They are four evening services over the course of this year that focus on embodied ritual (with movement and enhanced participatory elements), and provide a time to worship in the evening. The services end with snacks and socializing and a DJ’d ecstatic dance to help in integrating what went before.
embodied ritual
Saturday Night MUUvment Services at Neighbourhood
What are Saturday Night MUUvment Services?
Upcoming MUUvment Services
January 3, 2026 – A Saturday Night MUUVment Service
“The Cosmic Walk” ritual and dance
The Cosmic Walk takes us on a participatory ritual journey through the story of the Universe and Earth from the Big Bang to the present day. This is a family-friendly service and we welcome participants of every age and ability!
6:30 pm Gathering
7:00 pm Candlelight Cosmic Walk Ritual
7:05 pm Doors close
8:30 pm Snacks and Dj’d ecstatic dance
10:00 pm Closing circle
Facilitators: Bruce Lyne & Natalie Zend
Service Weaver: Debb Bertazzon
Music: Michael Moon
DJ: Michael P
Location:
Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation (NUUC)
Rafos Hall
310 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N6
Main accessible doors on Jackman Ave
Wheelchair accessible
Shoes: indoor shoes, socks or bare feet to keep dance floor clean
Donations:
NUUC is funded entirely by donations. A collection will be made at the end of the ritual. Please be generous. Any amount is welcome.
To keep the floor clean for dancing, we request removal of outdoor shoes before the service. Feel free to bring clean indoor shoes or slippers.
Do you want to help out?
Would you like to help create these services? Contact Natalie Zend (nataliezend (at) gmail.com).
What is ecstatic dance?
Let the music take you on a journey. Move your body freely. There are no specific dance steps, just the invitation to follow your inner promptings and be your unique self. No experience needed! All bodies and abilities welcome. The space is wheelchair accessible.
We dance without words, to help us drop into deeper awareness of our bodies and the space. We prefer to dance barefoot to help us connect to ground, but clean indoor shoes are also welcome for those with physical limitations. We invite you to dance drug- and alcohol-free and to let go of judgements and expectations. Just feel whatever you’re feeling and move through everything that arises.
Is there a cost to attend the MUUVment Services?
Donations are gratefully accepted. Your donation helps to cover honouraria for guest musicians, the AV technician, and/or the DJ, as well as the cost of snacks for that service. Any additional proceeds help Neighbourhood to cover rent and salaries.
A basket will be passed around during the service to collect donations, and during snacks you can use the QR code or basket on the snack table. If you contribute $20 or more and would like a tax receipt, please put your donation in one of the envelopes provided and write your name and contact information on it.
Do I have to pre-register?
No need to pre-register! Everybody welcome. However we do recommend you arrive at least 15 minutes before the service starts to allow time to settle in. Doors open at 6:30 pm for a 7:00 pm start.
What should I wear?
Our congregation has a “come as you are” atmosphere. You will see some dressed up; some dressed casual. We have no expectations for attire.
For the dance/movement at the end of the service, you may wish to dress in or bring some clothes that allow you to move freely and comfortably.
You may also wish to bring some clean indoor shoes or slippers as we ask you to remove your outdoor shoes so we can keep the floor clean for dancing.
