of the originator’s Norbert Chapek’s imprisonment in German concentration camps. At times the lines of people waiting to get into the church for the Flower Communion, and for Sunday services, would reach as far back as a block or more. Each person entered with a flower, placed it in a vase, and each person left with a different flower. The flowers are blessed and placed in the vase as a symbol of our freedom to choose our religion. The flower represents the unity of First Church Unitarian Universalist of Leominster’s religious community and the spirit of acceptance of one another.

The flower communion helps to educate Unitarian Universalist about the connection to our Unitarian forbears in Eastern Europe.

First Church, Leominster, MA

978-537-0310

about: Unitarian Universalism

Ceremonies & Rituals

Flower Communion

Celebrated normally in June around the birthday of Norbert Chapek.

The first flower communion was celebrated in June of 1923 in Czechoslovakia. This communion was held each year thereafter even during the year and half

Child Dedications

Children’s Sunday

Flaming Chalice

Weddings

Holiday Services

Christmas Eve is celebrated with a service of Carols, biblical readings, and candle lighting at 4 pm. The service is family friendly and about one hour in length. One of the Sunday’s in December is an intergenerational Holiday service, which is led and organized by the Religious Education Director and the Religious Education Committee in consultation

with Rev. Susan and the Music Director, Judy Gordon. The intention is to allow for a much youth and child involvement as possible.

Easter is held on Sunday and there is no Maundy Thursday or Good Friday service.

Memorial Services

Memorial services, funerals, graveside committals are conducted for friends or members of First Church Unitarian Universalist. First contact is most appropriately made through the funeral home that the family is coordinating services with. This allows the family opportunity to continue the grieving process and lets the funeral home and the minister arrange the details. Rev. Susan upon hearing of the need for her services in this regard will contact you to arrange a meeting to discuss the content of the service with any and all family members who want to be involved. If the family wishes to use the church fellowship hall for an after service gathering this can be coordinated through the main office by calling 978-537-0310.

If you are in need for pastoral care regarding the death of a member of First Church Unitarian Universalist, contact Rev. Susan as soon as the need arises.

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