At the end of each church year, Unitarian Universalists celebrate the power of community with our Inter-generational "Flower Communion."
The Flower Communion has special historical significance. It was begun by Unitarian minister Norbert Capek, who founded the Unitarian Church in Czechoslovakia, in what had formerly been part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Because of the long history of ethnic conflict there, he decided to bring people in his church together with this ceremony. The first "Flower Service" was held in 1923. He asked each person to bring a flower with them; they were then combined in one container during the service; at the end each person took a different flower home.

As fascism arose in Germany, Norbert Capek spoke out strongly against Hitler and the Nazis When Germany invaded Czechoslovakia during World War II, he was tried, found guilty of treason, and imprisoned in the Dachau concentration camp. He continued his ministry within the camp. In 1943 he was executed there.

The service was brought to the United States by his wife, Rev. Maya Capek, and the tradition continues today in UU congregations throughout the country. At the Springfield UU, and many others, it is celebrated each June. This year we'll hold our Flower Communion on June 2nd at 10 am. You're invited to bring a flower with which we'll create a beautiful bouquet together symbolizing our spiritual community. Please join us at 21 Fairground Road, All welcome!

Dec 22, 2024, 4 to 6 PM

Dec 22, 2024, 4:30 to 8 PM

Dec 23, 2024, 5:15 to 6 PM