Easter Flower Communion

UU Ministers l-r Rev. Terry Davis, Rev. Joan Armstrong Davis
Rev. Terry Davis and Rev. Joan Armstong Davis

Easter was celebrated on March 27, 2016 at Northwest with the traditional UU Flower Communion ceremony. Conducting the service was Northwest’s minister Rev. Terry Davis and fellow minister Rev. Joan Armstrong Davis.

The Flower communion service was created by Norbert Capek (1870-1942), who founded the Unitarian Church in Czechoslovakia. He Northwest Easter Bunny Welcomeintroduced this special service to that church on June 4, 1923. For some time he had felt the need for some symbolic ritual that would bind people more closely together.

The format had to be one that would not alienate any who had forsaken other religious traditions. The traditional Christian communion service with bread and wine was unacceptable to the members of his congregation because of their strong reaction against the Catholic faith. So he turned to the native beauty of their countryside for elements of a communion that would be genuine to them. This simple service was the result. It was such a success that it was held yearly just before the summer recess of the church.

Following the service there was a potluck brunch as well as an Easter egg hunt for the children.