Sunday Services
Although Unitarian worship services tend to be less liturgical and ritual-based than those in many traditional churches, our services do follow a reliable pattern.
- Welcome: The Service Leader welcomes the congregation and reminds us of our purpose by reciting the St. John's Mission Statement. Visitors are invited to stand as they feel comfortable.
- Prelude: A reflective piece of music sets the mood for the service. Members, visitors and friends of the congregation may light a candle during the prelude to silently express a joy or concern.
- Lighting of the Chalice: The flaming chalice is the most widely used Unitarian Universalist symbol and its lighting is a signal to convene the service. At St. John's a different family from our congregation lights the chalice each week and offers a short reading.
- Hymns: Singing is a joyous form of expression. Blending our voices together reminds us that we are not alone. We sing to awaken our spiritual life and energy.
- Wheel of Life: Members, friends or visitors may choose to share joys and sorrows that have touched them in the past week and to ask for the thoughts and prayers of the congregation.
- Meditation: A meditation is read, followed by a few minutes of reflective silence, and then a musical meditation.
- Choral Anthem: St. John's choir offers a musical selection, which is often tied to the topic of the sermon.
- Sermon: The sermon is the centerpiece of the service. Rev. Carpenter most often delivers the sermon. But there are many services where members of the congregation or guest speakers offer a sermon.
- Closing Words: We join hands for the final benediction.