Weekly Services

Sunday morning is a high point of the Services week for many of us when, with our children, we come together at 9:00 or 10:45 with our Minister, our choir, and some two dozen dedicated teachers from our Religious Education program. The Rev. Nancy Haley came to our pulpit in 1997 from the Second Unitarian Church of Chicago. From her background in teaching, television and film production, she brings special skills to her Iowa City ministry.

One or more of our member Worship Associates assists in each Sunday service, reading the opening and closing words, and, from time to time, engaging in dialogue with the Minister. Other features of the service, besides the sermon, include solo or small-group musical presentations: anthems, hymns and musical responses by our excellent choir, periods of spoken and silent meditation, and brief expressions by members and guests about joys and sorrows that they have recently experienced or are currently experiencing.

Our children are in the Sanctuary with their parents in the first portion of the service, during which they are told or read a story (often leading to future discussion around the family table), and hear the special music, before leaving for their classes.

Voices rise in greeting, meeting and fellowship during the traditional “coffee hour” in Channing Hall following the service, until children arrive to claim their parents and remind them that it’s none too soon to talk seriously about lunch.

Special services are occasionally held and may include evening vespers and celebrations of holidays especially meaningful to those of other major religions.

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