We gather in worship to find meaning and live more deeply. Worship creates connections within, among, and beyond us, calling us to our better selves, calling us to live with wisdom and compassion.

Unitarian Universalist worship styles vary by congregation, and even within congregations. At Chalice you will find variety, ranging from the traditional sermon and hymn service to participatory services, which can include earth-centered holidays, personal witnesses, or special music services.

Elements of a typical Sunday morning worship service at Chalice include:

• Words of welcome.
• Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith.
• A story for all ages, to bring rich images and storytelling into the worship experience.
• Music, both instrumental and vocal and in a variety of styles.
• Candles of Joy and Sorrow. Joys and sorrows are read out loud during the service, but are deleted from the recording so these personal sharings do not become public.
  • In-person congregants may fill out “Candle Cards” to share a joy or sorrow in their lives.
  • Online congregants share joys and sorrows in the chat box.
• An offering, collected by text donation, to support the work of the congregation.
• A meditation or prayer.
• Readings—ancient or contemporary.
• A sermon given by our minister, a guest speaker, or a member of the congregation.
• Children and youth may remain with their parents or attend childcare or classes.

From time to time, worships incorporate holiday celebrations, multigenerational plays and pageants, longer musical performances, child dedications, and coming-of-age ceremonies.