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Unitarian Universalists use different terms for the words that begin a worship service, including call to worship, invocation, and opening words. These words invite the congregation from their separate lives and to the common place and time of the worship hour.

(In Unitarian Universalist worship if there are Opening Words there is generally not an Invocation, and vice versa.)

Search Words for Worship Services

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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4

  • A collection of loose pieces of moveable type, in many shapes and sizes and from many different fonts.
    We light this chalice, so that by its light we may read ALL the books…
    Chalice Lighting | By Julie Conrady | December 13, 2023 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Anti-Oppression, Arts & Music, Democracy, Freedom, Human Rights, Humanism, Unitarian Universalism, WorshipWeb, Worship
  • Two worship attendees stand arm in arm, with other hands raised.
    music arises from depths unknown often without words but never without meaning and spirit rises from deep within me seducing my body to join the song first a tremor in the soul, then tapping of toes breath aligns with breath, heart beats in syncopation and a stuttering buzz in my throat becomes a...
    Opening | By Arlen Goff | May 4, 2020 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Arts & Music, Body, Community, Direct Experience, Joy, Music Sunday, Secular, Wonder
  • A close up of the strings of a stand-up bass, being plucked by a musician's hand
    The chalice is the container— the space where the musicians and the listeners gather. The oil is the fuel— the hours of practice and the life experiences of everyone in the room. The wick is the instruments and vocal cords through which the music will flow. And the flame—the flame!— is the...
    Chalice Lighting | By Marnie Singer | October 24, 2017 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Arts & Music, Direct Experience, Playfulness
  • Against a blue sky, a billboard on top of a building says GRATITUDE
    The wheel of the year has turned again. Once more the Thanksgiving season has arrived. How shall we sing our song of gratitude now? For what shall we give thanks? For this moment; for friends near and far; for our breath; for love; for courage and clarity; for strength; for delight; for laughter;...
    Opening | By Laura Horton-Ludwig | November 30, 2016 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Arts & Music, Awe, Direct Experience, Generations, Gratitude, Thanksgiving, Wonder