Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto

Holiday Celebrations

Water Ceremony
When we return to the two service schedule in the fall, the first service includes the Water Ceremony.  Each person brings a small amount of water, which represents the places we have been through the summer.  We pour our waters together, as we gather in community.  This ritual is becoming common throughout our denomination.

Thanksgiving Dinner Potluck
On Thanksgiving afternoon, members, friends and their guests gather in the Fireside Room to share the traditional meal together.  Turkey and mashed potatoes are cooked at church, and the side dishes and deserts are supplied by those attending.  Contacts: Flo Hass and Marilyn Stoddard

Winter Solstice Celebration
In the dark of December, near the solar solstice, we turn toward earth-centered traditions, acknowledging that the darkness of the sky may reflect darkness in our souls.  Yet also with the hope that this is the deepest dark, and light will follow.

Children's Holiday Service
From Thanksgiving to mid-December, the children prepare a special service which is presented in the Main Hall. The theme of the service varies each year.

Christmas Eve
We celebrate the traditional Christian holiday with song and story, singing the traditional carols and finding meaning in the birth of Jesus for our lives today.  

Passover Seder Potluck
We celebrate the traditional Jewish ceremony of Passover in April with an all-church dinner. Members prepare the ritual foods and read the traditional story. Contact: Susan Plass

Easter
Each year on Easter Sunday, we celebrate the renewal of the earth and of ourselves.

Flower Communion
The Flower communion service was created by Norbert Capek (1870-1942) on June 4, 1923.  Rev. Capek founded the Unitarian Church in Czechoslovakia. He had felt the need for some symbolic ritual that would bind people more closely together. The format had to be one that would not alienate any who had other religious traditions. Each person brings a flower, and takes one brought by another.

Child Dedication Ceremony
Several times a year, parents are invited to bring their children for a Child Dedication Ceremony during Sunday Worship.  This ceremony may include children of any age.  Children, parents, guardians, and the congregation pledge themselves to help these children grow while in their care.