About Services
What to Expect
We gather together in spiritual community because we need constant reminders of what matters most in life. In a world of heartbreak and dehumanization, our congregations and communities call us to our better selves. We learn to live with more wisdom, more connection, and more compassion.
Our Services are weekly reflections that weave together our own thoughts and experiences with music, beauty, poetry, and words that both comfort and challenge. Our programs for all ages inspire us, and awaken us to our capacities to make a difference in our own lives and in the world.
We are inspired not just by religious sources but by the people with whom we journey: the diverse and spirited Unitarian Universalists.
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.
Unitarian Universalist worship styles vary by congregation, and even within congregations. Some congregations’ worship is contemporary and high tech. Some congregations’ worship is traditional and formal. Some features exuberant music, some includes long periods of silent reflection.
Elements of a typical Unitarian Universalist
Sunday morning worship services include:
- Words of welcome
- Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith
- 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 and/or for justice work in the community.
From time to time, worship 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.
Vespers at UUCUC
In Christian monastic traditions, vespers is one of the prayers of the hours, daily prayers that start with Matins, around 2am, and end with Compline, just before bedtime. Vespers is the evening prayer, at sunset, a time for reflecting on the day, and unwinding into a more contemplative mindset.
We offer vespers as an invitation, no matter your traditions or your experience with prayer, to center yourself in quiet and stillness. With music, candlelight, and a few words of reflection or meditation, our evening vespers offers a half hour of ease and contemplation.
Rev. Sally began offering vespers in May of 2024 and the appreciation from folks in our community led us to offer vespers monthly in the fall. For December, when rest and quiet are so very needed, and we will offer vespers weekly in the sanctuary. Rest vespers will be held online every 4th Sunday of the month.
Hybrid Services at UUCUC!
Every Sunday at 10:15 a.m., our hybrid services take place in-person at our Sanctuary and our live-streamed on our YouTube Channel. Click on the rose window below to go to the live stream service. You may also participate in chatting with other congregants while the service is live streaming on our YouTube channel.
Meet Our Ministers
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign (UUCUC) is led by Lead Minister, Reverend Beth Monhollen, and an Associate Minister for Congregational Life, Reverend Sally Fritsche. Both Rev. Beth and Rev. Sally are available for pastoral care appointments.
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