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 join together now in a time of meditation or prayer, spoken at first and then for a time in the peace that silence brings.Meditation | By Wayne B. Arnason | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Connections, Gratitude, Interdependence, Memorial Day, Unitarian Universalism -
My friend Marcy and her boyfriend Brian recently ate dinner at a local Chinese restaurant. As they enjoyed a plate of lo mein, engrossed in conversation, a hand reached down and ushered away their platter of noodles....Reading | By Kaaren Solveig Anderson | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), Class, Compassion, Empathy, Poverty, Privilege
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Spirit of life and love, we have gathered here in search of answers to hard questions. We have come in search of understanding, in search of community. We have come in search of hope and healing.Let this be a place not only of searching, but of discovery. Let this be a place of learning, but of...Opening | By Sue Ayer | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Forgiveness, Trust
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I pledge allegiance to the earth and all life: the fields and streams, the mountains and seas, the forests and deserts, the air and soil, all species and reserves, habitats and environments; one world, one creation, one home, indivisible for all, affected by pollution anywhere, depleted by any...Reading | By Vern Barnet | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Earth Day, Environment, Interdependence
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Blessed be the flower that triumphs at last Over the snows, over the centuries, over the heavy feet of cattle and of soldiers treading down the fragile places of the earth....Meditation | By Michael DeVernon Boblett | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Flower Communion, Unitarian Universalism
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Spirit of life and hope, we turn our minds and hearts again toward thee. Awaken us again to the mysteries that humble us, the realities that orient us, the truths that judge and guide us, the beauty that informs and ravishes us, the love that nurtures us, the fellowship that sustains us, the...Opening | By Clarke Dewey Wells | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Mystery, Wholeness
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We, the member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: The inherent worth and dignity of every person. We promote the first and most honored principle of our Association by opening our pulpit to all....Responsive Reading | By Michael E. Sallwasser | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Acceptance, Democracy, Identity, Interdependence, Justice, Living Our Faith, Seven Principles, Unitarian Universalism, Worth
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Out of the earth Rises light, Rises life, Rises spring. May we join with the miracle that is springtime, and enter into life with lightness and joy. Out of the spirit Rises faith, Rises hope, Rises love. May we join with the miracle that is Easter time, and enter into life with hope and love....Opening | By Elizabeth M Strong | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Christianity, Easter, Transformation
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One of the old ones stood up into the morning light and spoke to those who had come back to the river: "Now we have come again to this place; it is a good thing. My life apart from you is not as strong. "Yes, I have danced and I have told the stories at my own fire and I have sung to all the six...Opening | By Barbara J Pescan | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Buddhism, Connections, Friendship
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May we come into this building hallowed by generations of thoughtful worship. May we come into the company of this congregation, enlightened by reason and moved by concern. May we come with open minds and warm hearts....Opening | By Kenneth R Warren | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Service, Transformation, Unitarian Universalism
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Let there be joy in our coming together this morning. Let there be truth heard in the words we speak and the songs we sing. Let there be help and healing for our disharmony and despair. Let there be silence for the voice within us and beyond us. Let there be joy in our coming together.Opening | By Carl Seaburg | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Joy, Redemption, Silence
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Leave aside the little thoughts that distract you from the depths of your soul, For this is a holy place, and now is a holy time. Join with the others in this room, this community of seekers, and together, let us find our Sabbath.Opening | By John Gibb Millspaugh | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Community, Reverence, Sacred, Searching
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In this quiet hour may our spirits be renewed. In this gathering of friends may we be ready to extend ourselves to those in need, and with trust to receive the hand that is offered. In this community of ideals may we remember the principles that guide us and reflect upon those things that give...Opening | By Gary Kowalski | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Service, Spirituality, Unitarian Universalism
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Why Christmas? Especially to one who doubts? Are you not being hypocritical? Unitarian Universalists, with their penchant for secular humanism are fond of arguing the validity of Christmas: Is it a Christian holiday? A pagan holiday? A secular holiday?...Opening | By Lenny Scovel | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Christmas Eve / Christmas
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On a foggy Christmas Eve, Santa realized Rudolph could make the difference in guiding the sleigh.Meditation | By Edward Harris | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Christmas Eve / Christmas, Secular, Service, Teamwork
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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 WorshipWebTagged as: Advent, Christianity, Christmas Eve / Christmas, Forgiveness, Generosity, Hope, Justice, Love, Patience, Peace, Strength, Winter, Wisdom -
Now is the moment of magic, when the whole, round earth turns again toward the sun....Meditation | By Victoria Safford | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Awe, Christmas Eve / Christmas, Connections, Earth-Centered, Gratitude, Hanukkah, IllUUmination, Kwanzaa, Love, Winter Solstice / Yule, Wonder