Sundays at UUS

During Sunday services you will find diverse sources of wisdom in support of your personal spiritual journey, a call to love more broadly and actively, a joyous sense of community, and vibrant programs for children & youth.

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Every Sunday at 10:00 am

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Past Messages

What to Expect

Weekend Services

You will find in our Sunday services that big questions are addressed, many sources of wisdom are used as guides, and there is no prescribed way to think. Our members have a range of religious perspectives and backgrounds, and they often report a sense of liberation at discovering a community that accepts them for who they are and encourages their growth without dogma or judgement.

Sunday Service

Sundays 10:00 am, in person and online

During Sunday service you will find diverse sources of wisdom in support of your personal spiritual journey, a call to love more broadly and actively, a joyous sense of community, and vibrant programs for children & youth.

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Live Stream

What to Expect

Service Format & Content

At a typical service you will experience a sermon from our minister or a guest speaker, as well as hymns and songs, special music by choir or instrumentalists, readings from the pulpit, a story for all ages, time for quiet meditation or prayer, and an offering for a community partner. If you have attended worship at a protestant church, our service format will likely feel familiar.

The content of our services is very different from those of most other denominations. In particular, you may notice:

  • Our central religious symbol is chalice that we light to begin each service.
  • We do not rely on the Bible or any other single source for inspiration. You may hear a poem or quote from a contemporary book, a reading from Buddhist or Indigenous traditions, or a quote from a Black Lives Matter activist. Our themes are guided instead by our Unitarian Universalist principles and supported by a wide range of sources. Learn more about the Six Sources of our living tradition here.
  • We choose our words carefully in all parts of the service to be inclusive and to speak to each individual’s own spiritual journey. You may even recognize traditional hymns with revised lyrics to speak to a broader audience.
  • When we celebrate traditional Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter, we focus on stories, teachings, and earth-centered rituals rather than on miracles.
  • Our time together is more focused on how we can build a better world in this lifetime than on salvation or an afterlife. As part of this commitment, our Sunday offering is donated each week to a local community organization.
  • Following service, everyone is invited to the Fellowship Hall for an informal social hour for conversation and refreshments. We also offer an online social hour via Zoom for those participating from home.

Families, Children & Youth

Everyone is welcome in our sanctuary regardless of their age and abilities, but we also have other spaces where children and their families can engage with services.

In our nursery, you’ll find that we have the service streaming on a monitor for young children (0-3) and their caregivers who may be more comfortable in that setting.  There is also a speaker in our RE Commons for families who would be more comfortable participating in service from that space.

Many Sundays after our “Time for All Ages,” children and youth are invited to our Religious Education classrooms where we read books, do crafts, and play games to engage with the monthly themes.  Preschoolers and kindergarteners are welcome to begin service in their classroom if a transition during service would be a struggle. During warmer days, we often engage with the various curricula by going outside.

Stop by the RE Welcome Table before service to chat with an RE team member and get a tour of our spaces.

Our family-friendly congregation also boasts:

  • Free childcare during service in our nursery for ages 0-3
  • Classroom activities for elementary aged children during service after the “Time for All Ages” segment
  • Teen youth group following service
  • Creativity kits for use during worship featuring crayons, markers, paper and fidget toys
  • Welcoming Space for children at the front of the Sanctuary featuring floor cushions, soft/quiet toys, activities, books and fidgets with nearby seating for caregivers
  • A table in the Sanctuary with writing and drawing supplies for people who would prefer to engage with service while taking notes or drawing
  • Nursing room for quiet feeding/changing space
  • Natural playscapes, gardens, and trails to explore as a family
  • Lego Table in the Fellowship Hall so all ages can enjoy social time after services

Join the UUS Families Facebook page to stay in the loop about events and activities. Contact our Director of Lifespan Religious Education (education@uusic.org) with questions about Sunday programming and how to participate.

Youth Sunday Programs

Sundays 10:00 Am

At UUS, we understand spirituality is a journey that starts young. Our Religious Education program provides an opportunity for children to ask questions, explore, and encourages connection to nature and others.

Learn More

Service Archive

Past Services

View past Sunday services below.

