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Unitarian Universalist Worship
Worthscipe (Old English)= Worthiness
We UUs worship in a wide variety of settings. Some UU congregations meet in large formally styled “churchy”
structures; others in rented quarters, still others in private homes. Our unique Ligonier UU building has been lovingly converted
from a former garden shop.
In addition, no one style of worship is used in all of our congregations. Services
in larger congregations may be quite formal while small congregations like ours usually are much more casual.
Many
congregations ritually light a chalice or candle to mark the beginning of the worship part of the service. Others prefer simplicity
and forego candles or any other props. Some meeting houses may display a simple cross, a star of David, a Buddhist wheel,
Taoist circle or Sufic winged heart.
The extent to which the elements of any single faith tradition may be incorporated
into personal spiritual practice is a matter of personal choice for congregants, in keeping with our Unitarian Universalist
creed-free, non-dogmatic approach to spirituality and faith development.
Members and friends share meaningful
joys and concerns publicly with the entire congregation. In our Ligonier congregation each joy or concern is marked by the
lighting of a candle. This simple ritual helps many to connect and to feel a real sense of bonding with others.
Worship services may include scripture (From any of the world’s religions), poetry, or other readings. Sermons are delivered
by our minister, Reene Waun or other UU ministers, by congregation members or by other individuals who share their particular
insights on spiritual, mystical, ethical, or social justice concerns. As to music, the singing of hymns and the occasional
choir or other special performance is always part of the service. Seasonal sacramental services, including flower communion,
water communion and Earth Day celebrations are special UU concepts.
Our Sunday worship enables each of us us to
connect with a community of seekers who are not constrained by traditional religious dogma. The theists, agnostics and atheists
of our UU congregations gather together to celebrate the worthiness we find in the natural world, in human kind and in the
transcendental.
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