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 The Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers comes together every Sunday at 10:30 am in the William Burnside Miller Sanctuary to celebrate life, in all its mystery. It is a time for letting your guard down, for comfort, for challenge, for compassion, for gratitude. Worship is a time to re-center around that which is of ultimate worth, whether that is to commune with the divine, to be reminded of one's sacred values, or to refocus on the human power to make good choices.
Oh, by the way, the word "worship" emphasizes the importance of your own articulation of the sacred . It's meaning derives from the old English terms, woerth + scipe, meaning "to consider things worthy." Yes, the word "Worship" encompasses a full range of philosophies and theologies.
Here is a sample of our typical worship service. Our liturgy is at once familiar but often subject to modest changes, so do not be surprised to find something slightly different on any given Sunday...
Gathering music
Light music that gathers folks together while they are still chatting and settling in.
Processional Hymn The service leaders gathered process while the choir leads in the Opening Hymn.
Welcome a lay leader will welcome the gathered to the congregation and provide information to guests
Chalice Lighting and Covenant Every Sunday for a whole month a child or youth in our Religious Education program is honored by serving as our Chalice Lighter. The youth will either light the chalice or lead in speaking the words of the covenant:
Love is the spirit of this church
And service is its law.
This is our great covenant:
To dwell together in peace,
To seek the truth in love,
And to help one another.
-- James Vila Blake
Call to Worship
An invocation, or an invitation that sets the tone for the theme of the service.
Time for All Ages
A time for children and adults alike that celebrates our multigenerational community. Adults usually like this part as much as the kids. The Time for All Ages is closed by singing our children, youth, and teachers to their classes with hymn #413 “Go Now In Peace”.
Centering Moment and Candle lighting
A time when a caring committee member or worship associate might announce the caring concerns of the community. This time is followed by a moment of centering, meditation, or prayer. Afterwards, all are invited to light a candle for a joy, sorrow, or milestone in their lives. Usually, a sung response is included to conclude this element in the worship.
Reading
Very often a reading of scripture (all kinds welcome here!), poetry, or a moving reflection is shared that weaves into the larger theme of the service.
Sermon
A 15 minute message that enlivens and deepens the worship theme in your life, as well as in the life of the congregation and the larger world
Offering
One of the ways Unitarian Universalists enliven their religious values in the world is by making them real through the form of financial contribution. The gathered are invited to enliven their generosity and make their values real through the contribution to the church community. If you are a guest today, you are invited to offer the gift of your information by placing a blue card (with some info about you) in the offertory basket as it passes by.
Extinguishing the Chalice
a liturgical way of closing our time together, accompanied by the song, Carry the Flame.
Recessional
Time to go, pick up the kids at the nursery or at their classrooms, go have a cup of tea, or plug into some of the after-church gatherings.
Childcare is provided until 1pm on Sundays. Won't you join us?
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