Unitarian Universalists honor and celebrate a wide range of holidays and occasions over the course of a year. Unlike other faith traditions that use a single lectionary (a collection of scripture readings appointed for a given day or occasion), the topics and themes for Unitarian Universalist worship services are usually chosen independently by worship leaders in congregations. These include unique UU traditions, like the Flower Ceremony, as well as holidays from other faith traditions, such as Christmas or Beltane.
View and download the 2023-24 UUA Worship Calendar (PDF), which includes faith-based and secular holidays that UU congregations often celebrate. The calendar also includes monthly worship themes used in popular theme-based ministry programs. To download or print, follow the link and use the File menu, then select the Landscape layout option.
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We are the recipients of an incredible gift and a beautiful vision.Offering | By Alice Anacheka-Nasemann | December 12, 2023 | From WorshipWebTagged as: All Souls Day, Building/Space Dedication, Canvass/Pledge, Commitment, Generations, Gratitude, History, Homecoming / Ingathering, Humanism, Leadership, New Member Ceremony, Samhain, Vision, WorshipWeb, Worship -
A script for commissioning an affiliated community minister.Ritual | By Elizabeth Harding, Susan Frances, Eileen Wiviott | November 20, 2023 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Community Ministry Sunday, Covenant, Leadership, Ministry, WorshipWeb, Worship -
Is a calling a feeling of joy, of completeness in your work?Reading | By Megan Foley | May 22, 2023 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Calling, Direct Experience, Leadership, Ordinations, Unitarian Universalism, WorshipWeb, Worship -
As you go forth into this new phase of your life’s adventure...Blessing | By Julia Corbett-Hemeyer | October 18, 2022 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Earth, Earth-Centered, Installations, Leadership, Nature, Ordinations -
We gather to honor our covenant and engage in congregational life.Chalice Lighting | By Emily Richards | October 18, 2022 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Business Meetings, Character, Democracy, Leadership, Purpose, Work -
We give thanks to the Sacred, woven in and among us, for the teachers, youth advisors, youth mentors, and parents in our community.Ritual | By Elizabeth Harding | October 17, 2022 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Caring, Children, Family, Leadership, Relationships, Teacher Recognition -
We tend the spark of imagination and hope for the world to come.Chalice Lighting | By Rachael Hayes | February 25, 2022 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Business Meetings, Discernment, Generations, Humanism, Leadership, Purpose, Stewardship, Unitarian Universalism, WorshipWeb, Worship -
Why do we so readily hand over what's priceless for a meager sum of money—or a major sum, for that matter?Reading | By Jill Duffield | March 5, 2021 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Character, Christianity, Ethics, Integrity, Leadership, Lent, Money, WorshipWeb, Worship -
In this community, we hold hope close. We don’t always know what comes next, but that cannot dissuade us. We don’t always know just what to do, but that will not mean that we are lost in the wilderness. We rely on the certainty beneath, the foundation of our values and ethics. —Rev. Theresa I.Reflection | By Erika Hewitt | March 11, 2020 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: #COVID19, 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Caring, Community, Direct Experience, Disaster or Crisis, Fear, Humanism, Interdependence, Leadership, Relationships, Responsibility, Secular -
• It takes a spark. • It takes fuel. • It takes air. • And it takes a container to hold them all. It is only with all of these things that we make fire. • It takes a call. • It takes learning and experience • It takes love. • And it takes a community to hold them all. It is only with...Chalice Lighting | By Christian Schmidt | January 16, 2020 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Calling, Direct Experience, Leadership, Ordinations, Relationships -
Today we kick off Religious Education classes with [over number registered] children and youth in our congregation. [Number of volunteers] adult volunteers carry the sacred privilege and responsibility of journeying beside them on our behalf....Ritual | By Lauren Wyeth | January 7, 2020 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Children, Community, Education, Leadership, Service, Teacher Dedication, Teacher Recognition, Teamwork, Unitarian Universalism, Youth/Teens -
As we light this chalice [this evening], may it serve to give us clarity of purpose and illumine our way as we set about doing the work of this congregation, in commitment, in cooperation, and in love.Chalice Lighting | By Viola Abbitt | January 7, 2020 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 5th Principle (Conscience & Democracy), Business Meetings, Commitment, Community, Governance, Humanism, Leadership, Love, Purpose, Secular, Teamwork, Unitarian Universalism, Work -
