Erik Walker Wikstrom (1962 - )

Benedictions

Benediction comes from the Latin, to speak well or the good words

Ceremonies

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, a commissioning is "the act of granting certain powers or authority to carry out a particular task or duty."

Chalice

Each of the stars in the heavens is unique

Some congregations use the chalice lighting as a time for testimonials

We light this chalice for all who are here, and all who are not

Closing Words

If the “opening words” called people to worship and opened the time and space for this purpose, the closing words bring the service to an end and prepare people to return home

If you are who you were

One snowflake is a marvel, a miracle;

Meditations

Few words in the liturgical lexicon are more problematic for Unitarian Universalists than “prayer.”

There are not many occasions in a typical Unitarian Universalist worship that calls for a blessing

There are, essentially, three ways to offer meditations in a worship setting. 

Offerings

It is said, “The Lord loves a cheerful giver,”

Opening Words

We come together this morning because within us there is something that knows we need more than we can find in our aloneness.

Openings

Often called a “call to worship” these words bring the congregation from their separate lives and to this common place and time of the worship hour

To “invoke” is to “call forth” and is traditionally associated with calling upon God. 

Prayers

Spirit of Life, known by many names yet by no name fully known

Readings

Many congregations say the same words each time the offering is taken

These are typically statements of belief that can be affirmed, or principles around which the community is entering (or has already entered) into a covenant

This is a particular kind of liturgical responsive reading

This is a reading in which lines are alternately spoken by the reader and the congregation

Sermons

There is too much to say about writing sermons than could be put in a simple introduction such as this series.

Stories

Once upon a time there was a girl named Wendy