FLOWER COMMUNION

there is joy in valuing our gifts, our differences

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.

One of UU’s favorite ceremonies is the Flower Ceremony, often called Flower Communion, a special ritual that recognizes the beauty and uniqueness of each member, honors their part in creating our beautiful UU communities, and celebrates the beauty of nature’s diversity. It is celebrated in early summer by most UU congregations.

Proposed Objectives

Strengthen UU Identity and connection to the UU community
Lift up diversity and bounty of gifts brought by each participant
Express gratitude for our gifts in community

Timing

early June

Principle One | The inherent worth and dignity of every person
Shared Values | Pluralism, Community, Gratitude
Related Concepts | Beltane, May Day baskets, start of summer

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

A group of yellow flowers with a city in the background_edited.jpg

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.

Make Meaning

Flower Communion Blessing, call and response, Amy Zucker Morgenstern

Click to access flowercommunion.pdf

Alternative Flower Ceremony service ideas

As People Arrive

Guide people to place their flower in communal vases (see notes below)

Opening Song

Dear Friends, Dear Friends
Let me tell you how I feel
You have given me such treasure
I love you so.

Chalice Lighting

By Samuel A Trumbore

Source: 1997 UUMA Worship Materials Collection.

O light of life,
Be kindled again in our hearts
As we meet together this morning
To celebrate the joy of human community
Seeking a wholeness that extends beyond ourselves.

Opening Song Suggestions

SLT #4, I Brought My Spirit to the Sea

Hymn #346: Come, Sing a Song with Me (video)

Optional Choir Hymn: #21 For the Beauty of the Earth (video)

songs

The following can work well in a Flower 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.