Music is an integral part of our services and our church life. We have a Children's Choir in addition to our regular Choir and pianist. We are fortunate that the local University has one of the top music schools and thus we are blessed with a very talented membership. The music is varied, anything from classical, rock (Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen), jazz, country, opera, original pieces and of course UU songs. The middle and high schoolers have incorporated music in the services they do. The youth have put on a musical performance as part of their winter interim session. Music is everywhere. Check out the videos and you will see for yourself!
The ministers have freedom of the pulpit and choose what and how to deliver their sermons. We currently have monthly themes, with the sermons focusing in some way on the theme of the month. There are a few sermons that our Senior Minister does annually, like the “science in review” sermon in January. There is an expectation that sermons will be stimulating, questioning, and even controversial. They call us to do something or be something (compassionate, witness, etc) and contain humor. Members will not hesitate to ask for more information, question a premise, or even disagree with a sermon – all in a collegial and respectful way. We like to be challenged to think and do.
We have UU ceremonies we celebrate annually, but not always the same way (growing has resulted in some creative adaptation). A few of these are baby dedication, age of reason, coming of age, bridging, water communion, and flower communion. We have solstice services, Passover seder, Christmas services, Dia de los Muertos, etc. We host a Ramadan dinner where members of the Muslim community create the meal and we provide the space and celebrate together. In addition to formal ceremonies we celebrate things like ministers retiring, transition, stewardship, and getting involved.
WORSHIP
MUSIC MINISTRY
SERMONS
CEREMONIES
