Visiting for the First Time
Start by coming to Sunday services in person or on Vimeo, become involved in any of our affinity groups, or volunteer. Regular services begin at 11:00 am on Sundays.
Directions: Google Maps link offers you door-to-door directions for driving, walking, biking, or public transit.
What to Wear? At our regular Sunday services, you’ll see people in a wide range of clothing choices, from “Sunday best” to very casual attire; please wear what helps you feel most comfortable.
What About Parking? Parking spaces wrap around our circular driveway and extend onto the grassy area towards the back of our lot. Four (4) designated spaces for vehicles with Disabled Parking Permits are adjacent to the accessible entrance to the Sanctuary. Several “First Time Visitor” spaces are just past the Sanctuary, one on the left and two straight ahead where the driveway forks.
Where Do I Enter? You can enter the main building on either side. One side has two steps. The other is accessible without stairs and has a door that will open automatically with the push of a button.
Please stop at the Welcome Table at either entrance to say hello, sign the guest register, and make a name tag. A volunteer will be able to answer your questions about Unitarian Universalism and this congregation.
Families of children who want to join the Religious Exploration (RE) program should be sure to check in with the RE volunteer in the children’s area at the front of the church and learn the procedures for signing in and registering children and youth.
How Can Children Participate? People of all ages attend the first 15-20 minutes of our worship services. Nursery and childcare for those too young for our Religious Exploration (RE) program are provided during Sunday service. Families of children who will join the RE program should be sure to check in with the RE volunteer in the children’s area at the front of the church and learn the procedures for signing in and registering children and youth. If your child has special needs, please contact the Director of Religious Exploration before your visit so we can ensure your child’s inclusion and safety as much as possible.
Two Sundays a month, when directed, children and teachers leave for a multi-age class in the religious exploration program. This program is designed for fellowship and fun. The youth group for middle and high schoolers meets on the alternating Sundays after the service. Youth visitors are invited to stay on for those gatherings.
What Happens During the Service? The service typically includes:
- Words of welcome
- Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith,
- A multigenerational segment, such as a “story for all ages”
- Music, both instrumental and vocal and in a variety of styles
- A time for lifting up the joys and concerns of the congregation
- A meditation or prayer
- Readings—ancient or contemporary
- A sermon given by our minister, a guest speaker, or a member of the congregation
- An offering, collecting financial donations for the congregation or for justice work in the community.
From time to time, our services incorporate holiday celebrations, multigenerational plays and pageants, longer musical performances, child dedications, and coming-of-age ceremonies.
What Happens After the Service? Those online may stay to discuss, learn, and share following the worship service. Many of the people who attend in person move outdoors to our Veranda to have coffee, visit tables presenting various activities of the church, and chat with others.