WORSHIP

Worship at Wash Park

~ Sunday Services are in person and via Zoom.     Visit our COVID-19 page for details. ~

At Wash Park UCC our worship celebration is informal yet appreciative of the power of ritual.  We explore an all-encompassing spirituality through a progressive Christian lens.  We are known and valued as a congregation that is comfortable handling difficult faith questions and one that offers parishioners the freedom to question.  Our worship reflects that.

We are sustained by worship services that continue to address the pain of our world and our commitment to do the counter-cultural work of facing the hard stuff, helping the community work through grief, fear and anger, envisioning a new world and working towards that, challenging unjust and environmentally devastating systems, and embodying hope and joy.

It is common for people of all ages to have a role in the service.  We value the wisdom of each generation.  Staff and congregation members work to ensure joyful worship music from both contemporary and traditional sources; purposefully including elements of other spiritual traditions; using language, ritual and music to speak to the interconnectedness of all living things.

Created by potrace 1.10, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2011

Some tips for your first visit…

Time / Parking / Accessibility?
We gather at 10:00am for worship with coffee, treats and conversation afterwards in our Gathering Space.  There’s parking lot to the north and handicap entrance in the alley.  Our space is A2A certified as accessible to all.
 
What should I wear?
We are a pretty casual group. Wear what makes you comfortable. After all, members of our congregation come from all walks of life and you can see it in the way we dress.
 
 
Will I have to introduce myself?
You can expect a warm greeting from members of the congregation, but don’t worry! You won’t be asked to stand up and introduce yourself.  We hope you feel comfortable to stick around for some conversation and snacks after worship and you can introduce yourself to whomever you’d like at that time.
 
Do I have to put anything in the offering plate?
You don’t have to give anything.  Our offering is a chance to give from your abundance and acknowledge the many gifts that you have received.  If you do share a gift, you can be sure it will be used for the spirit’s work.
 
How about kids?

We love children at Wash Park, so by all means, bring them along!  Children begin church in the Sanctuary with their parents.   Toddlers through 6th grade will go to their own program after Children’s Time, about 10:15 a.m.

Our Progressive Christian Coordinator, Shauntay, says, “First Sundays will be Youth Sundays – where if possible, please bring your youth to join us in Sunday school!  It’ll be fun and engaging for all ages, pre-K through high school.”

 Additionally, Intergenerational Sunday/ Communion Sunday is the second Sunday of the month.  You’ll find activities for youth in the “nest,” and you’ll find the youth collecting a “noisy offering” to raise scholarship money to support them going to La Foret Retreats, Summer Camp and National Youth Event. 

What about that Second Sunday?

On the second Sunday of the month, all but the youngest stay in the sanctuary.  The children park themselves on pillows and often share a story with the adults!

For communion, all are welcome at God’s table.  Gluten-free bread and grape juice is shared person-to-person.  You don’t have to be a member of Wash Park UCC or any church to participate in this ritual of remembrance and community.  

This is a time to connect with the spirit.

Created by potrace 1.10, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2011

Sermons

Get a sense of the messages shared each worship service. 
Sacred texts from a variety of sources set the tone for this part of our gathering.