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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 81 – 100 of 527

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  • 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
  • A single powerful red-orange flame glows in the darkness around it.
    Without consent, our ability to create becomes not a blessing, but a burden and an imposition.
    Opening | By Elizabeth Barish Browne | February 10, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Choice, Reproductive Justice, Sexuality, Unitarian Universalism, Worship
  • Unitarian Universalist Association Chalice
    May this precious light shine on.
    Chalice Lighting | By Vanessa Titang | January 21, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Worship
  • Bright, otherworldly blue rays from optical fibers in a colored lamp
    We light this chalice today as a people dedicated to personal growth.
    Chalice Lighting | By Frances Koziar | January 12, 2022 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Anti-Oppression, Challenge, Growth
  • Vines cross and intertwine themselves on a tree trunk
    Let us marvel at the miracle of being here, right now.
    Opening | By Tania Y Márquez | November 30, 2021 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Community, Friendship, Gratitude, Joy, Unitarian Universalism, Unity, Wonder, Worship
  • A black and gray ridge of mountains, stylized against a stark red background, is reflected above in a mirror image.
    We light this chalice today to illuminate our way toward Love.
    Chalice Lighting | By Melissa Jeter | November 22, 2021 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Imagination, Love, Parents, Patience, Unitarian Universalism, Worship
  • A ceramic mug of coffee sits on a table next to an open laptop, showing many people in Zoom cells.
    We gather together....
    Opening | By Michelle LaGrave | November 18, 2021 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Acceptance, Community, Inclusion, Interdependence, Unity, Worship
  • A white candle burns, in a dim room, resting near evergreen and pinecone. Twinkly lights are visible in the background.
    Help us to see that for the smallest, the humblest, the least of these burns the brightest star.
    Chalice Lighting | By Mary Shelden | October 28, 2021 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Advent, Christianity, Worship
  • A white pillar candle is lit against a dark blue background.
    All are welcome from everywhere.
    Chalice Lighting | By anastasia birosh | September 27, 2021 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Hospitality, Inclusion, Worship
  • A rust-colored leaf floats on the surface of a pond, and under the surface of the water there are stones and rocks. The surface of the water reflects the hand that dropped the leaf onto the water.
    Watershed moments are turning points, moments that permanently alter an understanding.
    Opening | By Martina Thompson | August 5, 2021 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Earth-Centered, Nature, Unitarian Universalism, Water Communion, Worship
  • A photo, taken from above, of the ocean water meeting sand, kelp, and stones.
    We light this chalice as a symbol of courage to move into that time of this and that / and not this / and not that
    Chalice Lighting | By Summer Albayati | June 14, 2021 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Balance, Worship