One in every ten black men in their 30s are in jail or prison on any given day in the United States. UUS members Phil Beck and Ron Pile will discuss plans for a revitalized prison ministry and Mary Cohen will present music from the Oakdale Choir. They will also talk about compassionate-based activism. Find more information on UUS services at www.uusic.org/services. If you are a visitor, and would like to let us know you have participated in our service today, you are invited to fill out a UUS Visitor form: https://forms.gle/4tefFpSCjEXiSPnj9 Virtual participants are invited to join a Zoom social hour after the service each week https://bit.ly/UUS_socialhour, Meeting ID: 853 6642 6271, Passcode: 724555) March Offerings Benefit the Free Medical Clinic. Donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSPartner, or mail a check to UUS with “FMC” on the memo line. You can also make a gift or pledge payment to our Operating Budget: donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSOperating, text “GivetoUUSIC Operating” to 73256, or mail a check to the office with “operating” or “pledge” on the memo line (also write “pledge” if you’d like to apply to an existing stewardship pledge).
March 26th, 2023- Listening to Incarcerated Voices
We are journeying together, seeking liberation. Join us as we mark Pesach (Passover) and learn from liberation theology. Rev. Diana Smith preaching. Find more information on UUS services at www.uusic.org/services. If you are a visitor, and would like to let us know you have participated in our service today, you are invited to fill out a UUS Visitor form: https://forms.gle/4tefFpSCjEXiSPnj9 Virtual participants are invited to join a Zoom social hour after the service each week https://bit.ly/UUS_socialhour, Meeting ID: 853 6642 6271, Passcode: 724555) April's Offerings Benefit Table to Table. Donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSPartner, or mail a check to UUS with “T2T” on the memo line. You can also make a gift or pledge payment to our Operating Budget: donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSOperating, text “GivetoUUSIC Operating” to 73256, or mail a check to the office with “operating” or “pledge” on the memo line (also write “pledge” if you’d like to apply to an existing stewardship pledge).
April 2nd, 2023- "Seeking Liberation"
On Sunday, March 19th, 2023, congregants rolled dice to determine the order of service and who would be leading each piece. Four potential reflections were prepared, but only one was used. Here you can watch the reflection Nic Kaplan, our Director of Lifespan Religious Education, would have given, had their name shown up on the dice roll.
March 19th, 2023- Nic Kaplan's Unused Reflection
On Sunday, March 19th, 2023, congregants rolled dice to determine the order of service and who would be leading each piece. Four potential reflections were prepared, but only one was used. Here you can watch the reflection Rev. Diana would have given, had her name shown up on the dice roll.
March 19th, 2023- Rev. Diana's Unused Reflection
Change can be hard, but what happens when we lean into trying something new? Join us for this fun-filled and inspirational all ages service where things will happen in a different order and we'll experience our new sanctuary set-up. Together we'll notice the fun parts and the hard parts of this as we practice holding space for our own and each others feelings. Find more information on UUS services at www.uusic.org/services. If you are a visitor, and would like to let us know you have participated in our service today, you are invited to fill out a UUS Visitor form: https://forms.gle/4tefFpSCjEXiSPnj9 Virtual participants are invited to join a Zoom social hour after the service each week https://bit.ly/UUS_socialhour, Meeting ID: 853 6642 6271, Passcode: 724555) March Offerings Benefit the Free Medical Clinic. Donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSPartner, or mail a check to UUS with “FMC” on the memo line. You can also make a gift or pledge payment to our Operating Budget: donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSOperating, text “GivetoUUSIC Operating” to 73256, or mail a check to the office with “operating” or “pledge” on the memo line (also write “pledge” if you’d like to apply to an existing stewardship pledge).
March 19th, 2023- The Vulnerability of Change
