Worship at Sunnyside is warm and interactive. We begin with the ringing tones of our singing bowl and spoken words to center ourselves. The children are welcomed in our midst through the children’s message, after which we share in the words of the Jesus prayer and the passing of God’s peace. Our gifted choir focuses our spirits with an anthem followed by readings from the Bible, scripture from other faith traditions, and literature. A message is given by one of our pastors and prayers for the community are offered by anyone who is so moved. The service ends with an expression of the blessings we have experienced throughout the week and the insights we have gleaned. The service engages and enriches all participants.
We are a community that believes strongly that we are at our best when everyone contributes to our worship experience. Because of that, when you attend a service you will notice:
- Children who feel comfortable being children and are celebrated as such
- Great music and singing, with a choir to lead three seasons a year
- Thought-provoking messages from the pastors
- Quiet moments of spiritual contemplation
- Regular opportunities to reflect on personal events, news items and scripture readings from around the world
- Integration of the arts — sometimes art, drama, dance, or instrumental music
- And of course, people of diverse ages, many with very little church experience, in married or unmarried relationships (expressing various sexual orientations), with divergent cultural, ethnic and educational backgrounds, coming together to share their sense of the holy and find joy in the wisdom of others
Perhaps you have never been to church, perhaps you swore off church years ago, perhaps you have attended church all your life. We might be the spiritual home you have been looking for.
We invite you to journey with us.