Newcomers - Welcome!

We are glad you are here! Be sure to visit with us during the social hour after every service! There is more information available in the front entry, and you can speak with anyone on our Membership Committee about the membership process.

Things you might want to know

Our Unitarian Universalist congregation offers worship services on Sunday mornings and greeters will be available to help make your visit comfortable and enjoyable in any way.

Our worship services usually begin with the lighting of the Flaming Chalice (our symbol of faith) and include both instrumental and vocal music, a prayer or meditation, readings, and a sermon. The sermon, which generally last for fifteen to twenty minutes, may be about theology, social issues, holidays, or issues of importance to the life of the congregation.

Music is an important part of worship in our congregations. We sing together during services, accompanied by our organ or other instruments. The type of music featured can vary wildly from one service to the next. Everything from Christian hymns to Pagan chants to rock songs might be included in any service, if they relate to the topic of the sermon.

Services may also include announcements and a time for worshippers to share their joys and concerns.

Dress at our church is always eclectic and informal. Visitors will feel comfortable in business casual to contemporary social attire. Respectful dress is appreciated, but slacks and a sweater or an equivalent outfit are generally appropriate.

Some of our members are sensitive/allergic to chemical scents. Strong perfumes are discouraged, including those in soaps and shampoos.

Parking is ample and nearby in the lot across the street and on nearby streets. Be sure to lock your car and bring any valuables with you as we are located in a downtown area.

We offer religious education classes for children on Sunday mornings as well. These classes take place during the worship service. Children are generally welcome to attend worship services if they wish to do so.

Following the service, there is a "social hour" where visitors can get to know one another and members of the congregation. These times offer beverages and snacks, conversation and offer an opportunity for newcomers to find out more about Unitarian Universalism and the practices of our congregation.

What do Unitarian Universalists believe?

There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:

The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Unitarian Universalism (UU) draws from many sources:

Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;

Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;

Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;

Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;

Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;

Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.