voice within." The Reverend Jacob Trapp
Sounding the Narthex Bell
This is a simple bell sounding in the outer hall. It is rung at 5 minutes before the worship begins to alert those arriving that we are about to begin.
Ingathering
Our Music Director plays music as worshippers take their seats and prepare for the hour.
Sounding the Call to Worship
This is another bell. It tells people to become quiet as the service is beginning.
Choral Introit or Prelude
Sung or Instrumental music to settle us into being together in worship.
Call to Community
Spoken words to call us together.
We Sing
Hymns and other songs are common to our celebration of life. Most of our hymn texts are found in Singing the Living Tradition, the hymn book of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Guest may especially want to skim through it to obtain a quick exposure to the wide diversity of expression found in the Free Church.
We Light Our Chalice
The Chalice is an ancient symbol and is typically found among Unitarian Universalist congregations. We light it to signify our common bonds, the light of truth and the community of caring. The children of our church school do the actual lighting, while the congregation recites in unison:
An Affirmation of Unitarian Universalist faith:
Love is the teaching of this church.
The quest of truth is its sacrament And service is its prayer.
To dwell together in peace, To seek knowledge in freedom,
To help one another, To do justice and love mercy,
To the end that all souls shall grow in harmony -
This is our covenant with each and with all.
Our Sung Response: We kindle this light in celebration of the life that we share.
For All Ages
We Unitarian Universalists value children in our worship. This segment is aptly named. It is not a talk simply for the kids, but for the kid in each of us. Often tied to the sermon theme, For All Ages is a kid-appropriate exploration of some aspect of our faith using stories and illustrations.
Choral Anthem
Our adult choir sings most Sundays. We are also glad to welcome occasional guest soloists.
Members' Welcome
At this point, the children adjourn to their learning groups. As they do so, members reach out to welcome one another and our guests. We also often include here brief reminders of up-coming church events - details to which are found in the printed "Weekly" bulletin.
Moment of Mindfulness
This element is conducted in silence. It is a time for parishioners to pray, meditate, let go of the busy chatter in their heads and to be at rest and at peace. We use the bell to punctuate the beginning and ending of this segment.
Our Sung Response
The silence is broken with the shared singing of a chant.
Lessons or Readings on the Day's Theme
This is our equivalent of "scripture." The text/s may come from sacred writings. As often as not, their source is more diverse, from poetry to prose. The purpose here is to help parishioners begin to focus on the question or theme of the day.
We Share Our Gifts
The Offering in the Free church is a sacrament, quiet witness to our determination to be responsible for the content and direction of our shared ministries. Members use the offering to make their monthly pledges; guests are invited to participate as well.
Offertory
At one level, this is music to attend to while the congregation's gifts are being collected. It is also a time to consider a joy or sorrow in your life. Members and guests are invited to come forward as the spirit moves them to silently light a candle in recognition of important events in your life.
We Sing
The sermon hymn typically is especially focused on the theme of the day.
The Sermon
See "Sermons" Page.
Musical Reflection and Congregational Conversation
From time to time, the Minister determines that it would be helpful to the congregation to hear from one another regarding the topic at hand. We do not do this every week. When we do, members and guests are invited briefly to share their questions and comments.
We Sing
Benediction and the Extinguishing of the Chalice
The minister offers parting words and passes the light of the day into the hands of worshippers that we may all carry a light into the world.
Postlude
The congregation sits as the minister exits. Our Music Director, occasionally accompanied by the choir, give one more element of celebration.
