Second and Fourth Sundays
at the Free Congregation

Second and Fourth Sunday programs begin at 10:10 am with our ‘gathering’ music.

All Second and Fourth Sundays include a Unitarian Universalist order of service.  From September through April, our Speaker Andrew Kerr leads both these Sundays, and during the summer months he generally presides over Fourth Sundays.  In Andrew’s absence, guest ministers or speakers preside over the service or give the Reflection.

Here is a description of our typical Unitarian Universalist order of service, as led by Andrew.  (Guest ministers and speakers are free to vary the order or its ingredients.)

Gathering. At 10:10 am, our musician will play J.S. Bach’s “Prelude in C major” to announce the start of the program.

Announcements. A member of the congregation, usually the President of the Board, will provide brief news and describe upcoming events.  New visitors are invited to say a little about themselves if they wish.

Music. The congregation sings two hymns, generally from the UU hymnal.  Our musician may also sing and play a variety of other music: classical and Broadway musicals are favorites!   UU Sundays always begin with a musical prelude and end with a postlude.

Joys and Concerns. Sharing the joys and concerns in our lives strengthens our community and provides an opportunity to give and to receive comfort, support, and companionship.  Guests and members are welcome to share.  We do not have one particular ritual associated with this sharing: we might light candles, we might place a pebble in water…

Story for All Ages. Each UU Sunday the program includes a story for the children, although the adults may enjoy it, too!  It is not unusual for Andrew to refer to the story, later, in his Reflection.

Readings. These are poems or short selections of texts that connect in some way to the theme of the program.

Reflection. Andrew generally speaks for 15-20 minutes; the subject matter is drawn from a variety of religious topics.  If Andrew is not presiding, a guest speaker or minister will give the Reflection and, often, preside over the entire program.  The goal of the Reflection is to spark thinking, feeling, and discussion about the topic.  Topics have included freedom, romantic love, play, and nirvana.  For a list of past Reflection topics, click here.  For the full text of some of Andrew’s Reflections, click here.

Congregational Dialogue. Religion is something to explore with others.  Our congregation believes that this part of the program is especially important; many of our guest ministers and speakers, unaccustomed to “talkbacks” as part of a Sunday “church” program, find it particularly exciting.  Attendees are invited to respond to the Reflection or, more generally, to the theme of the program.  Discussions get lively!

Please join us; you are always welcome!

Related Links:

• 2^nd and 4^th Sunday programs Archive.
• 1^st Sunday Program description.
• 3^rd Sunday program Free Thought Forum description.
• 5^th Sunday program & field trip description.

2nd & 4th Sunday Programs on the Event Calendar