Worship at Arlington Street Church
Each Sunday at 11:00 am we gather in love and service for justice and peace. To see some of the Orders of Service and read sermons from recent Sunday morning worships, visit the Worship Archive. From September through June, we offer childcare and programs of religious education for children on Sundays at 11:00 am.
Our Sunday morning worship services reflect the insight of the many religions and philosophies that inspire us to practice our covenant daily:
Love is the spirit of this church
And service its gift.
This is our great covenant:
To dwell together in peace,
To speak the truth in love,
And to help one another.
El amor es el espíritu de nuestra congregación
Y el servicio es nuestro regalo.
Esto es a lo que nos comprometemos:
Convivir en paz,
Hablar nuestras verdades con amor,
Y ayudarnos los unos a los otros.
Our services usually incorporate the following elements:
- Organ preludes and postludes.
- Lighting the chalice. The UUA Website describes the history of the chalice in Unitarian Universalist churches.
- Hymns, sung by the congregation and led by choir.
- Sharing personal joys and concerns. Those of us who feel so moved share our thoughts and light a candle from the altar: the green candle on the altar represents peace; the red candle represents healing; and the candles in the spiral candlesticks, which belonged to the Reverend William Ellery Channing, represent our community's committment to the practice and teaching of liberal religion.
- A sermon, which frequently focuses upon contemporary themes as well as timeless issues of life.
- A moment of meditation and prayer.
- An anthem from the Arlington Street Church choir.
- Collecting an offering.
After the service, all are welcome to join us for coffee and tea in the parish hall (which is downstairs). Sandwiches are also available for a small cost. While you're in the parish hall, visit the letter-writing table, which is staffed by members of the Social Action Committee.