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What to
Expect in Worship
@ GMUUC

When we speak of “worship,” we are referring to the shared religious life of our congregation: attending Sunday worship services, creating religious music, honoring life passages like marriage and death, and celebrating special holidays together.

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Our monthly religious themes invite us to find ways to put our faith into action beyond our walls. Together and individually we consider the many ways we can reach out and work together to build a more just, loving and sustainable world.

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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.

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Elements of a typical Sunday morning worship service may include:

  • Words of welcome

  • Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith

  • A multigenerational segment, such as a “story for all ages”

  • Music, both instrumental and vocal and in a variety of styles

  • A time for lifting up the joys and concerns of the congregation

  • A meditation or prayer

  • Readings—ancient or contemporary

  • A sermon given by a professional minister, a guest speaker, or a member of the congregation

  • An offering, collecting financial donations for the congregation or for justice work in the community.

 

From time to time, worships incorporate holiday celebrations, multigenerational plays and pageants, longer musical performances, child dedications, and coming-of-age ceremonies. We offer childcare and learning programs for children and youth during the Sunday service.

FAQs for Worship

What do adults wear?

You are welcome to come in whatever makes you comfortable. You’ll find most people wearing casual attire — everything from typical “Friday casual days” wear to jeans and T-shirts. And there are some men who feel more comfortable in a coat and tie and some women likely to wear a dress or suit.

 

What do children wear?

Children will be fine in sneakers and jeans or any play clothes. They will probably spend part of the Religious Education class sitting in a circle on a carpet, and another working with paste, glue, paint or crayons. In nice weather, the children sometimes go outside on our property or playground. 

 

What do children do during the service?

We provide childcare and religious education classes for children of all ages. Babies and preschoolers typically have class in the nursery while the older children work together in our other classroom. 

 

May our child stay with us during the service?

Of course. Most Sundays, there are a few young ones in the congregation.

 

How do I find you?

See the directions to our church and the map of nearby parking.

 

Will I be welcome?

Absolutely. As you enter, you will be greeted by church members who will officially welcome you, provide you with a nametag, and answer questions you may have. We hope you will feel comfortable providing us with contact information so that we may send you our newsletter. Ours is a diverse community: young and old, walking and wheeling, straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, black and white, Asian and Hispanic, singles, couples, and families. You’ll meet teachers, social workers, carpenters, homemakers, artists, lawyers, nurses, doctors, secretaries, business owners, computer programmers, people without jobs, students, retired people, and more.

 

Do you welcome LGBTQ+ people?

Yes. We have many active members of our community who are openly gay or lesbian. Some come just for Sunday services. Some serve on committees and our Board of Trustees. All are integrated into our community.

 

Do you have active young adults in the congregation?

Yes! Young adults (18-35 year olds) are a vital part of our community. They sing in the choir, serve on the Board of Trustees, share Sunday worship, and serve on many committees. You are encouraged to attend services on Sundays and look out for/meet other young adults from the church.

 

Does your congregation have diverse beliefs?

Yes, indeed. In our congregation we have humanists, theists, pagans, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, atheists, agnostics, and more. Although individual Unitarian Universalists have varied beliefs about everything from scripture to rituals to God, we uphold shared principles and come together for spiritual development guided by freedom, reason, and conscience.

 

How do I become a member?

We strongly suggest you attend our services until you are comfortable with us. We have new member orientation meetings regularly. We suggest you attend one of those, too. Once you have decided you want to join and you sign the membership book, you will be invited to attend a special Sunday morning service of welcome. Learn more about becoming a member.

 

What do I do if I have other questions?

Email admin@gmuuc.org

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