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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

Displaying 61 – 80 of 517

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  • A loaf of bread and goblet of juice for communion at church.
    As we gather in this sacred moment, the Holy Spirit settles among her people.
    Chalice Lighting | By Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs | October 18, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Christianity, Communion (Christian), God, Love
  • A chalice, by Nebraska potter Thomas Hamilton, inspired by the local landscape of rivers and prairie -- river glaze colors, edge plants and stones, birds, and three rivers meeting in the cup.
    We rekindle our connection to the sacred web of life.
    Chalice Lighting | By Shari Woodbury | October 18, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Awe, Earth, Earth-Centered, Nature, Wonder
  • Unitarian Universalist Association Chalice
    We come together in one faith.
    Chalice Lighting | By Pat Uribe-Lichty | October 18, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Faith, Hope, Living Our Faith, Purpose, Unitarian Universalism
  • Unitarian Universalist Association Chalice
    We face a challenge to democracy.
    Chalice Lighting | By Pat Uribe-Lichty | October 18, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Challenge, Democracy, Hope
  • Unitarian Universalist Association Chalice
    Our common work is the creation of Beloved Community.
    Chalice Lighting | By Pat Uribe-Lichty | October 18, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Commitment, Living Our Faith, Purpose, Service, Unitarian Universalism
  • Unitarian Universalist Association Chalice
    We come together trusting that in gathering we will be renewed.
    Chalice Lighting | By Pat Uribe-Lichty | October 18, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Body, Healing, Worship
  • A lit candle in moody lighting with a sprig of red berries
    We gather to honor our covenant and engage in congregational life.
    Chalice Lighting | By Emily Richards | October 18, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Business Meetings, Character, Democracy, Leadership, Purpose, Work
  • Man in silhouette playing a shofar during sunset on Lake Erie
    Breathe in us, with us, and through us as we gather—one in community.
    Invocation | By Kristin Grassel Schmidt | September 22, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Awe, Earth-Centered, Judaism, Nature, Rosh Hashanah, Unity, Worship
  • Deep orange sunlight falls on a single fern stalk.
    Can we find space for lifting our heads in wonder—that we’re still striving, still trying together
    Chalice Lighting | By Li Kynvi | August 10, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Business Meetings, Commitment, Community, Faith, Hope, Identity, Living Our Faith, Purpose, Unitarian Universalism, Worship
  • A vibrant pen-and-ink sketch of two hands reaching for one another.
    We are learning to regroup and remember perfection was never the point.
    Opening | By Gretchen Haley | June 27, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Acceptance, Grace, Growth, Healing, Progress, Relationships, Resilience, Self-Respect, Vulnerability, Worship
  • Against a twilight sky, a group of people sit around a sparking campfire.
    We gather here, around this flame; seeking, believing, and being, together.
    Chalice Lighting | June 17, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Generations, Worship
  • Small votive candles are lit in the catacombs under the raised pews of the Belper Unitarian Chapel in Derbyshire, UK
    This burning flame represented hope during the bleakness of World War II.
    Chalice Lighting | By anastasia birosh | May 23, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Generations, History, Hope, Tradition, Unitarian Universalism, Unitarianism, Worship
  • A single candle flame in a dark space illuminates a person in silhouette.
    May our beacon of hope give you respite
    Chalice Lighting | By Joseph M. Cherry | May 4, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Community, Good, Hope, Strength, Unitarian Universalism, Worship
  • An abstract flame-like pattern, in bright gold colors, and a black background.
    May we tend our Soul Fire through these challenging and trying times
    Chalice Lighting | By anastasia birosh | March 31, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: #8thPrinciple, Acceptance, Challenge, Hope, Hospitality, Inclusion, Purpose, Unitarian Universalism, Worship
  • Several rows of people, seen mid-torso, holding outstretched hands, in church.
    It is in gathering that we find our hope.
    Opening | By Pat Uribe-Lichty | March 24, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Community, Hope, Interdependence, Solidarity, Unity
  • UU Church of Rockford IL stained glass chalice
    Our ancestors in faith acted with courage to bring hope and safety.
    Chalice Lighting | By Pat Uribe-Lichty | March 24, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Generations, History, Unitarianism, Worship
  • A person's head and shoulders, viewed from behind, with bright rays of colored light forming an aura.
    Whether you have made promises, broken promises, or are renewing your promises, you are beloved and you are welcome here.
    Opening | By Joan Javier-Duval | March 2, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Abundance, Acceptance, Community, Hospitality, Inclusion, Love, Worship
  • In a shadowed forest, a path through the trees is bathed in golden light.
    We are stronger together because we are different, and because we are one.
    Chalice Lighting | By Frances Koziar | March 1, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Balance, Beauty, Conflict, Diversity, Earth-Centered, Relationships, Unitarian Universalism, Worship
  • Berrien UU Fellowship Board meeting
    We tend the spark of imagination and hope for the world to come.
    Chalice Lighting | By Rachael Hayes | February 25, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Business Meetings, Discernment, Generations, Humanism, Leadership, Purpose, Stewardship, Unitarian Universalism, Worship
  • Unitarian Universalist Association Chalice
    We are one people of many beliefs, many origins, sexualities, and genders.
    Welcome | By Rachael Hayes | February 23, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Diversity, Hospitality, Inclusion, Worship