Services
Sunday worship and special ceremonies
What to Expect
Each service contains instrumental and vocal music, a 15- to 20-minute message, a joys, sorrows, and concerns ritual, an offering, a story relating to the message, and a period of meditation or prayer. The Sunday service begins at 9:00 a.m. and lasts 60 minutes, followed by a period where people may respond to the message of the day.
Each service begins with the lighting of our flaming chalice, a distinctive symbol of UU.
The design originated during WWII as a symbol on documents given to refugees who fled without their identification papers.
Note: Join us in person or on Zoom
Upcoming Services
Oct 4: Our Beautiful Blue Boat Home
Water is a deeply precious resource for humans, it is the source of life on this planet, and it is a gift to celebrate and protect. We'll explore themes of water this morning as we celebrate our annual Water Ceremony. (No need to bring your own water, just an open heart!)
Oct 11: UUs Coming Out!
National Coming Out Day is to celebrate those who are willing and able to come out of the closet. This morning we'll be exploring the UU history of coming out in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. It has been an uneven and challenging journey, and we have work yet to do.
Oct 18: Learning When to Unclip a Harness
Here's what I know about harnesses. They are supposed to help. They're supposed to keep us safe. Keep us connected. Keep us from bolting into traffic, but sometimes we hold them so tight they cut off circulation. Sometimes the thing that was meant to help us starts to hurt us or starts to hurt someone else. The second principle of Unitarian Universalism calls us to justice, equity and compassion in human relations — dog relations too. The seventh principle reminds us that we are part of an interdependent web — interdependent, not all powerful, not the whole web just part of it. What harness are you wearing that's turning part of you gray? A job? A role in this church? A story about who you have to be? A grudge you've been carrying in your teeth like a dog? What would it mean to unclip that harness? At the end of the short sermon, we will do a Blessing of the Animals. Bring your dogs, cats, and any other pets in your house, either leashed or crated. Perhaps some paper towels, just in case.
Oct 25: Lessons on Being Human from The Walking Dead and Other Zombie Lore
Whether you've seen The Walking Dead or any other zombie feature or not, the lore of zombies has been around for hundreds of years. Today we'll consider what lessons we might learn from encounters with zombies and what we might learn about what it is to be human.
Service Inspirations
Our worship services focus on a wide variety of religious, philosophical, personal, and social issues. Although each service is different, we gather weekly to consider, individually and collectively, that which we hold of highest worth. For some, it's the community; for others, it's the natural world; and for still others, it's a sense of some sort of something beyond our imagination. Our inspiration comes from a variety of sources: the wisdom of world religions, teachings from humanist and earth-centered traditions, words and deeds of prophetic people, and the direct experience of individuals.
Our principal service is on Sundays at 9:00 a.m., at Tri-County Unitarian Universalists, and also on Zoom. Please see the Home page for details and links.
Music & Choir
We sing traditional hymns, gospel, folk tunes, and more, in multi-part harmony. Everyone who enjoys singing is encouraged to join our choir. Listen to a selection of our music below—these are songs you'll hear and sing with us at services.
A Festive Madrigal
A Renaissance-inspired choral piece calling all to gather and sing together. Light acappella harmonies with joyful "fa la la" refrains celebrating community and festive spirit.
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2:32
A Festive Madrigal
A Renaissance-inspired choral piece calling all to gather and sing together. Light acappella harmonies with joyful "fa la la" refrains celebrating community and festive spirit.
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2
3:08Ashokan Farewell
A bittersweet folk lament about parting and enduring love. Written in 1982 by Jay Ungar, famously featured in Ken Burns' "The Civil War" documentary.
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3:50At This Table
A welcoming hymn of radical inclusion—everyone is seen, everyone matters. A gentle reminder that the door is always open and you can come as you are.
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2:43Change the World
An uplifting call to action urging listeners to see with positivity, hear beyond fear, and serve others. "Inspire us, empower us to sow the seeds of love."
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2:45Each of Us Has a Light
A gentle affirmation that everyone carries an inner light and hope that cannot be hidden. Incorporates "This Little Light of Mine" in its final verse.
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2:41Glory Hallelujah – When the Saints
When the Saints A spirited mashup of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "When the Saints Go Marching In"—two beloved public domain spirituals joined in celebration.
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2:36Hands ‘Cross the Ocean
A song of global unity celebrating that despite our differences, we share common dreams. "Join hands across the ocean" for peace and friendship.
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2:53It’s Wintertime
A cozy seasonal song celebrating winter's beauty—snowflakes, snow angels, firelight, and the warmth of friends gathering together.
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3:19I’ve Got Peace Like a River
A contemplative spiritual wondering if the light from the lighthouse will shine down. Rooted in African American sacred music traditions.
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2:04Joy In My Heart
A UU adaptation of the classic Sunday school song, secularized with civil rights influences. "I believe in myself and I know this joy is here to stay."
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5:00One Little Star
A tender Christmas lullaby about the star, the candle, and the child in the manger. Gentle "Hallelujah" chorus celebrating peace and harmony.
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2:52Shine on Me
A traditional gospel spiritual asking if the light from the lighthouse will shine. Searching, meditative, rooted in African American sacred tradition.
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13
3:58Times and Seasons
A nature hymn celebrating Earth as a garden where all creation lives in harmony. "Everything has a place"—a call to let nature be.
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14
3:20We Three Kings in Pandemic Times
A playful COVID-era parody of the classic Christmas carol. Masks, quarantines, vaccines, and social distancing meet the Magi.
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3:19Make a Difference
A nurturing hymn comparing children to seeds that need love and care to grow into mighty oaks. "Be the one to lead the way—the power is in you."
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1:50Peace, Peace
A simple Advent canticle celebrating peace on earth and goodwill to all. "This is the time for joy, this is the time for love."
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3:37Be Yourself (Sing Your Song)
An empowering anthem for seniors about finding your voice and letting your colors fly. "No one ever said it would be easy—do the things only you can do."
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2:22Woyaya (We Are Going)
A Ghanaian anthem of perseverance and hope. The road may be muddy and rough, but we'll get there. "Heaven knows how—we know we will."