Worship

Each Sunday, we gather together and light a chalice, a symbol of Unitarian Universalist faith.

We follow it with our Chalice Response:

We light this chalice, to remind ourselves to treat all people kindly,
because they are our siblings in spirit.
To take good care of the earth because it is our home,
and to try to live lives filled with goodness and love
because that is how we will become the best people we can be.

Our Worship Services are weekly reflections that weave together our own thoughts and experiences with music, beauty, poetry, and words that both comfort and challenge. Our programs for all ages inspire us, and awaken us to our capacities to make a difference in our own lives and in the world.

Worship Service

Elements of a typical Unitarian Universalist Sunday morning worship service include:

  • Words of welcome.
  • Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith.
  • A Story for All Ages, our multigenerational segment where we invite the children to come forward.
  • Music, both instrumental and vocal and in a variety of styles.
  • A meditation or prayer.
  • A sermon given by a professional minister, a guest speaker, or a member of the congregation.
  • An offering, but note as a visitor you are our guest and we are just happy to have you. Do not feel the need to contribute.

What to Expect on Sundays

When you come to our campus you will be greeted by our members who will be wearing a “greeter” tag, feel free to ask them questions or for directions, we are happy to help. Once you enter our Sanctuary, you may be asked if you would like to put on a name tag and fill out a guest registry form. These are not required, but do help us be able to follow up with you later in the week. If you are joining us online, you are always welcome to ask questions directly in the chat either to everyone or directly to the host.

Scroll through our past services to get an idea of the types of sermons and services we have. 

After Worship

After worship, plan to stay for our Coffee Hour! UUs are famous for their coffee and conversation and we look forward to sharing it with you. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to get to know our members and how you will fit in. We also offer a virtual coffee hour where you are able to go into small breakout rooms for easy and fun conversation.

We welcome all people, and we welcome you as you are! No need to dress up, though some do, we will just be happy to see you.

Information about Children & Youth

Children and youth gather in the Sanctuary with their peers or caregivers and on most Sundays of the year, help to light our worship chalice, share our covenant, a song and story. Most Sundays, children and youth will go to programming just for them after the story. On “All Ages Sundays,” children and youth stay in the Sanctuary. Rugs in the back and front of the Sanctuary invite children to color, read, listen, and play while also enjoying the song, movement, and prayer of a UU community. As you enter the Sanctuary, you will see a “build your own busy bag” station with lots of activities for those of all ages.

All Ages Worship Sundays

Gather in the Sanctuary for our all-ages worship. All ages worships are an opportunity to worship together as a family and in community. We include interactive elements to engage and encourage youth and children’s participation. There is a rug in the Sanctuary for young children and a caregiver/nursing chair. Children can sit with families. In the Sanctuary foyer, we have bags to gather seasonal and themed worship tools students can take to their seats. We strive to make these services inclusive of learning styles and needs. With your help, we can envision a meaningful and loving Sanctuary. We do not have other programming for children and youth on these mornings, except where otherwise noted.

Holidays and Traditions

Every year at East Shore there are a variety of community events for fellowship, friendship, celebration and to promote opportunities to become connected and involved.

Below is a list and description of these events. For more details closer to the event dates, visit our events page.

Special Events & Holidays

In-Gathering/Water Communion: September

This is East Shore’s annual Homecoming Celebration. During the service, we give thanks for having access to clean drinking water and for those bodies of water that refresh our bodies and souls. After the service, all are invited to attend our Salmon Bake Potluck. Bring a side or dessert, and we will take care of the entrées of salmon and a vegan option.

Día De los muertos: October

This is an opportunity to honor the memory of our dearly departed. During the service, we will build a community altar. You are invited to bring pictures, flowers, and other mementos to honor your beloveds’ memory. “At the rising sun and at its going down; We remember them…For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as, We remember them.”

Thanksgiving Potluck: november

A newer tradition, East Shore celebrates our own family on a Sunday in November. Join us for worship followed by feasting and togetherness. All members, guest and visitors are invited to attend this potluck. Bring a side or dessert, and we will take care of the turkey and a vegan option.

Las Posadas: December

A tradition brought to us by Rev. María Cristina! This pre-Christmas tradition recreates the arduous journey of Mary and Joseph fleeing from violence and seeking refuge. In the US, many churches incorporate this tradition as an expression of solidarity with all immigrants and refugees. We are reminded that we are a living sanctuary and a welcoming congregation. 

Winter Solstice: December 21

We celebrate the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, with songs, stories and candles to encourage the return of the sun. We thank the mother for holding us in her arms during the dark hours and praise the return of the sun. Followed by a soup and bread potluck.

Christmas Eve: December 24

On Christmas Eve, we offer candlelight services for members and guests to celebrate. These services are often filled with traditional carols, but with a Unitarian flair. Check the calendar for specific times.

Annual East Shore Auction: March

While this is a fundraiser for the church, it is also one of the major opportunities for fun and fellowship in the church. The auction event includes an online auction, silent auction, dinner, live auction, and wonderful services, experiences, and items for sale to benefit the ministries of the church. This is a great event to meet new people and get connected.

Seabeck Memorial Day Retreat: May (Off Site)

For more than 20 years, we have gathered as families, singles, youth, and elders, at Seabeck on Memorial Day for fellowship and fun. Part retreat, and part social event, Seabeck puts an uniquely Unitarian spin on the American custom of “church camp.” Registration typically opens early and it fills up fast! Check the church calendar for details.

Pride: June

Each June we celebrate with our LGBTQiA+ siblings in spirit! This service is typically full of music and joy, yet also talks openly about the continuing struggle for acceptance and love. All are welcome to this beautiful service!

Flower Communion & Annual BBQ: June

This special worship service is a ceremony for UUs to come together and express our connectedness to one another and the world. We each bring a flower, and during the ceremony, all are invited to come to the front and take a flower brought by someone else. After worship, join us for a BBQ and potluck organized by our Family Covenant Circle. Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Music and Choir

East Shore Unitarian Church is blessed with an abundance of musical talent and enthusiasm within the congregation. Led by Director of Music Eric Lane Barnes, our Sunday services include a wide variety of congregational songs (often including pop songs, show tunes, jazz standards, songs from various spiritual traditions and, of course, Unitarian hymns.) Each service features several Musical Celebrations, which may be a vocal soloist/duet/ensemble, and numerous combinations of guitars, ukuleles, drums, flutes, saxophones, violas, pianos – our roster of service performers is truly endless and delightfully eclectic.

East Shore Choir

Twice each month (sometimes more!) the East Shore Choir sings during the service, filling the sanctuary with exquisite musical joy, laughter, light and love. Membership in the choir is open to all – no audition or even church membership are required. We rehearse in the sanctuary on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Rehearsals are joyous, engaging, invigorating and sometimes moving.