Special Services

Visit Upcoming Services for a listing of upcoming worship services.

Remembrance Sunday

In a beautiful and moving ceremony at the first Sunday service in January, we remember relatives and friends who have died during the past year, and we celebrate births, adoptions, and dedications of children. As we speak the names of loved ones who are gone or those who have come into our lives, we light candles in sconces around the church.

Maundy Thursday

This service, with deep roots in the Christian tradition, commemorates the Last Supper celebrated by Jesus prior to his crucifixion. Held the Thursday evening before Easter, it is the one service of the year in which communion is presented.

The Passover Seder

Unitarian Universalism draws heavily on the Judeo-Christian traditions of this country. The Passover Seder is an opportunity to honor one of the most important festivals from our Jewish heritage. The Seder is a ritual dinner that celebrated the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt. We tell the story by reading the Haggadah, we share a meal of Passover dishes from around the world and we have fun! The Seder is a high participatory event for everyone in the church. We have a great collection of recipes and readings and welcome new additions.

Easter Sunrise Service

At 6:00 a.m. on Easter Sunday, we gather with members of Littleton’s First Baptist Church and Congregational Church for a joint sunrise service.

Recognition Sunday

About twice a year, new members are formally welcomed into the church family. In this ceremony new members receive a certificate of membership.

Religious Education Sunday

During this service, the children are recognized for their accomplishments in the Sunday School and their teachers are honored for their service.

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service

The Sunday evening before Thanksgiving, the Baptist, Catholic, Congregational and Unitarian Universalist churches of Littleton present a joint ecumenical service. Led by all the ministers, the service features reflections by lay representatives on a common theme. Hosting the service rotates annually among the churches.

Yule Service

The Yule service continues an ancient celebration at the Winter Solstice. On the longest night, as winter
begins, the light is reborn—and so are life and love and the promise of returning spring. This is an
intergenerational service open to all ages.

Children's Christmas Pageant

Our tradition is to involve as many of our children as possible in the play depicting the birth of Christ. From our youngest school age children to our young teens, the pageant has become a cherished holiday memory. Planning for the event begins in November. While our goal is to find a way for any child wanting to participate to do so, there are times that a lottery system is used to determine roles. There is at least 1 rehearsal scheduled before the pageant. The church is normally packed for the pageant, so come early.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

The Candlelight Service features the Ceremony of Light, in which the sanctuary is darkened and each
person holding a candle passes the flame until the entire sanctuary is again filled with light. This service also includes readings and carols sung by the congregation and choirs.

Summer Services

FCU takes a summer holiday from regular Sunday morning services during July and August, however there are opportunities to worship together.

Soulful Sundown Services

Traditionally we have two Sunday evening vesper services, one in July and August. These services are generally unconventional and interesting.

Joint Summer Service

Traditionally, on a Sunday morning in early August, First Church Unitarian joins the Harvard and Stow UU churches for our annual joint summer service.  Normally there is a “pick-up” choir and refreshments are served after the service.  The congregation hosting the service rotates among the three churches.  This service is an opportunity to celebrate our UU heritage and renew friendships.