“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.” 
― Dalai Lama XIV

What Newcomers Often Want to Know

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE WORSHIP SERVICE?

Listening to instrumentalists, and presentations by our wonderful choirs...relaxing with a silent meditation...feeling inspired by the minister's sermon, reflections by lay leaders, and readings from many sources...singing UU hymns...sharing joys and sorrows by speaking names and lighting a candle, passing the offering basket to share our resources...being in community.

The order of service is familiar to many who have attended traditional churches.  But we also enjoy a variety of "alternative" formats – a music and poetry worship, a seasonal ritual, blessing of the animals, a youth-led service, or a talk by a local speaker. We hope you find a mix of tradition and creativity.
 

WHAT SHOULD I (and my children) wEAR TO CHURCH?

Whatever you feel comfortable wearing is fine. Some of us wear pearls and heels, or dockers and a white shirt (seldom a tie), others of us wear jeans—or even shorts and flip-flops on a hot summer day. Children may have art projects or outdoor activities; they should dress so they can actively engage in the program.

IS THERE "SUNDAY SCHOOL" and Childcare DURING THE SERVICE?  

During the 11:00 service we hold Religious Education classes, and Youth groups. Elementary and Middle schoolers start in the service for the first 15-20 minutes for a gathering song and story, then they go downstairs for the remainder of the hour.  The highschool Youth start out downstairs.  Find out more at our Religious Education pages.  Childcare for infants and toddlers during BOTH of the services, bring them down before services start.

WHAT DO UU's BELIEVE ABOUT GOD?

We respect each other's belief in God, non-belief in a god, or uncertainty on the subject.  The UU religion promotes a thoughtful and respectful attitude about the multitude of religious and spiritual values, and paths in this world.

We also provide this liberal religious education to our children so they know the many spiritual, religious or ethical paths one might follow, and can make an informed choice that reflects the values they've built for themselves.

HOW DO YOU WORSHIP TOGETHER IF YOU DON'T ALL BELIEVE THE SAME THING?

UUs desire worship services each Sunday as a way to nourish our minds and hearts taking time and creating a space for reflection, connection with one another, and  reverence for the mysteries that compel us, each to his own.

We use flexibility, and curiosity about a variety of ways to worship, to enjoy the service elements together even when they have different meanings for different people.  For example, a minute of silence can mean prayer, meditation, or reflection. Lighting a candle can be spiritual or social.

Some services offer a stronger spiritual feeling, and some are more philosophical or intellectual. Considering the variety, we suggest you visit us several times to get a true sense of our spiritual community.

Do I have to BELIEVE IN EVERYTHING SAID FROM THE PULPIT?

No.  We don't expect anyone to "believe" in everything said in reading, in sermons, in personal reflections.  In fact we know that UUers will disagree.  It is essential in UU services to address a wide range of social, ethical, spiritual, and inter-personal issues from different points of view.  Many different voices will speak, and you won't hear just one message.  We respect these differences, and want to expand our perspectives, and explore and challenge our own beliefs. 

IS YOUR CHURCH ACCESSIBLE TO ALL PEOPLE? 

We work very hard to make our services, activities, and community gathering accessible to all. Bathrooms and all areas of the church are wheelchair accessible.  We have three Braille hymnals, support four hearing assistive devices, and large print programs. We also can provide recordings of the services for the homebound and others.  Please ask the ushers to help you. Our Accessibility Committee's work is ongoing. Our new building will also be fully accessible.

WILL I BE PRESSURED TO JOIN OR DONATE?  

Absolutely Not. We would be so happy to have you become a regular member because you've found a church home, but we won't try to push ourselves onto you.

We do recommend and hope you visit for at least a couple of months to fully explore the diversity of the UU religion and our community.  Just one or two visits won't tell our whole story!

The "Offering" baskets are passed around every service as a reminder that it takes resources to provide the Service, the building, the music, the staff, the heat, etc.  Your donation is very appreciated, but not required.  Just pass the basket on to the next person, with a donation, or without.

ARE YOU GENUINELY WELCOMING TO ALL PEOPLE? 

Yes. We are an official Welcoming Congregation, honoring our differences in age, race, gender, ability, class, sexual orientation, and national origin. We trust that the unique and beautiful qualities that you bring will be celebrated and appreciated. We include the voices and dreams of all people – in our readings and music, our Religious Education (R.E.) classes, and our leadership.

What is the THE FLAMING CHALICE?

A flame within a chalice is a symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith. Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame during World War II. Modern chalice designs often incorporate two overlapping circles which, for many people, represent our Unitarian and Universalist heritages

We hope you come visit -- We would like to get to know you!

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