What to Expect on Your First Visit

Come as You Are

When preparing to come to a service for the first time, feel free to come as you are most comfortable. Some people come each week dressed up and more formal, while several others are quite casual. This "come as you are" atmosphere extends beyond mere clothing and other adornments. We welcome all seekers regardless of any prior religious affiliation (or none as the case may be).

Parking

You may access the main parking lot from 43rd Street (see map and directions). There are spots reserved for visitors in the lot. Feel free to use them. Because space is limited, we ask our members and friends, who are able, to park on the street. The parking lot begins to fill up about a half an hour prior to the main service. On weeks when the choir is performing, the lot may fill earlier. If you have trouble finding parking in the lot or on 43rd Street, parking is also available immediately south of UUI's campus on 42nd Street. You can walk through UUI's playground area to get to church.

Prior to the Service

Although the main service does not start until 10:30 am, a few people arrive early for the Sunday Morning Discussion Forum that takes place prior to each service. If you would like to attend a forum, plan to arrive by 9:15 am and go to the cottage on the west side of the main parking lot. The cottage has a sign next to the entrance that says "Minister's Office". Please consult the calendar for an idea of what topic will be discussed each week. Usually people begin arriving in earnest for the service by 10 am. The Sunday Morning Forum concludes at 10:15 am.

Folks gather in Fellowship Hall just prior to the service. There you will find the Visitors Center with several pamphlets and other reading materials, as well as the welcome table with church members to talk to and answer any questions you might have. We encourage visitors to stop by the welcome table to get a name tag and sign up to receive a complimentary trial subscription to our newsletter, the UUEye. That publication is mailed every two weeks and will keep you informed of church activities and upcoming sermon topics.

The Service

By twenty after the hour, people begin to fill up the main sanctuary in anticipation of the service starting at 10:30 am. The service begins with the lighting of a chalice, the primary symbol of Unitarian Universalism and the recitation of our Covenant. The service is sometimes led by our minister, the Reverend Don Garrett, and sometimes led by lay people in the church. We incorporate children's activities into every service near the beginning, so that they may participate in that space and then go to their respective religious education classes.

In order to help members and friends recognize and welcome our visitors, each week we set aside time during the service for visitors to stand and introduce themselves as they feel comfortable. However, no one should feel required or pressued to participate in this activity.

Prior to the sermon itself, there is a time for announcements of church and community events. We also offer space for recognizing the Joys and Concerns of our members, friends, and visitors. Each week, people may light a candle and share their joy or concern with the congregation.

Other activities that may occur during services include: singing hymns, special music, readings from the minister and/or worship associates (lay people who help with each week's service), receiving of an offering, the sermon, children's story, and meditation, silent reflection or prayer.

After the Service

Immediately after the service, usually by 11:40 pm or so, we gather in Fellowship Hall for coffee and refreshments. Here again we encourage visitors to help others recognize you by taking a rainbow mug, so that we may properly welcome you. This is a time of lively conversation and hearty snacking. Enjoy!

The festivities usually wind down between 12:00 and 12:30 pm.