Note: This was written and led by co-ministers to celebrate the installation of a third minister in a different congregation. Please change pronouns as necessary. Leader 1: What a joy it is to be here today… and to celebrate the shared ministry of this congregation. It is, indeed shared ministry,...Ritual | By Wendy Bartel, Lynn Gardner | November 6, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Commitment, Covenant, Installations, Interdependence, Leadership, Service, Unitarian Universalism
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Minister: The cultural and ethnical diversity in our region shapes our mission of providing religious education that is meaningful and relevant to our members and community. Our faith is a living one, co-created by the promises we make and keep. It is enlivened when we lift up all of the voices,...Ritual | By Katie Romano Griffin, Tania Márquez | September 18, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Children, Direct Experience, Homecoming / Ingathering, Leadership, Unitarian Universalism
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As we begin a new year together, let us offer our blessing to the lay leaders who invest their time and care in the well-being of this congregation. If you help lead a ministry here, I invite you to rise in body, in spirit, in all the ways that we do. And I invite all of us to enter a spirit of...Prayer | By Lindasusan Ulrich | September 9, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Gratitude, Homecoming / Ingathering, Leadership, Unitarian Universalism -
Voice One, Elder (with chalice): Across the generations we have carried the flame. We fought the injustice, sang the songs, spoke for truth, and built something lasting. We join in the line and we carry the flame forward. (pass chalice and mic to next speaker) Voice Two, Active Leader (with metal...Chalice Lighting | By Douglas Taylor | December 7, 2018 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Bridging, Bridging Ceremony, Building/Space Dedication, Coming of Age, Coming-of-Age, Commitment, Faith, Family, Generations, Justice, Leadership, Stewardship, Unitarian Universalism, Unity -
We light this chalice to honor our work, to celebrate our community, and to bring hope and determination to our mission in the wider world....Chalice Lighting | By Chrystal Hogan | September 14, 2018 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Leadership, Ministerial Transition, Ministry, Purpose, Service, Teamwork, Vision, Work
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We light our chalice this morning in the spirit of gratitude, Thankful for years of ministerial service to this church, For celebrations of life and death, dedications, and communions, For leading worship, grounding our congregation in spiritual practice, Helping us to navigate the wonders and...Chalice Lighting | By Nick Wilbourn | August 3, 2018 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Ending, Gratitude, Leadership, Ministerial Transition, Ministry, Transformation, Unitarian Universalism -
We seekers are on a quest: A quest to discover truth and meaning. Sometimes we think we’ve found it— Wrapped up, glimmering with newness Straight off the intellectual assembly line. All the answers right here for us And others, if they’d only listen. But truth has a way of coming in disguise,...Opening | By Jason Cook | June 18, 2018 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Character, Children's / Religious Education Sunday, Direct Experience, Growth, Humanism, Leadership, Meaning, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Revelation, Searching, Secular, Teacher Dedication, Teacher Recognition, Transformation, Truth, Wisdom -
I light this chalice for all the times you have lit this chalice; For every time you struck the match Or flicked that zapper thing Or empowered a nervous parishioner to do the same. I light this chalice for all that you've done: For all you've fostered and cultivated and nudged; For all you've...Chalice Lighting | By Celia Thurston | June 12, 2018 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Community Ministry Sunday, Leadership, Ministerial Transition, Ministry, Relationships, Service, Unitarian Universalism -
This is the hour. The time has come. Mindful of our responsibilities as leaders of this faith and guardians of the living tradition, we call upon that great cloud of witnesses—those who came before, those who are here now and those who have yet to come. We seek their presence, love and support in...Chalice Lighting | By Connie Simon | December 13, 2017 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 6th Principle (World Community), Business Meetings, Calling, Generations, Governance, Leadership, Ordinations, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Responsibility, Secular, Teamwork, Tradition, Unitarian Universalism, Wisdom
