ILLUMINATION

let us renew our commitment to lifting up light and love

Unitarian Universalists celebrate Water Communion in late summer, a ritual service marking the end of the summer and the return to community and the new UU program year. It is a beautiful way to come back together and reconnect with our community. The Water Communion can also bring powerful focus to honoring and feeling connected to the web of life that connects us all, just as all water on earth is connected in the seas and sky.

The day is tied to the end of summer and the start of the school year. Historically, it was held the Sunday after Labor Day (U.S.). With the earlier start of schools today, many UUs now observe Water Communion before Labor Day, on the 3rd or 4th Sunday of August.

Illumination celebrates the light in our world and provides us the opportunity to re-commit ourselves to our UU faith. Flame, fire, and the chalice are key symbols of Unitarian Universalism. We often talk of “the light of truth, the fire of commitment, the warmth of community” and the “spark” given to others when we live our faith in action.

Proposed Objectives

Strengthen UU Identity
Renew commitment to UU ideals
Renew covenant with self

Principle Four | A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
Shared Values | Transformation

Timing

early January, ideally January 6
The week before is ideal for a letting-go type service

so that we may

Feel gratitude for our planet and hear the call to care for its ecosystems (water is a human right, justice )

Renew our connection and commitment to our local and global community (sixth principle, generosity)

Experience the transforming awe found in embracing the interdependent web of life (seventh principle, interdependence)

Connect & Reflect

Rainbow light reflex on the hand_edited.png

rituals for friends & family

Follow-along video for those who don't have the opportunity to perform the water communion in community.

During the pandemic, I created this video for the congregation I served at that time, for those who couldn't attend the water communion in community. Much of the included material is from the Tapestry of Faith and Worship Web, as well as a few other online resources. Credit is included in the video when due, with much appreciation to the original creators. A special thanks to the UU San Mateo choir as well. Length: Approx. 15 minutes.

Links to Luminesence and https://www.uua.org/worship/holidays/illuumination

songs

Following are a few options that work well in a Water Communion service, small group worship, or to listen to at home. For a more comprehensive selection, see the UUA list of Songbooks and Hymnals, and the UUA List of Music for Online Worship. Please respect copyrights and contact individual artists directly for their permission. Besides legal requirements, we ask that you help support the artists.

Molly Bagjot: Change Is Coming
STLT#352 Find a Stillness