Edit Header for Worship Opening Search

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 - 6 of 6

  • 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
  • A small evergreen tree next to a bowl holding four purple candles and small gold star.
    This is the season of endings and beginnings.
    Opening | By Erika Hewitt | November 26, 2017 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Advent, Beginnings, Ending, Letting Go, New Year, Patience, Spiritual Practice, Spirituality
  • A question mark on the page of a notebook
    What if everything always went according to plan? At first, we might accomplish more of what we think we need to accomplish. And it may seem less stressful, at first, being able to anticipate what happens next. But after a certain amount of time (and that amount would vary person to person) the...
    Opening | By Krista Flanagan | July 4, 2017 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Challenge, Direct Experience, Letting Go, Mystery, Patience, Stress, Trust
  • Boy lighting candle while man chalice for him.
    We kindle a flame we trust will lead us forward as we travel in unknown lands, where the question, “Shall I ever get there?” resounds: A clear pure note in every silence. Note: this chalice lighting is based on reading #486 by Dag Hammarskjöld in Singing the Living Tradition.
    Chalice Lighting | By Barnaby Feder | December 6, 2016 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Challenge, Community, Direct Experience, Journey, Mystery, Patience, Searching, Transcendence, Unitarianism
  • Chalice and Advent Wreath on UU chancel.
    Advent, adventus, means waiting. And the holiday season is nothing if not waiting—to get done the chores; to find the right gift; to find time for quiet moments; to accept that our loved ones will not be as we wish them to be....
    Chalice Lighting | By David Breeden | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Advent, Christianity, Christmas Eve / Christmas, Forgiveness, Generosity, Hope, Justice, Love, Patience, Peace, Strength, Winter, Wisdom
  • Unitarian Universalist Association Chalice
    Creator of all times and seasons, and of all the seasons of our lives, we gather in this place, thankful for the days that have been, even those that have tried our souls; and hopeful for the days that shall be, even those that shall demand of us the best that we have of faith and hope and courag...
    Opening | By Richard M Fewkes | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Earth-Centered, Patience, Transformation