What to Expect on Sunday Morning

When:   Worship: 10:30 - 11:40 a.m. Sunday, all year. Where:  30 Cleary Ave., upstairs in Worship Hall (handicapped accessible - use parking lot entrance.) Upon arrival, please enter through the large doors at the top of the stairs. (At the right of the picture, under the distinctive spire).  There is a handicapped entrance, with elevator, available at ground level to the left of the main entrance. (In this picture, behind the silver car.)    The Worship Hall is laid out in a way that reflects our Protestant heritage, with a stage at the front and pews, where the congregation sits, facing the pulpit. Our 17th century Puritan heritage is reflected in the lack of symbols, stained glass, and an altar table. The clear glass windows offer a wide view of our natural setting at the edge of the Ottawa River and on to the Gatineau Hills.    You will be greeted at the Welcome Table as you enter. Please sign the guest book.  A Greeter will offer you an order of worship, which describes the details of service, such as hymn numbers.  You will be encouraged to hang up your coat and take a seat.  (Please see the "Views from These Pews" brochure for a description of some of your surroundings. It is free if you would like to take it and read it later.)  Recorded or live music will be playing as you and others mill about and greet one another.  Alternately, please introduce yourself to people seated in pews nearby! Service begins promptly at 10:30 a.m. with a welcome and basic orientation to the morning. Visitors are also identified and welcomed. You may have a chance to introduce yourself to those seated around you.  This is followed by announcements. We then open service with a Prelude played on the piano, a guest instrumentalist, or one of our church choirs.   We then light the Chalice, an important symbol in the Unitarian-Universalist tradition. There may be a hymn before the minister shares a story with the children and youth of the congregation, who subsequently leave Worship Hall for their Religious Exploration classes.  People in the congregation are then invited to stand and share any life "Joys and Sorrows".  Caring cards (which are physical cards that may be signed at the end of service) for those who are ill or have experienced a life setback, are read aloud.  This is followed by a Prayer/Meditation and silent meditation and a short musical selection. There is another hymn, and then the sermon delivered by a minister, worship associate or special guest speaker. After the sermon, what would any congregation be, without passing the offering plate.  Reflective music is played at this time. a hymn, a final word from the minister, and then singing of our closing benediction.   After service, most people head for our Fellowship Hall for coffee, cake and conversation.  New visitors are welcomed to our Green Mug table, and others in the congregation are encouraged to say hello to "Green Muggers".   Tours of the congregation building are also offered after service.  Information on congregation events and Unitarian-Universalism is available at the information table at the entrance, and progressive books are for sale in Fellowship Hall. Children (return to top of page) Worship is an important part of our Religious Exploration program. All the children attend the first part of the adult worship service weekly to share the Children's story with the adults. Full intergenerational services occur at least quarterly. The youth plan their own worship experiences, participate in the intergenerational services, and plan a service for the adult church once a year. If you are coming with children, the church school is located on the street level. There is always someone at the R.E. Table to greet you and help you settle in. Children are also welcome in the adult service.  Should infants become too noisy you should consider moving to the Church Lounge where there is a selection of playthings; the service is seen and heard on a television in that room.  Handicapped Access (return to top of page) For those with mobility limitations, there is an elevator which is located inside the West door at the parking lot level. The intercom by the elevator door should easily get you help in using the elevator.   There is a handicapped washroom off the west lobby near the elevator on the second floor.  For the hard of hearing, we have a low-power broadcast system for those with hearing aids and a radio broadcast system at 96.1 on the FM dial (even residents at Unitarian House can listen to the service on the radio on a Sunday morning).

This Month's Worship Topics  Religious Sources Approach to Religion Statement Worship Contents Principles and Purposes "Views From These Pews" Worship Associates Further info about: Children Handicapped Access

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