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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A script for commissioning an affiliated community minister.Ritual | By Elizabeth Harding, Susan Frances, Eileen Wiviott | November 20, 2023 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Community Ministry Sunday, Covenant, Leadership, Ministry, WorshipWeb, Worship -
Speaking from the heart can turn an ordinary meeting into a rewarding one.Chalice Lighting | By Ben Ogilvie | October 18, 2022 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Business Meetings, Connections, Covenant, Relationships, Teamwork, Unitarian Universalism, Work, WorshipWeb, Worship -
Note: This was written and led by co-ministers to celebrate the installation of a third minister in a different congregation. Please change pronouns as necessary. Leader 1: What a joy it is to be here today… and to celebrate the shared ministry of this congregation. It is, indeed shared ministry,...Ritual | By Wendy Bartel, Lynn Gardner | November 6, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Commitment, Covenant, Installations, Interdependence, Leadership, Service, Unitarian Universalism
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Reader 1: In 1637, the white settlers in what was to become the town of Dedham, Massachusetts, wanted to start a church. What they longed for was sincere religious association based in love, and founded in freedom. Reader 2: The idea of a free church took shape among the people—a church whose...Affirmation | By Erika Hewitt | August 8, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Covenant, History, Identity, Installations, Interdependence, Seven Principles, Unitarian Universalism, Unitarianism
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See now the daybreak of our love: Through it may we be lifted, For when the nightfall closes in, May strength anew be gifted. Yes! Love endures on this good Earth. Our steadfast hope we’re bringing; We sing a truth no creed can end. How can we keep from singing? Good people gather to proclaim new...Music | By Eliot Brian Chenowith | May 8, 2019 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Arts & Music, Covenant, Friendship, Humanism, Joy, Love, Marriage, Secular, Unitarian Universalism, Weddings and Commitment Ceremonies -
Our communities of memory and promise are founded upon covenants because we all need a defense against the impulse of immediate feelings that challenge our best intentions. It is necessary to be reminded from time to time of what you said you were going to do, and what you really want, over and...Reading | By Kendyl L. R. Gibbons | February 21, 2018 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Building/Space Dedication, Business Meetings, Commitment, Community, Connections, Covenant, Homecoming / Ingathering, Installations, Integrity, Interdependence, Living Our Faith, Ordinations, Relationships, Unitarian Universalism, Unity -
I put my faith in you. I put my faith in every one of you who woke up this morning with the weight of loss—manifesting as numbness, anger, fear, or an alienating, aching pain. I put my faith in you, and I pray you will put your faith in me. We need one another now, because we will not make it...Affirmation | By Anya Sammler-Michael | January 4, 2018 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Commitment, Community, Connections, Courage, Covenant, Disaster or Crisis, Humanism, Interdependence, Relationships, Secular, Solidarity, Unitarian Universalism -
At the bottom of this page, you'll find suggestions for this ritual's sanctuary setting. Board Chair/President: This morning, we reconnect with our commitment to this congregation and to each other as members of this church. We ask that as members of [name of congregation], you re-affirm this...Ritual | By Tony Lorenzen | September 12, 2017 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Commitment, Community, Covenant, Interdependence, Nature, Unitarian Universalism, Water Communion -
Today, you join in membership. This is a moment of excitement and possibility. And although I don’t wish to pull you out of this moment, I need to talk to you for a bit about a moment in your future....Reading | By Liz James | February 11, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Commitment, Community, Covenant, Inclusion, Living Our Faith, New Member Ceremony, Reconciliation, Relationships, Strength, Teamwork, Transformation, Unitarian Universalism, WorshipWeb -
In a free religious community, to serve is the highest expression of our commitment and love. To be asked to lead is the highest honor. This morning, the members of [your congregation] you have chosen to lead you in the coming year stand before you....Ritual | By Audette Fulbright Fulson | November 18, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 5th Principle (Conscience & Democracy), Business Meetings, Community, Covenant, Leadership, Purpose, Service, Unitarian Universalism, Work -
As we approach our agenda let us remember that we are doing the work of the congregation.* When we do the work of this congregation*, we touch lives. When we touch lives, we change the world. May this chalice flame we now kindle remind us throughout our meeting of our ministry and our mission....Chalice Lighting | By Erik Walker Wikstrom | November 10, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Business Meetings, Commitment, Covenant, Discernment, Leadership, Mindfulness, Power, Privilege, Purpose, Responsibility, Service, Seven Principles, Unitarian Universalism -
Minister: Today, we welcome into our community these new members, who have chosen to make a commitment to this congregation by signing our Membership Book....Ritual | By Laura Randall | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Commitment, Community, Covenant, Identity, Living Our Faith, New Member Ceremony, Unitarian Universalism, Unity