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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 - 5 of 5

  • A black and gray ridge of mountains, stylized against a stark red background, is reflected above in a mirror image.
    We light this chalice today to illuminate our way toward Love.
    Chalice Lighting | By Melissa Jeter | November 22, 2021 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Imagination, Love, Parents, Patience, Unitarian Universalism, WorshipWeb, Worship
  • Against a vibrant, deep red wall, a Black parent cradles and smiles down at a happy toddler.
    We cannot begin to find ourselves without love.
    Opening | By Elizabeth Mount | April 12, 2021 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Body, Children, Connections, Father's Day, Humanism, Interdependence, Love, Mother's Day, Parents, Relationships, Secular, Trust, WorshipWeb, Worship
  • Child_in_Mother's_arms
    We light this chalice for mothers and mothering; to celebrate those who have taken on the task of nurturing a young one-baby, child, or youth-into adulthood; to celebrate those who have nourished the light of truth and compassion in growing minds and hearts; to celebrate those who have committed...
    Chalice Lighting | By Claudene (Deane) Oliva | May 4, 2016 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Children, Commitment, Education, Family, Fathers, Generations, Gratitude, Love, Mother's Day, Mothers, Parents, WorshipWeb
  • Parent pushing a stroller and holding a child's hand.
    Today is Father's Day, a day in which we honor and offer gratitude for our fathers, in whatever form or fashion they come into our lives—biological fathers, stepfathers, adoptive and foster fathers, grandfathers, spiritual fathers, and all of the uncles, brothers, and friends who, whether they...
    Opening | By Loraine Bottorff McNeill | May 20, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Children, Connections, Direct Experience, Family, Father's Day, Fathers, Humanism, Men, Parents, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Relationships, WorshipWeb
  • Father and daughter at a dancing lesson
    For sleepless nights awaiting the curfew-breakers For anxious hours as a driving instructor For hours spent on sidelines, cheering And watching school plays, sometimes “resting our eyes,” For the pressures of bread-winning And “wait ‘til your father gets home.” For teaching moments and...
    Chalice Lighting | By Peter Friedrichs | April 16, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Change, Children, Direct Experience, Father's Day, Fathers, Parents, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Relationships