The No Rehearsal Pageant
Sample Orders of SErvice
Several years ago after the shooting at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, the minister serving that congregation sought to re-build community by adding a new practice—having the congregation greet one another at the end of the Service. This practice of ending the Service with members and visitors talking to one another leads to everyone connecting and learning about each another, and no-one feeling alone as they go out to coffee hour. Since learning about this practice, I have embraced including this ritual at the end of every Service.
I have been utilizing theme-based preaching for about ten years. In 2018 my staff and I began using the Soul Matters curricula for Whole Church Ministry, bringing theme-based ministry to all aspects of church life. The Orders of Service below reflect our Whole Church Ministry.
I live to have Services with children attending during the beginning of the Service (after which we sing them out to their classes) as well as multi-generational Services with the children in attendance during the entire Service. Here are two sample Orders of Service:
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Miami
Order of Service
Worship Leader: Rev Tom Capo
Pianist and Hymn Accompanist: Joseph Talleda
Hymn leader: Alex Colaizzi , Music Director
Special Music: UU Miami Choir
WE GATHER TOGETHER - and all are welcome
Soul Singing hymn # 92 “Mysterious Prescence, Source of All” verses 1-3
Welcome
Our Covenant
Chalice Lighting
Sing the Children Out
Joys and Concerns
Prelude: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, arranged by Clif Hardin
WE SHARE - our stories and resources
Story
Offertory
Offertory Music: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Hugh Martin, arranged by Joe Bongiorno
WE LISTEN - and go deep within
Prayer/Meditation
Special Music: "Peace, Peace" by Rick and Sylvia Powell, ar. by Fred Bock
“A Time of Mystery and Reverence” by Rev Tom Capo
Reflection Music: “Somebody’s Talking About Jesus”, Afro-American Spiritual
WE GO IN PEACE - to love and serve
Hymn # 343 “A Firemist and a Planet” verses 1-2
Announcements and Gratitudes
Closing Words / Greetings
Otros
Preacher: Reverend Tom Capo
Worship Associate: Jane Thayer
Music: Joseph Talleda (piano and accompanist)
Hymn Leader: Alex Colaizzi, Music Director
WE GATHER TOGETHER - and all are welcome
Soul Singing Hymn # 396 “I Know This Rose Will Open”
Welcome
Covenant
Chalice Lighting
Joys and Sorrows
Prelude “Raghupati”, Traditional Indian, arranged by Clif Hardin
WE SHARE - our stories and resources
Story
Offering Words
Offering Music “Fire on Fire” by Sam Smith and Steve McCutcheon
WE LISTEN - and go deep within
Fire Communion
Burning
Cleansing
Imagining
Closing Thoughts
Reflective Music “The Ceaseless Flow of Endless Time” (SLT #350), arranged by Joseph Talleda
WE GO IN PEACE - to love and serve
Hymn # 1028 “Fire of Commitment”
Announcements and Gratitudes
Greeting One Another
Otros
Life Transition Rituals and other Services
I have officiated well over 50 weddings, 20 memorial/celebration of life services, numerous child dedications, and an eldering ritual. As well, I’ve created other services and rituals for the congregations I have served (Blue Christmas Service, Communion Service, Vespers Service).
In preparation for a wedding I spend time with the couple and help them create the wedding of their dreams. I offer the couple multiple resources including a how-to guide for crafting a wedding ceremony. I also offer premarital counseling, utilizing the Prepare-Enrich materials.
In preparation for memorial services I have several conversations with the family as we work together to write a celebration of life service that will honor their loved one. From the beginning of the process, I clearly communicate to the family that I am available as a resource; the scope of my role in the service is determined by their vision.
I have created a Child Dedication Ceremony that includes a short paragraph written by the parents describing their child’s traits, favorite things, etc., as well as their hopes for their child. As the child is dedicated into the care of the congregation, these details help the congregation to feel a stronger connection with our newest (and most adorable) little members.
I am happy to provide samples any of these rituals and ceremonies.
Buddhist Adult Education Class
Supporting Adult Enrichment
Adult Enrichment is a component of church life that excites and inspires me to bring a variety of learning opportunities to the congregations I serve. I particularly enjoy inviting my interfaith colleagues as guest presenters, allowing congregants to learn more about various religious traditions from the leaders of those traditions. I thoroughly enjoy participating in book study groups. In my past two congregations I started a Christian Theology and History book study, exploring non-canonical scriptures from the Nag Hammadi Library. These book studies have continued in both congregations. I also research new curricula published by the UUA and the Fahs Collaborative and offer these to the congregations that I serve. I have facilitated the Beloved Congregations and Creating Theology Together (Fahs Collaborative) curricula.
Spiritual Direction
During my last settled ministry, I undertook a year-long training program on Spiritual Direction Groups in Congregational Settings, sponsored by the UUA. Upon earning my certification I trained members of the congregation as facilitators and started several Spiritual Direction groups at DuPage UU Church. Both facilitators and participants experience these groups as enriching and supportive of their personal spiritual journey. These groups continue to thrive.