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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover, Massachusetts
Six Locke Street - Andover, MA 01810 • 978.475.4454

A Liberal Religious Voice in the Merrimack Valley since 1847

Our Worship

Our worship services draw from Jewish, Christian, and earth-centered traditions in the west, as well as content from the remaining branches of human religious culture. We also draw upon personal witness, topical society issues, and other sources. All of these are then focused within the realm of Unitarian Universalist principles and beliefs. A typical service begins with the sounding of the Tibetan singing bowl. Sermon topics and content are planned and developed by the minister, Rev. Ralph B. Galen, with input from our Worship Committee. At least one service a month is lay-led.
"Our worship may vary widely in form and theology, but for Unitarian Universalist gatherings to be effective, worship must reach out and stretch us in several different directions. Good worship will strive for height. It should be a "celebration of life," to use the favorite definition of worship of the late Unitarian minister Von Ogden Vogt. Making a joyful noise (even if the hymn is unfamiliar) and reaffirming the goodness of being are important aspects of all true worship. But authentic worship also has depth. That is, it has a meditative dimension -- acknowledging among us the brokenness and grief, and estrangement and remorse. In the dimension, worship needs to have breadth to be inclusive. That means more than simply using gender-inclusive language (as important as we take that to be), more than remembering to mourn with those who mourn as well as rejoice with those who rejoice. It means using simple, familiar forms that will set newcomers at ease, rather than puzzling them with unfamiliar rituals or patterns of communication. By no means does this breadth require a sacrifice of all sense of tradition. On the contrary, we must gratefully acknowledge our debt to the past. We have arrived where we are because of all that lies behind us. Finally, effective worship asks us to stretch forward. It has a dimension of aspiration." from Our Chosen Faith. An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism. John A. Buehrens and F. Forrester Church. Beacon Press, 1989.
Rites of Passage

Dedication of Children
Coming of Age
Services of Marriage and Union
At Time of Death
Membership

Music The music which accompanies our worship is led by Brett Hinkel.

Adult Choir is open to anyone who enjoys singing. This outstanding group delights the congregation with Sunday morning anthems and several special performances during the congregation year. Children's Choir provides young people with an opportunity to develop their choral abilities, participate in special services, and have some fun as well. Guest soloists. Violin, flute, piano, voice: instrumentalists and singers are always needed to provide special music for Sunday services. Please let Brett know if you are available to share your music.

SPOTLIGHT

Weekly Services
Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.
Summer Services: 9:30 a.m.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Andover • 6 Locke Street, Andover, MA 01810 • (978) 475-4454