Frequently Asked Questions

While there is no set order, you’ll typically experience some combination of the following on Sunday:

Welcome: Opening words
Chalice Lighting: Lighting a Flaming Chalice with a brief reading
Land Acknowledgement: A call to truth, reconciliation, and healing in community
Music: Participatory singing, hymns, contemporary songs, and/or music for reflection
Readings: Wisdom from various sources
Joys, Sorrow, & Complex Truths: Invitation to briefly share important news in community
Meditation: Moment of prayer and/or silent contemplation
A reflection or sermon by a lay leader, ordained minister, or an outside speaker
Brief spoken community announcements
An offering to support the work of the congregation and non-profit community partners
Coffee Hour: Invitation to socialize and connect after the service

As Theodore Parker said, our creed is all truth, and we look for it everywhere, from the poetry of Rumi and Mary Oliver to the teachings of ancient religious and spiritual traditions, to the lyrics of that song that cracks you open. We also draw inspiration from our own individual and collective life experience. Every source of insight is open to exploration and questioning.

Most UU services and meetings begin with the lighting of a chalice as a grounding ritual. The flame within a cup or bowl is the symbol of Unitarian Universalism, and it’s reminiscent of both ancient temple lamps and ritual blessing cups. The symbol was first used by Unitarians working to help refugees during WWII, as a way to recognize kindred spirits. Today we have many different interpretations of the flaming chalice, such as the light of reason, the warmth of community, and the flame of hope.

On the one hand, we honour the unique wisdom, life experience, and truths that each of us brings to community. On the other hand, we affirm the importance of the responsible search for truth and meaning, challenging your own beliefs and putting them in dialogue with other beliefs.

We affirm that we learn, grow, and make meaning of life by sharing our journeys in community.

Our beliefs are most powerful when they move us towards empathy, compassion, and working for a more just and loving world for everyone.

Covenant is a term with biblical roots that originally described the process of people making, breaking, and renewing their promises to each other and to the divine. When UUs use it today, it is our reminder that we need each other; that we’re imperfect; that the world is always asking us to grow and change and come back to our better selves; and that the process of practicing right relationship is an important part of living in an interdependent world.

Music is a very important part of our UUCH community life. Not only do we offer a variety of different styles and opportunities for music in our Sunday services, but there are several other ways we share our enjoyment of music throughout the year.

Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Some of us dress casually, some dress up, and some dress how our personal traditions move us to dress.