Sunday Services: Worship and Forum Planning
All Sunday Services are currently online due to COVID-19> Click here for more info.
Working in teams, members and friends of the fellowship play a key role in developing and enriching our regular 9am. Speaker's Forum and 11am Worship services on Sundays.
Worship Associates
AUUF's weekly worship services ― 11am on Sunday ― involve the support of Worship Associates who help lead the program. In close coordination with the Minister, these lay leaders help plan worship service programs. They welcome the fellowship, present inspirational readings, and keep the program on time and on track. Worship Associates receive training in worship arts.
Music and Choir
AUUF worship services are greatly enhanced by upbeat music and the voices of a volunteer choir. People interested in joining the choir or sharing their musical talent should contact Music Director Megan Webb by calling 248-3737 ext. 6, or find Megan after any 11:00am. Sunday service.
-
AUUF Musicians Site (closed group - rehearsal and performance information)
Audio/Visual Support Request
Service, Forum and other event planners must request audio and visual support in advance. Support includes the projector and sound system in the Sanctuary. Please complete the AUUF Sound / Projection Request form at least one week prior to the event.
-
AUUF Sound / Projection Request Form (Google Doc)
Forum Planning
Each week, the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Forum features speakers from the fellowship and the community. Speakers discuss wide range of timely and educational topics. The Forum service requires significant planning and coordination to develop topics, find suitable presenters, and invite and coordinate speakers. If you have a suggestion for future forums, contact the Forum Speaker Facilitator using the contact form at right. Please provide as much information as possible for follow up:
-
Possible Forum topic(s)
-
Why you think this topic would be of interest to the fellowship
-
Potential speakers for the topic
-
Contact information for potential speaker / presenter(s)
-
Your contact information for any follow up questions
Speaker's Forum
The Speaker's Forum is held each Sunday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. in the upper level Sanctuary of the AUUF facilty. Forum topics often address and spur dialogue about a current local community, statewide, national or international issue. Some forums feature a local author and the topic of the author's new book, or a representative of a local non-governmental organization (NGO) describing the organization’s work, programs and accomplishments.
Typical Forum Agenda
Welcome - Moderator / Lay Leader
Announcements
Introduction of Speaker
Speaker's message
Offering Collection
Discussion - Q&A
Closing Remarks
Worship Services
Worship services are held each Sunday morning from 11:00 a.m. to about 12:15 p.m. in the upper level Sanctuary (currently on ZOOM). On several Sundays during the year, Worship Services focus on the season or a topic with a special program of activities.
Typical Sunday Service Agenda
Gathering Hymn
Call to Worship
Welcome
Prelude by Music Director or Choir
Opening Words
Chalice Lighting
Opening Hymn
Time for all Ages (once per month)
Joys and Concerns - Pebbles in a Bowl or Light Candles
Offertory Music and Offering
Meditation Hymn or Musical Reflection by Music Director
Reflective Reading by Worship Associate
Message (Minister, Lay Leader or Guest)
Closing Hymn
Closing Words
Sending the Flame sung by All, holding hands
Post-service Conversation in the Social Room
Special Services
Special services are generally planned during the calendar year:
Homecoming - September
Welcoming the congregation from summer travels, kicking off the new school year.
Pet Blessing Sunday - October
A blessing of pets (that may be) brought to the service.
All Souls Sunday - October / November
A remembrance of family and friends who have passed away.
Holiday Services - December
-
Winter Solstice service includes song, ritual and a celebration of Winter
-
Christmas Eve is a special service including traditional song, readings and generally a pageant performed by children and adults.
Private Services
The fellowship facility hosts a number of private services, ceremonies and celebrations that mark major life events for AUUF members, friends, guests and other interested parties. Depending upon the service, AUUF staff and volunteers may offer support, such as officiating, music, and logistical coordination. Examples of private services include:
-
Wedding / Marriage Ceremonies
-
Post-Wedding / Marriage Celebrations and Receptions
-
Child Dedication
-
Celebration of Life / Funeral
Contact the AUUF office to discuss dates, arrangements, and fellowship support and participation. For private services and receptions involving AUUF members and friends, The Alliance group may provide additional support.