Worship Services
Sunday Service: 10 am
We gather in worship to find meaning and live more deeply. Worship creates connections within, among, and beyond us, calling us to our better selves, calling us to live with wisdom and compassion.
Our congregation's worship service varies greatly; the best way to get to know us is to visit several Sundays.
Some elements you may experience in our typical Sunday morning worship service include:
- Words of welcome
- Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith
- A multigenerational segment, such as a “story for all ages”
- Music, both instrumental and vocal and in a variety of styles
- A time for lifting up the joys and concerns of the congregation
- A meditation or prayer
- Readings—ancient or contemporary
- A sermon given by a professional minister, a guest speaker, or a member of the congregation
- An offering, collecting financial donations for the congregation or for justice work in the community.
From time to time, worships incorporate holiday celebrations, multigenerational plays and pageants, longer musical performances, child dedications, and coming-of-age ceremonies. We offer childcare and learning programs for children and youth during the Sunday service.
Our worship services are every Sunday morning at 10 am, in person and is also livestreamed.
During our Program Year, September - June:
First Wednesdays offers distinct opportunities for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth.
Vespers 6:00 – ~6:30 p.m.
Vespers is an intimate, contemplative, and conversational half hour service which takes place on First Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 6:30pm. Often but not always led by our Ministerial Intern, we welcome you and appreciate you just as you are and whenever you can join us.
Soulful suppers
Soulful suppers are offered each month by a group from the congregation (Board; Pastoral Care; Jewish Lives of UU; Kitcheneers; ...) and the meals feature nourishment suitable for all: V, GF, DF, NF mains, sides, breads, and desserts; they also feature conversation and fellowship. The First UU RVA Kitcheneers crew cooks and/or coordinates the food. Interested in joining the kitchen crew? Email kitcheneers@richmonduu.org.
Music holds a special place in worship at First UU.
Music is an integral and vibrant part of worship at First UU; it draws from a diverse range of musical traditions: folk, gospel, classical, world, country, and jazz, with the aim of complimenting and deepening the worship experience. Music is provided by the UU Singers, NU Beginning Gospel choir, vocal and instrumental solos and ensembles from our members and friends, as well as local and traveling musicians.
UU Singers:
- The mixed voice choir, UU Singers, rehearses weekly, Wednesday evenings from 7:15-9:00 p.m. in the Great Hall. It also sings for Sunday service once or twice a month. No audition is required, but the ability to sing harmony (SATB) and read music is a plus. Our repertoire is varied and includes contemporary, classical, folk, and world music as well as traditional and modern UU hymns and choral pieces. New members may join anytime during the year. Additional participants and ideas for inspirational music are always welcome and invited.
YoUUth Ensemble:
- The youth choir, aka the YoUUth Ensemble, rehearses on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00pm, and also Sundays after service for a half hour. No audition required, and age limits can vary, though children must be able to read English and focus for an hour. They sing for service once a month with a varied repertoire of popular music and "zipper" songs that are easy to learn. They are instructed in beginner harmony, rhythmic studies, and are introduced to proper choral singing. New members are welcome throughout the year.
TUUtti:
- The strings, brass, and woodwinds group practices sporadically throughout the year with rehearsal dates scheduled as needed before performance dates. Players will want to consider themselves at an intermediate skill level in their instrument. Our largest performances are the yearly Christmas Carol Singalong and Music Sunday, with scattered performances and community gigs sprinkled throughout the year. New members are always welcome.