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A church or fellowship itself has an identity, a place in society and in a tradition. A worship service, however specific its focus, ought in some way to acknowledge this larger context.
The effectiveness of a service depends upon many factors, some beyond the control of the worship leaders. Yet there are criteria to guide leaders to increase the value of a service to those attending and participating.
Most services used by Unitarian Universalist congregations fall roughly into two types: those with the sermon at the end, the offering and meditation/prayer preceding it, and the affirmation, at the beginning; and those with the sermon in the middle, followed by the offering, meditation/prayer, and affirmation. There are, however, variations on these patterns: some have the offering after the sermon; some have a congregational sharing time at the end; some have the affirmation along with the offering just prior to the sermon.
When planning an order of service, think about the emphasis you wish to give each element and what you want each part to accomplish. Direction, climax, and mood are important to consider.
When planning the order of service it is useful to examine carefully the placement of various elements since these often function differently and have different emphasis depending on their location.
SERMON
Is the sermon or address at the end of the service or closer to the middle? When it comes at the end it becomes the most important part of the service with earlier elements leading up to a climax. When placed in the middle, followed by such elements as the offerings, sharings, meditation, affirmation, the sermon becomes one element among many. In that case it is still important, but functions as a prelude to a commitment by the congregation.
MEDITATION/PRAYER
Does the Meditation/Prayer come near the beginning or in the middle of the service, or does it come after the sermon? Does it serve to focus individuals on an idea or theme? Does it call the congregation to reflect on the joys, sorrows, and needs of those inside and outside of the gathered community? Does it challenge the congregation to commit itself to what has gone before in the service? Placing it early favors the first; placing it near the end favors either the second or the third.
OFFERING
Is the offering, perhaps accompanied by announcements, merely a break in the flow of the service, or does it function as an act of congregational commitment? An offering that follows the sermon can express recommitment, especially when it is part of a larger act of dedication that might include the sharing of concerns, meditation, and affirmation. An offering before the sermon can serve to unite the congregation before it explores the sermon theme.
AFFIRMATION
Is the affirmation at the beginning or the end? At the beginning it is often in the form of a covenant, statement of purpose, bond of union, or aspiration, reminding the congregation why it has gathered. At the end, it becomes as an act of recommitment or renewal.
The same words function differently depending upon where they are placed.
READINGS
Are readings early in the service, perhaps accompanied by a responsive reading or a meditation? Or are they part of an "exploration" section which includes the sermon? Service leaders might ask themselves whether the readings are being used to illuminate the sermon or to express our heritage and faith in a general way. The former suggests a placement closer to the sermon; the latter a placement elsewhere. Readings should be tested out loud for their auditory appeal. Not all written texts are suitable to be read aloud. They should never be too long.
FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS
- Does the service flow? Has it an aesthetic unity? Does it have a logical pattern and psychological sense?
- Is the service balanced? Is it too bare or stark? Does it seem cluttered and unfocused?
- Is the participation by the congregation too passive? Is it so active as to seem frenetic?
- Is there an overemphasis on the theme to the exclusion of other important concerns or needs?
- Have participants opportunity to voice gladness or praise? To acknowledge loss, grief, limitations, longing or regret?
- Does the service draw on resources for personal strength? Does it fill spiritual needs?
- Has the service an awareness of the larger world? Is it socially responsible and concerned?
- Does the service reinforce the community of its membership? Has it reference to absent members or those in special need?
- Does the service connect to the Unitarian Universalist movement? Has it a sense of tradition or heritage?
From Leading Congregations in Worship—A Guide, Commission on Common Worship, UUA (Boston, 1983)