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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You are welcome here no matter who you are, no matter where you come from, no matter what your background. You are welcome here to join us as we proclaim worth in our spiritual journeys. You are welcome to join us as we sing songs that uplift our very beings....Welcome | By Dan Lambert | April 25, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Community, Humanism, Purpose, Secular, Unitarian Universalism -
I call the tall bush on my back patio “Burning Bush” because in autumn its leaves are a fiery red. All winter long I overlooked three uninhabited nests inside of it. For months and months I could have perceived—but didn’t—what was in plain sight. ...Reflection | By Karen G. Johnston | April 24, 2019 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: Anti-Oppression, Buddhism, Direct Experience, Earth, Humanism, Identity, Imagination, Nature, Searching, Secular -
We can’t always predict which choices will wind up having a huge impact on us, whether it's bringing home a stuffed animal or taking a particular train to Oxford Circus.Reflection | By Lindasusan Ulrich | April 17, 2019 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Animals, Children, Direct Experience, Family, Humanism, Love, Mystery, Parents, Playfulness, Secular -
We gather here to remember this is our home, but not just ours....Meditation | By Laura Bogle | April 16, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Earth, Earth Day, Earth-Centered, Generations, Indigenous Peoples Day, Nature, Responsibility, Stewardship -
When some people think of Easter, they think of a bunny rabbit. Others would point to other fertility symbols and signs of Spring, springing forth out of the ordinary, the plain, the seemingly dead: butterflies, flowers, and the like. Christians might think of the empty cross, or of a cross with...Reading | By Lisa Fischbeck | April 11, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Awe, Beauty, Christianity, Easter, Mystery -
Sometimes people show up fully and be with me. And sometimes they cannot, even if they really care about me and want to help.Reflection | By Misha Sanders | April 10, 2019 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: Caring, Limitations, Self-Care, Self-Respect -
Note: Lisa Maria has provided instructions, below, to make this litany interactive and fun. One of her suggestions entails inviting an added written response from members of the congregation. #1: We celebrate the memory of winter’s sleep and the quieting of our souls. Response: Sing praises for...Litany | By Lisa Maria Andreoli Steinberg | April 9, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Abundance, Beauty, Easter, Gratitude, Meaning, Spring -
When I internalize cultural messages about the definitions of success or failure—or anything, really—I undermine my own sense of self-worth.Reflection | By Helen “HP” Rivers | April 3, 2019 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: Children, Compassion, Family, Food, Forgiveness, Grace, Letting Go, Limitations, Mothers, Self-Respect -
Congregational response: “Blessings and praise!” For the darkness that nourishes our spirits; for the seasons that remind us that each moment has its own beauty; for generosity in whatever form: Blessings and praise! For snowy winter mornings before a single footstep disturbs the stillness; for...Litany | By Florence Caplow | March 27, 2019 | From WorshipWeb -
Ours is a spiritual community where we find and forge connection. We trust in the strength of our mutual support, knowing how it has sustained us, day after day, year after year. Today we hold in the light: _________ and we lift up: _________ Now you are invited to recall the names of persons or...Meditation | By Kelly Murphy Mason | March 27, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Community, Compassion, Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Joy, Joys & Concerns, Love, Sorrow, Trust -
We are a People of Memory. As inheritors of our ancestors’ legacy, we hold their stories tenderly. Gleaning wisdom from diverse journeys; united in hope for the future. Guide us to trust in love as we kindle this flame together.Chalice Lighting | By Kimberlee Anne Tomczak Carlson | March 27, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Compassion, Courage, Covenant, Diversity, Faith, Hope, Journey, Living Our Faith, Love, Tradition -
A haircut, a cup of coffee, or just an honest “How are you?” can be transformed into a powerful moment between two people living in a hard world.Reflection | By Rebekah Savage | March 27, 2019 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), Body, Caring, Direct Experience, Hospitality, Humanism, Military, Ministry, Service -
I saw a woman surrounded by the pressures to conform to adulthood, being the adult she always wanted to be when she was a child. She was as God made her, not who everyone else wanted her to be.Reflection | By Nathan Ryan | March 20, 2019 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: Body, Children, Direct Experience, God, Self-Care, Self-Respect, Women -
Spirit of Life, help us to be present with all that is our life, both our deepest sorrows and our greatest joys, so that we can truly live: engaging fully in our own life and in our community. Spirit of Community, Help us know how linked we are, how each one of our cares touches us all....Prayer | By Liz Weber | March 17, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Activism, Anti-Oppression, Caring, Challenge, Community, Courage, Empathy, Interdependence, Justice, Kindness -
North, South, East, and West, Angel, visible, ahead of me, Angels hidden by forests around me, And everywhere God....Prayer | By Paul Oakley | March 17, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Anti-Oppression, Caring, Challenge, Compassion, Connections, Empathy, Generosity, Hospitality, Interdependence, Kindness -
Let this be a time of resilience. May the changing seasons bring new meaning and new insights. May creativity and persistence lead us to find resources for all to share. May those who migrate find safety, and may there be good news in the wind. May transformation lead us onward.Meditation | By Lyn Cox | March 17, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Abundance, Contemplation, Creativity, Earth, Earth-Centered, Growth, Healing, Journey, Resilience, Trust, Winter, Winter Solstice / Yule -
What could you accomplish this week if you knew you had a ground team wishing you well? Who are the other explorers around you, needing a word of encouragement that would mean so much coming from you?Reflection | By Monica Dobbins | March 13, 2019 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Community, Direct Experience, Friendship, Hope, Humanism, Relationships, Science, Secular, Vulnerability -
Despite being warmly welcomed over and over by the greeters, by the family sitting behind me, and by the lead pastor, I couldn’t shake that “guest” feeling.Reflection | By Erika Hewitt | March 6, 2019 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Acceptance, Children, Community, Direct Experience, Hospitality, Relationships -
"Compassion is love's response to pain." from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/500901.How_to_Be_an_Adult_in_Relati… To Be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Living, p. 36.Quote | By David Richo | March 5, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), Compassion, Direct Experience, Humanism, Love, Pain, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Secular -
Spirit of Life and Love: Under the vast spiral of time and space, surrounded by the simple blessings of a community of care and love, we carry these memories of (our beloved) with us back to the community and life they* loved. We pray: Grant us strength, wisdom, and thanksgiving....Prayer | By Joel Miller | March 3, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Death, Love, Memorial Services, Remembrance Day