We’re so glad you found us!

In order to help you feel more at home with us during your first few visits, we’ve provided some information and answers to some frequently asked questions below.

What can I expect at the Service?

Our Celebrations of Life begin at 10am on Sundays and includes a lighting of the Chalice (a symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith), music, sharing of Joys and Sorrows, time of reflection/meditation, and a sermon.  After the Service, we have a time of hospitality including drinks and refreshments.

What are ‘Joys and Sorrows’?

This is a part of the worship that is devoted to a ritual we call Joys and Sorrows. During this time, individuals share life changing joys or sorrows, such as a personal milestone or other happy news, and sorrows such as an illness or death of a loved one. This celebration of the community is central to how we are together. Sharing joys with one another allows the entire community to celebrate that joy, while sharing sorrows eases, just a bit, the burden of that sorrow on one person. You are welcome to participate in Joys and Sorrows.

What should I wear?

You are welcome to wear whatever makes you comfortable — just come as you are. Most of our members dress in casual attire, though some people dress more formally. Children should wear comfortable clothes.

Is your church accessible to people in wheelchairs?

Our first floor (where worship takes place) and bathrooms are accessible; the downstairs area where RE takes place is not. All elements of the Sunday service can be enjoyed while remaining seated.

What about my children?

Child care is available for younger children. Older children go to RE (Religious Education), known as “Sunday School” in other denominations. The children begin the Service with the adults and then go to RE together.  Your child is also welcome to stay with you during the entire service.

What if I’m gay, lesbian, or part of an interfaith family?

You are indeed welcome. Some of our members are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ). We welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender expressions within this community. Many interfaith families choose a UU church specifically because we honor and celebrate many religious traditions. This means each family member can continue to practice some elements of his/her religious tradition, while sharing in a common faith with other family members.

Is Unitarian Universalism a new tradition?

No. Both Unitarianism and Universalism have been around for a long time. Unitarianism came from a belief in the oneness of God, that Jesus was not divine rather a part of God just as any other human. Universalism came from a belief that God would not send anyone to hell. In 1961, seeing many similarities in their beliefs, the two traditions consolidated.

Is Unitarian Universalism a part of Christianity?

No. We respect and support many paths, and some of our members choose to follow the teachings of Jesus but there is not a particular creed that our members must embrace.

What Do UUs Believe?

Our purpose is not to tell you who to be or what to believe, but to find greater meaning in each of our lives.  We have no creed or dogma. We believe in the intrinsic worth of all people and in life’s creative power. We offer a community of faith that reveres the interconnected web of all life.

We are a church of the liberal religious tradition and heritage, one of ancient and deep roots. We are a diverse community which encourages spiritual growth and the practice of our beliefs through active involvement in the church and in the world. We are a religious community embracing a common faith expressed by our commitment to the UU Principles and Purposes.

Our religious community thrives on diversity. Many of our members were raised in other religious traditions and bring with them many spiritual perspectives. We come from Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, humanist,  scientific, pagan,  earth-centered, agnostic and other backgrounds, and we incorporate these traditions into our services. We are accepting of all religions and believe that creation is too mystical to be reduced to any “one truth.”

We are committed to the individual and collective pursuit of spiritual growth, social justice, and life-long religious education and understanding.  We foster an open and free community in which we share our gifts, care for one another, and honor our differences. We seek to have a lasting influence on local, national and global programs that promote equity and end oppression.

Do you have more questions?

To learn more about our congregation, you can meet with our minister individually or attend a UU orientation class.   To learn more about our denomination, Unitarian Universalism, please visit the Unitarian Universalist Association national website at UUA.org.