We gather in worship to find meaning and live more deeply. Worship creates connections within, among, and beyond us, calling us to our better selves, calling us to live with wisdom and compassion.

Unitarian Universalist worship styles vary by congregation, and even within congregations. Some congregations’ worship is contemporary and high tech. Some congregations’ worship is traditional and formal. Some features exuberant music, some includes long periods of silent reflection. Our congregation’s worship is less formal.

What Worship Looks Like

Elements of a typical Unitarian Universalist Sunday morning worship service include:

• Words of welcome
• Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith
• A multigenerational segment, such as a “story for all ages”
• Music, both instrumental and vocal and in a variety of styles
• A time for lifting up the joys and concerns of the congregation (submit them at https://cvuus.breezechms.com/form/YellowCard)
• A meditation or prayer
• Readings—ancient or contemporary
• A sermon given by a professional minister, a guest speaker, or a member of the congregation
• An offering, collecting financial donations for the congregation or for justice work in the community.

From time to time, worships incorporate holiday celebrations, multigenerational plays and pageants, longer musical performances, child dedications, and coming-of-age ceremonies. We offer childcare and learning programs for children and youth during the Sunday service.

Social Hour

Social Hour is a vital part of the CVUUS community. After the service, in the downstairs Ann Ross Fellowship Hall, we gather for conversation, coffee (tea, etc), and light refreshments. Social hour is coordinated by a “Social Hour Coordinator” who works with different ministry groups to provide refreshments, make coffee, and clean up.

Occasionally, we offer special sessions during the social hour announced in our weekly email Blast. We have “Congregational Conversations” guided by a congregant or guest on the third Sunday of the month. Our ministries or outside groups sometimes request time to present or discuss items.