Worship Pamphlet.

The following is the text for the upcoming pamphlet by Rev. Jane Bramadat.

What is Worship

to

Canadian

Unitarians and Universalists?

Celebrating Life

- every day...

and always on Sundays!

Unitarians and Universalists like to point out that the word worship comes from the Old English, ³weorth-scipe² - meaning finding worth and meaning in one¹s self. Not in a prideful sense, but acknowledging that each of us is a person of worth and value...and we need to treat ourselves and each other in that way. It also comes from the Middle English, meaning worthiness or honour...something of respect and reverence.

This gives us a lot of latitude...since to feel worthy we need both to understand and to celebrate. So, in our Sunday services we laugh and sing and listen to thoughtful words from others and to the still small voice within. We also show wonder and share praise for the mystery and miracle that is this planet, this universe, in which we move and have our being.

Mind you, an experience of worship in a Unitarian or Universalist Sunday morning context is going to be different from one congregation to another.

One cause of the difference is style; another is size; another is theological emphasis.

In some congregations the Sunday morning service style is informal - lay led and with little ritual; in others it is more formal - with clergy participation, some ritual and a similar weekly pattern showing up in the Order of Service. For some congregations music is as important as the sermon or lecture; for others the opportunity to exchange ideas and share their understanding of the world is the key.

As far as size is concerned we have congregations of over 500 and congregations as small as 15. This of course will affect how worship is given and how it is received.

Theologically speaking we include people whose core values are Christian, Jewish, Theistic, Buddhist, Humanist, Mystic, Feminist, Agnostic and Atheistic (to certainly not name all the varieties!).

Some Questions you may have:

What can you expect when you come to worship with Canadian Unitarians and Universalists?

- variety

- respect

- thoughtfulness

- relevance

- challenge

- appreciation of the past

- celebration of/concern for the present

- co-creation of the future

- reverence for the mystery of creation

- wonder at the beauty and complexity of all that is

Do you talk about God in your services?

Yes, sometimes a lot and sometimes a little, but also about life and meaning and responsibility and concerns and possibilities.

Will it be like services held by other religious traditions?

Depending on the style, size, and theological emphasis, it may seem:

a) a bit like some liberal Protestant services, or ;

b) like a discussion circle, or;

c) like a very good music and lecture morning, or;

d) a mystical or spiritual exploration of life, or;

e) none of the above, but rather a play-reading, or a panel, or a gathering of well-intentioned and caring individuals who know that it is essential not only to think for one¹s self, but also to meet together in religious community to find and support the common bonds that link us in our humanness; to co-operate and collaborate in making this the best possible world for all beings.

If you had to pick just FOUR words from this pamphlet to describe your worship, what would they be?

Variety Thoughtfulness Reverence Wonder

But hey, check it out for yourself.....come for one service, or for a lifetime!