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Water Communion

Come together in community...

Unitarian Universalists celebrate Water Communion as part of Ingathering held 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. ​​​​

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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.

It is time to celebrate connection, love, and generosity.

  • to feel gratitude for our planet and hear the call to care for its ecosystems (water is a human right, justice)
     

  • ​to renew connections to local and global community (sixth principle, generosity)
     

  • to experience the transforming awe found in embracing the interdependent web of life​ (seventh principle, interdependence)

Connect & Reflect

rituals for friends & family

Image by Cristian Palmer

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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.

songs

These songs work well for a Water 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.​

Water Communion
LET'S SING: STJ # 1011 Return Again
02:22
UCBR choir - How Can I Keep From Singing
02:37
#126 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
02:08
UU hymn #210 Wade in the water African American Spiritual arr. by: Mary Allen Walden
01:50
Hymn #209 - UUSL Choir - O Come, You Longing Thirsty Souls
01:49
Hymn 1007 - STJ - There’s a River Flowin’ in My Soul by Rose Sanders. Performed by Les Tacy
02:44

  • ​​​​STLT #100: I've Got Peace Like a River

  • STLT #108 My Life Flows On in Endless Song

  • STLT #126 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

  • STLT #209: O Come, You Longing Thirsty Souls

  • STLT #210: Wade in the Water

  • STLT #277: When We Wend Homeward

  • STLT #299: Make Channels for the Streams of Love (sung at first UUA ceremony)

  • #318 | We Would Be One

  • STLT #347: Gather the Spirit

  • STLT #387: The Earth, the Water, the Fire, the Air

  • STJ #1007: There's a River Flowing in my Soul

  • STJ #1011:  Return Again

  • STJ #1034: De Noche (Taizé)

  • STJ #1046 Shall We Gather at the River

  • STJ #1064: Blue Boat Home ​​​

  • https://youtu.be/ZYpOV0HLO-Q?si=9GekiwhGD9qg5VB9

Explore & Engage

©2017-2025, Tanya Webster. All rights reserved, excepting cited material and licensed stock photos. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement is intended. All rights remain the property of their respective owners. 

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