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Here we are in our circle again. A circle of vision and reflection, A forum for deciding and empowering. Here we are at the base of another bridge, another space spanning the shores of today and tomorrow. Beckoning us to cross the chasm, one day at a time....Opening | By Shari Woodbury | August 11, 2017 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 5th Principle (Conscience & Democracy), Business Meetings, Calling, Community, Humanism, Installations, Leadership, Secular, Trust, Unitarian Universalism, Vision -
This Releasing of Covenant was created to end the final worship service of a settled ministry. Minister: For [number] years you have offered me your free pulpit and the freedom of creativity in worship, gifts for which I’m grateful. I hereby return the ministry of worship to your able hands. Use...Ritual | By Tess Baumberger, Erika Hewitt | August 5, 2017 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Change, Ending, Forgiveness, Leadership, Letting Go, Ministerial Transition, Unitarian Universalism -
Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson, is a novel that takes the form of a letter or journal that a dying, elderly Congregationalist minister in Gilead, Iowa, writes to his 7-year old son in 1956 – written so that one day the boy will know something about his father’s life and character. In this passage...Reading | By Marilynne Robinson | March 10, 2017 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), Animal Blessing, Animals, Awe, Calling, Christianity, Faith, Leadership, Ministry, Ordinations, Power, Sacred, Unitarian Universalism, Wonder -
This has been published with "they" pronouns; please use the most fitting pronoun in your own setting. Minister: I call (intern name) to the pulpit. Congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Church of (name), we have begun a new thing by bringing (intern) into our midst, to learn the practice of...Ritual | By Michelle Buhite | October 12, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Beginnings, Commitment, Community, Growth, Leadership, Ministerial Transition, Purpose, Relationships, Service, Transformation, Unitarian Universalism -
One day, your church was born. Maybe it was a gathering of saints, called together for the common worship of a wrathful god, ceaselessly praying between bouts of decrying the evil of Christmas or dancing. Or maybe a few brave souls answered a notice in the newspaper, curiosity piqued by the...Reading | By Sean Neil-Barron | February 26, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 5th Principle (Conscience & Democracy), Building/Space Dedication, Business Meetings, Change, Child Dedication, Community, Creativity, Direct Experience, Generations, Installations, Leadership, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Purpose, Religion, Sacred, Unitarian Universalism, WorshipWeb -
In a free religious community, to serve is the highest expression of our commitment and love. To be asked to lead is the highest honor. This morning, the members of [your congregation] you have chosen to lead you in the coming year stand before you....Ritual | By Audette Fulbright Fulson | November 18, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 5th Principle (Conscience & Democracy), Business Meetings, Community, Covenant, Leadership, Purpose, Service, Unitarian Universalism, Work -
As we approach our agenda let us remember that we are doing the work of the congregation.* When we do the work of this congregation*, we touch lives. When we touch lives, we change the world. May this chalice flame we now kindle remind us throughout our meeting of our ministry and our mission....Chalice Lighting | By Erik Walker Wikstrom | November 10, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Business Meetings, Commitment, Covenant, Discernment, Leadership, Mindfulness, Power, Privilege, Purpose, Responsibility, Service, Seven Principles, Unitarian Universalism -
During the Advent season, we celebrate the qualities of faith, hope, love, and joy. Yet these must be viewed through the prism of paradox. No Faith is worthy without the capacity to doubt all things—for then it is only credulity. No Hope is possible without the specter of defeat in the wings—for...Meditation | By David O. Rankin | May 28, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Advent, Discernment, Doubt, Faith, Hope, Leadership, Love, Sorrow, Wisdom, Worry
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First Reader: We come to you with our hopes and our fears. Will you lead us in building a welcoming religious community, tolerant and appreciative of our differences, loving and compassionate of heart, courageous and independent in spirit? Ministers: We will....Responsive Reading | By Phyllis L. Hubbell | May 14, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Authority, Commitment, Community, Installations, Leadership, Ministerial Transition, Ministry, Relationships, Responsibility, Service, Trust
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In the struggles we choose for ourselves, in the ways we move forward in our lives and bring our world forward with us, It is right to remember the names of those who gave us strength in this choice of living. It is right to name the power of hard lives well-lived. We share a history with those...Affirmation | By Kathleen McTigue | April 26, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: All Saints Day, All Souls Day, Día de los Muertos, Generations, History, Justice, Leadership, Memorial Services, Ordinations, Progress, Responsibility -
