JOYS AND SORROWS

Time is set aside as part of each service for individuals to share joys and sorrows. This tradition is an integral part of Unitarian Universalist worship services. It is a time for people to share the significant milestones of their lives: births and deaths, reunions and farewells, love and grief, fear and delight, the personal and the universal. By rising to share a joy or sorrow, individuals are asking each person in attendance for their spiritual and emotional support. Service Associates should remind the congregation to use this time judiciously.

Introduce Joys and Sorrows with words that emphasize why we do this.  You may want to put the sharing into context with the theme of the morning. Some creative license is encouraged, but don't overdo it. This is the congregation's time to share, and some people may have very deep or personal items to share.

Have individuals speak into the microphone so that all may hear. Applause often greets the joys, while silence often results from the sharing of sorrows. Service Associates are asked to give some brief words of support, if appropriate, following the sharing of a sorrow.

At the conclusion of Joys and Sorrows, light a candle for any Joys or Sorrows left unspoken.