Some congregations follow a lectionary, or a prescribed set of texts for study throughout the year. As free-thinkers, we have no such restriction... which is great! And yet, that model does have some merit: deeper dives into important stories and ideas, time and opportunity to plan ahead, broader communal accountability from service leaders (i.e., more than whatever they want to talk about today!).
We think we've found a pretty great balance in our theme-based approach. Each month, we focus together on a "big idea." Here are a few examples: love, trust, inclusion, repair, creativity, mystery. That big idea guides our programming for the month... including worship, religious education, small groups, even social justice activities and social gatherings. The end result is a deeper level of dialog and reflection -- individually and as a commmunity -- than if we only stayed on a given topic for a week at a time. Plus, we get to plan further out... which means more partnerships, abitious arts and ritual, trips, and more.
So... we get the best of both worlds: deep dives into big ideas but with the freedom and flexibility to make them our own and remain current.
Current-year themes include:
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January: Story
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February: Inclusion
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March: Trust
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April: Joy
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May: Imagination
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June: Freedom
Mind Body Spirit Plus
Multiple Perspectives. One Big Idea.
The other organizing principle we use -- especially for worship -- is a rotating set of "feels". We know that not everyone wants the same thing on Sundays. Some people love a good sermon; others come for the music. Some want to sit quietly; others want to engage or move around. There is no one right way to do religion... but a roomful of everyone doing it their own way will ensure that no one gets what they want. So... we essentailly take turns, breaking down our monthly "big ideas" into four different styles, or "feels".
The first part of our practice every Sunday morning stays pretty much the same: welcoming, singing, an Offering (usually given away), and our Embracing Meditation. What follows, however, in the "Message" part of the service can really vary week to week:
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First Sundays -- MIND
- Usually, these services will feature an introdcution to the monthly "big idea" as expressed in a sermon and/or reflections from Worship Associates. We hope you come away with a bit of an "a-ha!"
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Second Sundays -- BODY
- These services are often ritual-based. The sanctuary seating may be turned in the round, or feature tables or props. We hope you come away from these services with an embodied sense of the transformative power of community.
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Third Sundays -- SPIRIT
- These services center around the movement of the spirit, espeically as it is expressed thorugh the arts and through service. Often, these services will feature more music and less speaking.
- Following the service on third Sunday is a "big idea" dialog session, hosted by our worship staff and the Worship Associates, as we engage together in some facilitated dialog about the "big idea" for the month to come. All are welcome!
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Four & Fifth Sundays -- PLUS
- These services give us some added flexibility to bring in special guests or to pick up on themes from earlier in the month.
This may all be more information than you want. No worries! But you should know that there is deep intention -- and a lot of planning and teamwork -- that goes into our shared worship life.
“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” - Coco Chanel
Worship Associates work closely with the Minister to design and lead our worship services. Says Rev. Jason: "This program is my favorite. It doesn't take long to realize that I love to talk. But I also really love to listen. The dialog that exists within and around the Worship Associate program is truly sacred, and one of the great joys of my job. To speak with folks about things that matter, to hear stories from others' lives, to bring that before the congregation in ways that feel good to everyone, bringing challenge and comfort in the form of seeker solidarity. It's awesome. I've always approached preaching and worship as a form of dialog; the Worship Associates deepen an extend that dialog, which makes for some really powerful moments."
A dialog occurs after most third Sundays to prepare for the upcoming months' big idea; that dialog is hosted by Worship Associates and Rev. Jason, but open to all. Once you have explored that dialog a bit, if you are interested in applying to the Worship Associates program, you can find an application link here.
About
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UUSGS Meetinghouse