Lay Leader: Our church family is constantly changing. People come and go. Babies are born. Children grow up. People commit themselves to one another. Loved ones and friend among us come to the end of their lives. Individuals move into our community and church life. Others leave us, moving away to...Ritual | By Chip Roush | March 19, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Community, Ending, Leadership, Letting Go, Ministerial Transition, Service, Unitarian Universalism
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In a worship service, the congregation presented farewell gifts to the outgoing Director of Religious Education/Exploration (DRE) before the following: MINISTER: In (season, year), this congregation and NAME entered into a formal/unspoken covenant with one another. NAME agreed to step out of her...Ritual | By Tess Baumberger | March 11, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Change, Children, Gratitude, Leadership, Letting Go, Power, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Service, Teacher Recognition, Unitarian Universalism
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Please note: this ritual was preceded by the departing minister's homily, in which she looked back at the installation service and the promises they had made to each other as minister and congregation. She then continued as follows....Ritual | By Tess Baumberger | March 9, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Ending, Leadership, Letting Go, Ministerial Transition, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Unitarian Universalism
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This ritual, for use within a worship service, calls for the voices of two lay leaders—such as the Board President and a worship associate—although a single lay leader could just as easily read both parts. Lay Leader 1: The life of our religious community is fluid, ever changing with new lives,...Ritual | By Sandy Hoyt, Suzanne Reitz | March 6, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Ending, Leadership, Letting Go, Ministerial Transition, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Relationships, Service, Unitarian Universalism
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Ministry is a quality of relationship between and among human beings that beckons forth hidden possibilities; inviting people into deeper, more constant, more reverent relationship with the world and with one another; carrying forward a long heritage of hope and liberation that has dignified and...Reading | By Gordon B McKeeman | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Compassion, Healing, Installations, Leadership, Ordinations, Presence, Service, Teacher Dedication, Unitarian Universalism
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ALL: We come together as a living church. WORSHIP LEADER: We come together from different places as unique individuals. Our paths and the ways of our going are diverse, yet we share our journey....Responsive Reading | By Ruth E Gibson | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Children, Children's / Religious Education Sunday, Commitment, Community, Homecoming / Ingathering, Leadership, Parents, Teacher Dedication, Teacher Recognition, Unitarian Universalism
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Spirit of Life, You call us to embody equity and freedom in our lives.Meditation | By Eric Cherry | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 6th Principle (World Community), Compassion, Courage, Disaster or Crisis, Human Rights, International, Leadership, Oppression, Peace, Power, Solidarity, Suffering, Wisdom -
Spirit of Life, known to us in beginnings and endings, In possibilities and promises We give thanks for all that has led to this moment, And all that is yet to come. We give thanks for those who mentored us— The women and men in our lives who were our teachers, Who said the turning words of...Prayer | By Kathleen Rolenz | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Commitment, Generations, Installations, Leadership, Ministerial Transition, Purpose, Service, Unitarian Universalism, Vision, Work
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Let us be in the spirit of prayer. In this precious moment in which we set apart and ordain a woman to our ministry, we pause to give thanks for this religious community of free spirits of which we are a part....Prayer | By William E Gardner | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Commitment, Leadership, Ministry, Ordinations, Responsibility, Service
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(This was written for the opening worship at a district board retreat....Opening | By Gina Whitaker | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Business Meetings, Leadership, Purpose, Responsibility, Service, Teamwork, Vision, Work