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An unlit chalice on a church altar

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.

LEADER RESOURCE 2 Rituals to Welcome a New Child
a medieval window from the Burrell Collection in Glasgow, Scotland, depicting the Nativity
Islamic prayer beads or Subha inside the Süleymaniye Moque (Istanbul).
An altar filled with candles, photos, and flowers

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  • A table covered by papers, a notebook, and a coffee mug-- and a person's hand, writing with a pen.
    This group blessing is designed to be shared by many voices or read by just one. Alex suggests creating an altar with a chalice and testing supplies (which are then distributed to students as they need them). Speaker 1: We have come to the end of the quarter/semester/year. An end to these classes.
    Blessing | By Alex Haider-Winnett | June 19, 2019 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), Bridging Ceremony, Challenge, Choice, Commitment, Direct Experience, Education, Forgiveness, Friendship, Growth, Responsibility, Secular, Wisdom, Worth
  • At a beach, with the ocean in the distance, a scraggly tree is decked out in Christmas ornaments
    There's nothing simple about the holidays. Joy can feel empty when it is compulsory. The promise of liberation is hard fought and well earned.
    Reflection | By Alex Haider-Winnett | December 12, 2018 | From Braver/Wiser
    Tagged as: Christmas Eve / Christmas, Direct Experience, Simplicity, Summer Solstice, Winter
  • An African-American mother cradles her infant twins, one in each arm, as the babies gaze out of a window.
    This child dedication includes some multi-sensory elements. We recommend talking to parents in advance about how the child might respond. Worship Leader: Friends and family, we have been brought together by [child] for a joyous occasion: to recognize and welcome [Child’s Name] into this world and...
    Ritual | By Alex Haider-Winnett | August 19, 2016 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Child Dedication, Children, Commitment, Community, Family, Fathers, Generations, Mothers, Parents