This Sunday, Rev. Diana Smith will reflect “On Legislation, Vulnerability, and Liberation,” we will welcome new members, and explore how what we're doing expresses our values, principles, and beliefs as individuals and as a congregation. Rev. Diana Smith will also be leading us as we continue to explore the proposed new UU Purposes, Values and Covenant, Inspirations, Inclusion, and Freedom of Belief statements. (P.S.: Don't be late! Remember to change your clocks on Saturday night!) Find more information on UUS services at www.uusic.org/services. If you are a visitor, and would like to let us know you have participated in our service today, you are invited to fill out a UUS Visitor form: https://forms.gle/4tefFpSCjEXiSPnj9 Virtual participants are invited to join a Zoom social hour after the service each week https://bit.ly/UUS_socialhour, Meeting ID: 853 6642 6271, Passcode: 724555) March Offerings Benefit the Free Medical Clinic. Donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSPartner, or mail a check to UUS with “FMC” on the memo line. You can also make a gift or pledge payment to our Operating Budget: donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSOperating, text “GivetoUUSIC Operating” to 73256, or mail a check to the office with “operating” or “pledge” on the memo line (also write “pledge” if you’d like to apply to an existing stewardship pledge).
March 12th, 2023- The Practice and the Process
What would it mean to call this cracked and fragile world divine? And not to be stingy about it; I mean really call all of it divine? This air, this rock, this worm, this teacup, this road, this virus, you. What would it mean for our feeble place among the holy everything? And what would it call us to do? Jenna Supp-Montgomerie preaching. Find more information on UUS services at www.uusic.org/services. If you are a visitor, and would like to let us know you have participated in our service today, you are invited to fill out a UUS Visitor form: https://forms.gle/4tefFpSCjEXiSPnj9 Virtual participants are invited to join a Zoom social hour after the service each week https://bit.ly/UUS_socialhour, Meeting ID: 853 6642 6271, Passcode: 724555) March Offerings Benefit the Free Medical Clinic. Donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSPartner, or mail a check to UUS with “FMC” on the memo line. You can also make a gift or pledge payment to our Operating Budget: donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSOperating, text “GivetoUUSIC Operating” to 73256, or mail a check to the office with “operating” or “pledge” on the memo line (also write “pledge” if you’d like to apply to an existing stewardship pledge).
March 5th, 2023- Holy Everything
What's so special about a community made up of people of many different ages who share their gifts and struggles together? Join us for a special exploration and celebration of what makes intergenerational community so wonderful for everyone and how we can all keep crafting UUS as a community of and for All Ages. Find more information and the Order of Service for this Sunday at https://www.uusic.org/services/2-26-23 If you are a visitor, and would like to let us know you have participated in our service today, you are invited to fill out a UUS Visitor form: https://forms.gle/4tefFpSCjEXiSPnj9 Virtual participants are invited to join a Zoom social hour after the service each week https://bit.ly/UUS_socialhour, Meeting ID: 853 6642 6271, Passcode: 724555) February Offerings Benefit United Action for Youth. Donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSPartner, or mail a check to UUS with “UAY” on the memo line. You can also make a gift or pledge payment to our Operating Budget: donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSOperating, text “GivetoUUSIC Operating” to 73256, or mail a check to the office with “operating” or “pledge” on the memo line (also write “pledge” if you’d like to apply to an existing stewardship pledge).
February 26th, 2023- Crafting a Community of and for All Ages
We often say that Unitarian Universalism is a living religious tradition, but other than that we keep growing and changing, what does that actually mean? What does it ask us to do? How does this relate to Unitarian Universalism's proposed new Principles and Purposes? Join us for an interactive all ages service as we explore these questions and celebrate a child dedication! Find the Order of Service and Bibliography for this Sunday at https://staging.uusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-02-19-OoS-1.pdf If you are a visitor, and would like to let us know you have participated in our service today, you are invited to fill out a UUS Visitor form: https://forms.gle/4tefFpSCjEXiSPnj9 February Offerings Benefit United Action for Youth. Donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSPartner, or mail a check to UUS with “UAY” on the memo line. You can also make a gift or pledge payment to our Operating Budget: donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSOperating, text “GivetoUUSIC Operating” to 73256, or mail a check to the office with “operating” or “pledge” on the memo line (also write “pledge” if you’d like to apply to an existing stewardship pledge).
February 19th, 2023- Creating a Living Tradition
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Service on Sundays at 10; Mon-Thurs 9-4 By Appointment

2355 Oakdale Rd, Coralville, IA 52241

(123) 456-7891​