Worship
At 10:30 every Sunday morning, we gather together in this spiritual community to remind ourselves of what matters most in life. The world is both beautiful and heartbreaking. In our congregation we are called to be our best selves, with wisdom, compassion, and an ever-increasing understanding of the interdependent oneness of all that exists.
Our Worship Services are weekly reflections that weave together our own thoughts and experiences with music, beauty, poetry, and words that both comfort and challenge. Our programs for all ages inspire us, and awaken us to our capacities to make a difference in our own lives and in the world.
We are inspired not just by religious sources but by the people with whom we journey, including the many generations represented in our community. We are diverse and spirited Unitarian Universalists.
The “regular” calendar year of worship services at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst runs from the Sunday following Labor Day to the second Sunday following Memorial Day. For the Summer Sundays we offer lay or guest-led services.
We would love to have you join us for a service or connect in any of the activities we offer.
To get a feel for how we begin our Sunday service, please watch this short clip of Reverend Rachael welcoming us to the service…
What to Expect in Worship
Unitarian Universalist worship styles vary by congregation, and even from service to service. Our congregation’s services are fairly traditional, yet relaxed at the same time. We believe flexibility is a good thing. Typical elements in our services may include:
- Words of welcome
- Lighting of a flaming chalice, a common symbol of our faith
- A multigenerational segment, such as a “story for all ages”
- Music and singing
- A time for community and the sharing of our joys and concerns
- Silent meditation or prayer
- Readings from ancient and/or contemporary sources
- A sermon by the professional minister, a guest speaker, or a member of the congregation
- An offering for the benefit of the congregation or for justice work in the larger community (our Dedicated Offerings)
- A closing circle and song
Our worship services incorporate holiday celebrations, and on occasion a child dedication, new member recognition, or youth-led service such as Coming of Age. We almost always have a Choir Sunday once a year, appreciating that music is an essential part of our spiritual lives.
Every year includes a Water Ingathering service in September and a Flower Ceremony service in June.
At the same time as our services, we offer both child care for the very young and a significant Unitarian Universalist religious education program for children and young adults.
We 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.