Newcomers are often curious about what worship at Unitarian Universalist (UU) church will be like. Here’s what you can expect from a Sunday visit to Lakeshore Unitariran Universalist Fellowship (LUUF)
Program Year Schedule (September through May)
Sunday Service at 10:00am. Childrens enrichment service is provided for school age children and nursery care is offered at all services for very young children.
Arrival
As you enter, the first person you’re likely to see is one of our volunteer greeters. If it is your first time with us, he or she will direct you to the Visitor’s Table, where you may make a name tag, pick up brochures or a newsletter, and chat with others, or find a seat in our sancuary. You can also fill out a visitor card if you’d like us to send you the newsletter for a few months so you can learn more about what’s happening here. Of course, you are welcome to bypass the Visitor’s Table, or visit it after the service.
What to expect
Enter, Rejoice and Come in!
The congregation is a lively bunch, as we meet each other and come together in
spiritual community. The service begins right on time with a musical prelude by our pianist, followed by our one of our volunteer service leaders welcomes all to service, makes a few announcements and welcomes members of the congregation to offer announcements.
Chalice Lighting
We light a candle in a metal sculpture, called a "Flaming Chalice" a symbol of Unitarian Universalism. Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol during his work with the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. To Deutsch, the image had connotations of sacrifice and love. Then we often sing a song from our hymnal. These songs reflect a variety of musical styles, cultures and religious beliefs.
Joys & Concerns
Community connections are strengthened through this weekly sharing of personal
joys and concerns. All are welcome to share a joyful event in your life, or find strength in sharing a difficult time. A candle is lit by the service leader, or you are welcome to come forward and light a candle. A final candle is lit to acknowledge joys and concerns that are kept to ourselves. Followed by a spiritual reading and a moment of quiet reflection, meditation or prayer.
Service Presentation
Lakeshore Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is a lay-led congregation, with a dedicated service planning committee, which recruites presenters from all walks of life. One Sunday you may hear a Unitarian Universalist Minister, another a member of the community, or a leader from one of our social justice outreach organizations, as well as other religious leaders. We offer a diverse and enriching spiritual experience. With no Dogma, or creed that must be followed. Each Sunday Service presentation is unique and will fill you with questions and expand your horizons. Following the presentation, the service is open to questions to clarify, or expand on the presentation, a time for sharing and growing together, in community.
We close our service with a hymm and a verse, acknowelging our commitment to community, peace and justice, reflecting the seven principals of Unitarian Universalism.
Immediately following the service, all are welcome for coffee and conversation in our second floor kitchen. A lift is available for those who are challenged with the stairs. Please feel free to join us in fellowship.
The fourth Sunday of each month is "Soup Sunday" -- a day to celebrate food and share a meal in companionship with our congregation members and friends. All visitors are welcome to join us at this monthly "Pot Luck" meal. If you wish, bring a dish to pass, but it's not necessary, as there is always plenty to share.
