What to Expect
In the light of truth and the warmth of love, we gather to seek, to sustain,
and to share.
Opening words to our services
What to Expect
When you visit, you will be greeted by members of our Fellowship and offered a name tag. Because we are
a small group, we arrange our chairs in a circle, with the chalice (the symbol of Unitarian Universalism)
in the center of the circle. We will invite you to join us in the circle, and we will introduce ourselves to you.
We are a lay-led congregation, which means that our services are conducted by members of the Fellowship.
Services reflect the diverse interests of our members and include DVD presentations, readings from UU
publications and other sources, and materials developed by individual members. Topics range from Unitarian
Universalist principles and beliefs to philosophical, social justice, environmental, and historical subjects.
Our service ritual is similar to that of other denominations. A typical service lasts about an hour, and the order
of service is as follows:
– Lighting of the chalice and recitation of our opening words
– Song or responsive reading
– Recitation of our covenant
– Sharing of members’ joys and concerns, followed by a moment of silence
– Readings or other presentations, followed by interactive discussion
– Closing song
– Extinguishing of the flame and recitation of our closing words
Following the service, after the chalice flame is extinguished, we serve refreshments and visit with one another
before going home. For visitors, this is a good time to talk to our members about our Fellowship and our faith
or just get to know us.