Worship That Works: Theory and Practice for Unitarian Universalists

Wayne Arnason and Kathleen Rolenz, co-ministers at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church near Cleveland, Ohio, embarked on an eighteen-month sabbatical road trip in search of the cutting edge of innovation in worship culture. They attended services and interviewed worship leaders at thirty congregations of diverse sizes and traditions. This book--the result of their research--is a challenge to all Unitarian Universalists who care about the services in which they participate. A guidebook for revitalizing our worship life, Worship that Works provides practical, specific advice to improve the key elements of the service and increase the spiritual resonance of worship through symbols, music, cultural sensitivity, inclusion and more. Includes a critique of Unitarian Universalist worship as a central spiritual practice and offers tips gleaned from the authors' visits to thirty transformative worship services from a variety of religious traditions, four of which are described in detail.

Praise for Worship that Works:

"Arnason and Rolenz reveal liberal worship as central, formative, exemplary, beautiful and expressive of our every desire for justice and right relation. They root their observations in a high vision, but for the benefit of all, they move from vision to practice. This might prove to be a turning point in how Unitarian Universalists understand and practice worship."—Mark Belletini, senior minister, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, Ohio

"The authors clearly distill the current wisdom on incorporating word, music and ritual from diverse cultures in a respectful and non-oppressive manner." —Elizabeth Norton, president, Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network