What happens on a Sunday?

There is no need to know anything about Unitarian Universalism before you visit.  We welcome people of all faith backgrounds. Worship styles can vary by congregation and each service can be quite different from the previous one so we encourage you to try different congregations and return for at least three services to get a truer sense of who we are. 

We are “heart focused,” rather than intellect focused, with a bias for earth-based services. Music is a huge part of our culture and, led by our gifted musical director, Susanne Maziarz, we have a vibrant Spirit Choir and a small but energetic Spirit Band. Our intention is to provide a welcoming space where everyone feels at ease, and is able to find a peaceful or more reflective state of being.

When you enter our space, most likely you’ll be greeted by a volunteer, offering you a paper name tag (most of our members will be wearing a name tag). There is a moment near the beginning of our services that we “greet your neighbours” and we take a few minutes to say hello to those around us.

Sunday Services are led by a group of lay “service weavers.” Since the retirement of our long time minister, Rev Wayne Walder, in June 2022, we have embraced a mosaic approach of speakers each Sunday. We also have a part time Contract Minister, Rev Pat Trudeau, who provides a message once a month along with Pastoral Care and many other congregational support activities.

A defining part of our services is “Joys and Concerns.” Anyone can light a candle and state a joy or concern, as well as the wisdom they have learned from it.

Lifespan Learning is our Religious Education program led by our Director of Lifespan Learning (DLL), Julia Thompson. Children are with everyone for the first part of the service until the Time for All Ages story is given. Then the children are led into a separate room with our DLL and helpers where a program is customized to engage them and focus on the theme of that week.

Services run about 1-1/2 hours and are usually finished by noon. There is an opportunity to stay and chat with others during what we call “coffee time” where coffee/tea and snacks are provided. Please take a red mug and that will signal to others that you are new to our services and someone will be sure to strike up a conversation. Ask questions? We love to share with you who we are.