Emerson Unitarian Universalist Chapel Saint Louis Missouri

What will your service be like?

Our services follow a similar format from Sunday to Sunday. The service begins with the ringing of the bell and music. We light our chalice, the symbol of Unitarian Universalism. There will be greetings and some announcements, followed by a hymn.
The next part of our service, Joys and Concerns, is very special. First, we read a Unison Affirmation.
Love is our doctrine, the quest for truth is our sacrament, and service is our prayer. To dwell together in peace, to seek knowledge in freedom, to serve life, to the end that all souls shall grow into harmony with the Divine, thus do we covenant with each other, and with all.
Then, soft music begins, and anyone who wishes to comes forward and lights a candle in silence. After all who wish to have come forward, the Joys and Concerns book, which sits at the back of the sanctuary, is brought forward. This book is for anyone who wishes to have a joy or concern read before the congregation. Most will enter their joy or concern as they come into the sanctuary before the service begins.
After the joys and concerns have been read, a small prayer may be offered, followed by a congregational blessing. Then we take the morning offering, and sing a second hymn.
Every service includes a time for the children. In our regular services (August-May), the children leave the sanctuary after the story and go to the Hearth Room for Children's Chapel. We have four intergenerational services a year - Water Communion (the first Sunday after Labor Day), Bread Communion (the Sunday before Thanksgiving), Easter Sunday, and Flower Communion (the last Sunday before Summer Services begin).
We often include readings in our service. There is usually a time of silence. And of course, the sermon, which is what many of us wait for!
The service ends with a hymn and the extinguishing of the chalice. Coffee hour takes place immediately after the service in the Hearth Room.

Return to What to Expect or learn more about past or upcoming sermons.