Unitarian Universalists of Merced Order of Service

Some people wonder what goes on in our service. Here is a point-by-point list. Most UU congregations have most of these items most of the time, although probably not in this exact order. Our services usually take an hour. We have:

• Call to Worship (a hymn).
  
  
• Welcome, by one of our leaders.
  
  
• Chalice lighting, with a few words. The chalice is the symbol of our faith.
  
  
• Covenant. We read our covenant in unison. It's the one that starts "Love is the doctine of this fellowship . . ."
  
  
• Joys and Sorrows - We invite people to light a candle and share theirs with the congregation.
  
  
• A short parable for the children; they leave for Sunday School afterward.
  
  
• A meditative reading.
  
  
• A responsive reading.
  
  
• A second hymn.
  
  
• The morning offering.
  
  
• A sermon. If you wonder what we talk about, our parent congregation (opens a new page) has sermon collections. Our own Meetings Page has some topics.
  
  
• A closing hymn.
  
  
• Extinguishing our chalice, again with a few words.
  
  
• Closing words.
  
  
• Coffee and conversation.
  
  

That's it!

We stand for hymns and responsive readings. The minister or service leader asks the congregation to stand and to be seated. You don't have to worry about knowing when to stand or sit. We don't kneel to pray. If you are a first-time visitor, you can sit towards the back, watch what other people do, and fit right in.

Questions about UUs of Merced? Ask the Osbornes,
Questions about the web site? Ask Ted Pack,

We are a liberal church and the only UU congregation in Merced county. We serve Atwater, Chowchilla, Livingston, Merced, and Winton. We welcome Agnostics, Atheists, Buddhists, Christians, Deists, Free-thinkers, Humanists, Jews, Theists, Wiccans, and those who seek their own spiritual path. We welcome people without regard to race, ethnic origin, physical ability or sexual orientation.