A Typical Order of service

While our Sunday services vary from time to time, a typical order of service will generally be structured like this one:

Prelude – A chance to settle in and centre in preparation for the service.

Welcome - The minister offers words of welcome

Chalice Lighting – The flaming chalice is the symbol of the Unitarian movement. At this point in the service, the chalice is lit by a member of the congregation with accompanying words. (Examples may be found here.) The chalice flame burns throughout the service.

Hymn – The congregation rises to sing together. Usually, the hymn will be taken from Hymns for Living - the current British Unitarian hymnal. Occasionally, other sources, such as Singing the Living Tradition or Singing the Journey. Hymns use inclusive language and are drawn from a variety of traditions and cultures.

Time for All Ages - The children are invited forward at this time for a discussion with the minister or a story (at Islington services only)

Singing the Children Out - Children leave for their programme as the congregation sings This Little Light of Mine (at Islington services only)

Candles of Joys and Concerns - Members of the congregation are invited to come forward to light a candle - with brief words or in silence - to mark and share the joys or sorrows of their individual lives.

Prayer - The minister leads a time of spoken prayer and meditation. Prayer means different things to the various members of our diverse congregation. Inclusive language allows us all to focus on what is important - be it our gratitude, our pain, our aspirations, or the needs of the world - whilst accomodating our individual beliefs. Examples may be found here.

Collection - Each Unitarian congregation is self funding. We rely on the generosity of members and friends to fund our work and ministry. A collection is taken in a bag that is circulated through the congregation.

Readings - A typical service will include two readings. These may be drawn from secular sources and/or from the sacred writings of one of the world's religious traditions. Readings may be found along with most of the sermons we have made available online.

Hymn - Hymns are drawn usually from one of three hymnals: Hymns for Living, Singing the Living Tradition, or Singing the Journey. Each of these volumes includes music from a diversity of sources and covers a wide range of topics, themes, and theological perspectives.

Meditation - Several minutes of silence are observed in which each person may meditate, reflect, or pray according to their needs, beliefs and practices. The silence is followed by a few minutes of meditative music.

Address/Sermon - A typical sermon is 15-20 minutes in length. Sermons are intended to inspire, to inform, to encourage new ways of thinking, and to help us to lead lives of greater engagement, depth, connection, and meaning.

Hymn

Closing Words - The closing words sum up the service and offer words of good wishes to send us on our way. Examples may be found here.

Postlude – Music to finish the service.

Notices – An opportunity to highlight upcoming events and share news.

Refreshments - The congregation joins together in an adjoining room for coffee, tea, cakes and fellowship.

Islington