Archives: Services

Stories of Resistance

Dr. Dave will share stories of people standing up to injustice as part of their spirituality, defying tremendous odds to make a positive change. From fighting against racism in America to defying the Holocaust in Nazi Germany, there are many stories to inspire us to make a way out of no way.

Fire Communion

In the words of Rev. Elizabeth Harding, “The fire communion separates the end of the year from the beginning, helping us to put in perspective the joys and sorrows, the changes and transitions, the ups and downs of the year. It’s a half-way point in our church year, but a celebration of the outside calendar’s … Continue reading Fire Communion

Spirals and Labyrinths: The Spiral Path of Awakening

ESUUC hosts the Fifth Sunday fellowship. This Sunday, we embark on a sacred journey through the spiral and labyrinth, ancient symbols of growth, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening. As we navigate these sacred paths, we’ll reflect on how life’s twists and turns lead us to insight. We’ll explore the labyrinthine journey through meditation, music, and communal reflection. With a labyrinth borrowed from East Liberty Presbyterian Church. 

The Christmas Story from Scripture

Join Brenda S. and Jo M. for our traditional, story-centered Christmas Eve service,complete with stories, songs, blessing of babies, assembling of the creche, and singingof “Silent Night” to (hand-held) candlelight. Our story of all ages is the classic Nativitytale. Our story FOR all ages is “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!” by MoWillems, the … Continue reading The Christmas Story from Scripture

Celebrate the Winter Solstice

First Unitarian Church Pittsburgh Solstice Service 2024. Celebrate the Winter Solstice with an earth-centered contemplative worship service. It is a First Unitarian tradition led by the Dance Choir and guest singer/musician/composer Jett Downey.

The Things That Matter

Fresh from their triumphant Stone Soup appearance, the ESUUC Players return in Brenda S.’s new holiday play. When foul weather forces a group of people to take shelter in a local church, they are sure their holidays are ruined. It takes some very unexpected visitors to give them a different perspective.  

Blue Holiday Service

This time of year is not “the most wonderful time of the year” for all of us. During thistime of celebration and joy, many of us may be struggling with grief, despair, loneliness,depression, or many other emotions that are less than ‘merry and bright.’This contemplative service creates space to recognize and honor the complicated andchallenging … Continue reading Blue Holiday Service

Solitude and Presence

What does it mean to be alone? What does it mean to be with someone? What is the difference between aloneness and loneliness? How can we be truly present to someone? Drawing from Julian of Norwich, Fred Rogers, and Susan Cain, we will contemplate solitude and presence in the name of social justice. 

A Witness to Fracking

Hydraulic Fracking is a relatively new method for extracting oil and natural gas in our area. Aside from the economic benefits of supplying this domestic energy, we are bringing up something else from underground. Making you aware of these facts allows us to be better energy consumers. 

The Christmas Story from Scripture

Join Brenda S. and Jo M. for our traditional, story-centered Christmas Eve service, complete with stories, songs, blessing of babies, assembling of the creche, and singing of “Silent Night” to (hand-held) candlelight. Our story OF all ages is the classic Nativity tale. Our story FOR all ages is “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!” … Continue reading The Christmas Story from Scripture