Worship Together
Worship
At UUCSP, we gather weekly in spiritual community to find meaning and live more deeply. Worship creates connections within, among, and beyond us, calling us to our better selves, inviting us to live with wisdom and compassion. Our services are also live-streamed on Zoom.
Our worship services are weekly reflections that weave together music, poetry, and words that both comfort and challenge. Our programs for all ages inspire us and awaken us to our capacities to make a difference in our lives and in the world.
About Worship
As UUs, we are inspired not just by religious sources but by the people with whom we journey: the diverse and spirited Unitarian Universalists. You don’t have to believe in God to be a UU, but you can if you want to. Our services are designed to be welcoming for all open-minded seekers, including atheists, agnostics, Buddhists, humanists, the spiritual-but-not-religious, and “nones.” Everyone is welcome here.
Our worship services are at 10:30 AM most Sundays, with other special services throughout the year. During services, you will find music, poetry, tradition, and words of comfort and challenge.
Elements of a Typical Sunday Service
- Musical Prelude
- Ringing the Bell
- Call to Worship / Opening Words
- Gathering Hymn
- Lighting the Chalice
- Welcome by the Worship Host
- Opening Hymn
- Time for All Ages
- Sharing of Joys, Sorrows, and Milestones
- Offertory
- Prayer / Meditation
- Musical Meditation
- Sermon
- Extinguishing the Chalice
- Closing Hymn
- Closing Words / Benediction
- Musical Postlude
Ringing of the Bell
Every Sunday morning at 10:30 AM, the sound of our church bells fills the air of downtown Santa Paula, signaling that it is time to come together to worship as a community.
Music
Our church is alive with the sounds of music on Sunday morning to help heal the soul and inspire peace and harmony. Our Church Musician, Vincent Sorisio, plays Preludes, Postludes, and Service Music on our Steinway grand piano or Estey organ. From time to time, we are joined by visiting musicians and soloists.
Coffee Hour
After the service, enjoy conversation and fellowship in the Parish Hall. This is a time to get to know one another, share community, and connect with others.
Why We Gather
“…the singing, the sermons, the wonderful people.” – Anonymous
“I come to this church because it gives me a chance to listen to ideas that involve spirit and philosophy. I spend a lot of time by myself and this gives me a chance to change my perspective and temper ideas.” – Matt
“I love the community! All are welcomed. You can be a child, an adult, a senior and there is a place for you.” – Anonymous
“I started coming regularly because I got a lot of enlightening ‘nuggets’ from the minister’s sermons. Nuggets that changed some of the ways I thought about myself and dealt with life situations…and I continue to look forward to more personal growth and more clarity in my spiritual beliefs.” – Anonymous
“I am totally grateful for the loving support of this healing community.” – Margaret
“I have come to church these past many years to help me get along in life, it has helped…and I like the people here. This church is a part of me.” – Allan
Music & Participation
Our services include opportunities for musical participation, meditation, and engagement. Everyone is invited to sing, reflect, and contribute in ways that feel meaningful.
Upcoming Services
Check our Events Calendar for upcoming worship services. Services are clearly labeled “Service” in the calendar for easy reference.