Special Services, such as Good Friday and Christmas Eve, occur throughout the year with different seasons in Church life. We have a number of Special Services at Unity Church of the Hills and the themes change from year to year. Additional Special Services can always be added when we are feeling an extra special dose of creativity. Take a look at our list of recurring Special Services listed below and mark your calendars accordingly.
White Stone Sunday
The First Sunday of the New Year
A tradition in many Unity churches and inspired by the Bible passage in Revelation “…and will give them a white stone, and in the stone, a new name written, which no person knoweth saving they that receiveth it.” We begin each year at UCOH with this ritual. Through the lesson and the meditation that follows it, you will be encouraged to let a “name” come to you from Spirit to guide you through the coming year.
Holy Week
Varies from year to year.
While at Unity, we believe that every week is holy, we take time during the week of Easter to focus on the renewing of the Christ Spirit within each of us as we honor our Wayshower, Jesus the Christ, and the messages that he came to teach. Typically, Holy Week includes the following Services:
- Palm Sunday
- Good Friday Service & Communion
- Easter Sunrise Service (around 6:45 a.m.) followed by a Pancake Breakfast
- Easter Contemplative Service (8:00 a.m.)
- Easter Traditional Services (9:25 & 11:25 a.m.)
- Easter Youth Services or Activity (9:25 & 11:25 a.m.)
Youth of Unity (Y.O.U.) Sunday
Typically the third Sunday in July
Once a year, we are blessed with the tremendous talent of our Youth of Unity as our teens lead both the 9:25 and 11:25 a.m. Services. As platform leaders, our teens cover everything from the opening prayer and meditation to delivering the Sunday message. This is also the Sunday when we honor our teachers and angels. Check the calendar for the specific date.
World Day of Prayer Vigil & Service
World Day of Prayer: Second Thursday in September
24-Hour Prayer Vigil: begins at 8:30 p.m. the Wednesday prior to World Day of Prayer
Held annually on the second Thursday in September, World Day of Prayer is a 24-hour Prayer Vigil celebrated at Unity Village and in Unity centers and churches around the world. At Unity Church of the Hills, our 24-hour Prayer Vigil takes place in our Chapel and begins at 8:30 p.m. on the Wednesday before World Day of Prayer. You will have an opportunity to sign up for a 30-minute time slot where you can hold the prayer consciousness in our Chapel. All are invited to join us for the final hour of the Vigil, at 7:30 on Thursday evening, held in our Sanctuary.
Ecumenical Service
Tuesday before Thanksgiving
Rotating between several Northwest Austin churches, the annual Ecumenical Service is an opportunity to worship together with other faiths at Thanksgiving. This special Service always includes a combined choir from the participating churches as well as a devotional message specifically for our children. Participating churches include Bethany United Methodist, Hope Presbyterian, Peace Lutheran, St. Thomas More Catholic and Unity Church of the Hills.
Thanksgiving Eve Service
Wednesday before Thanksgiving at 7:00 p.m.
At our Annual Thanksgiving Eve Service, we gather to express our gratitude for all we have and are blessed with. You will have an opportunity to share in Communion as well as a special Anointing blessing.
Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Services
December 24
Family Candle Lighting Service at 5:30 p.m.
Join us for a special “family friendly” version of our traditional Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service. Included in this Service will be an interactive reading of the Christmas Story from the Gospel of Luke. Children are invited to come dressed as their favorite manger scene character…Mary, Joseph, shepherds, animals and angels, and infants in the role of Baby Jesus… and will be invited to the stage to become part of a live nativity scene. Young people provide the music for this Service, along with Celebration.
Traditional Candle Lighting Service at 7:30 p.m.
Come celebrate with us as we acknowledge and rejoice in the rebirth of the Christ Spirit within us all. Every year features special music by Celebration and Inspiration, a heart-felt message and candle lighting. Join us in the wonder of this special night and have the season come alive for you and your loved ones.
World Healing Meditation
New Year’s Eve at 6:00 a. m.
On New Year’s Eve, we begin early here at UCOH with the World Healing Day Meditation, joining millions around the world at 12 noon, Greenwich Mean Time, which is 6:00 a.m. here. This very special Service takes place in the Chapel and is led by Licensed Unity Teachers and Prayer Chaplains. It is a time dedicated to praying that people around the world will feel and be healed in both heart and mind by God’s love and grace.
Burning Bowl Service
New Year’s Eve at 5:30 p.m.
There is always some aspect of ourselves that we would like to change, forgive and release, things that we would like to cleanse from our consciousness. The Burning Bowl Ceremony, on New Year’s Eve, is one of our most popular Services. Attendees are able to participate in a symbolic way to start anew and rid ourselves of the old pictures in our minds, replacing them with a new way of viewing ourselves and our world. Experience a wonderful release as you participate in this annual Celebration.
