Worship Life

When we come together to worship, we celebrate what is of ultimate worth to us individually and collectively. Worship comes from an old Anglo Saxon word which means 'ascribing worth.' Unitarian Universalists ascribe worth to God, the human spirit, justice, honesty, individual worth and dignity, freedom, reason, love, and more.

Many UUs say they are more spiritual than religious, indicating that their beliefs are less doctrinal than those of many organized religions. We profess a diversity of religious or theological beliefs. Some of us believe in God, in a creative, nurturing force, or in the power of human goodness. Some of us find no need or evidence for supernatural beings or forces. This means that on Sunday morning you might sit beside a theist, a non-theist, or someone who believes in the spirits found in nature. Although our beliefs differ, we share common values expressed in our Seven Principles.

Our Minister works very closely with the Worship Committee, Religious Education, and Music. We have formed a team approach to worship services that add creativity and diversity to Sunday mornings. Our goal is to embrace a broad range of spiritual perspectives, adopting a language of reverence and a diversity of practice.

We aim to help those who come to our church to quench a thirst, to find meaningfulness, to have an authentic experience, to connect with mystery, and to see their everyday lives reflected in the mirror of eternity. We seek a balance of mind, heart, hands, and feet. We strive continually to improve the worship experience, creating an environment that is welcoming. Our worship space is creatively decorated around each season or theme with moveable furniture to add a personal touch to each worship service.

What to Expect on Sunday Morning

Sunday morning worship services are the glue that binds everything we do at UUCR. We may go in different directions during the week – whether it is helping at the local second-hand shop, serving meals at a hypothermia clinic, cleaning up the streams, or attending a hearing for affordable housing – but  we all come together to reconnect to each other and seek meaning and purpose in our lives during Sunday morning worship. 

Typical Sunday morning worship begins with the ringing of the bell followed by silent candle lighting in which many children participate. We always have a chalice lighting and our Unison Reading, which most children have memorized. We offer a "time for all ages" when the children often come forward to hear a story or skit. We then sing the children out to their classrooms. The Minister leads worship three times during the month, and once a month a lay leader, guest speaker, or Lay Minister will lead the service.

Our service themes are diverse and cover the wide range of values and perspectives in a UU church. We always have an offering invitation and offertory. Each month, we also have a special collection that centers on a charity chosen by the Social Action Committee. We extinguish the chalice with closing words while joining hands with those sitting near us. Of course, a wide arrange of readings, music, meditations, and prayers are used. We try to use different voices and engage members whenever possible. Our Singers, Ringers, and Drummers have added tremendous flair to our worship services along with many talented musicians from our congregation.

From week to week, some of these worship elements may be eliminated or placed in a different order, depending on the purpose. We try to be flexible in order to create the best possible worship experience matching the theme and intent, while providing familiarity and stability to the congregant. We strive for professionalism while prioritizing creativity and flair. We recently upgraded to a state-of-the-art sound system including three hearing assistance devices and a hanging projector and automated screen.

Children on Sunday Morning

Children and youth at UUCR enjoy a high profile on Sunday morning. We are proud that we welcome and integrate all ages into the worship life of the congregation. Although our high school youth are less visible than our youngest children, this past year they presented a worship service to the congregation and frequently offered their musical talents during worship.

Families have opportunities to be involved in social action and social justice, particularly through our work with Reston Interfaith, a local non-profit that supports families living on the margins. All ages participate in many fellowship activities, including a Spaghetti Supper and a Winter Holiday Tree Trim Party and Potluck, among other events. Although Religious Education (RE) classes are downstairs and worship services are upstairs, we are not a segregated community. For more information visit Children & Teen Religious Education.

Sunday Morning Volunteers

Worship services are an easy opportunity to volunteer and feel more connected to the community. Visit Volunteer Opportunities for more information on ushers, greeters, Sunday hospitality, and flowers.