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Visitors |
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Frequently Asked Questions Below are some answers to frequently asked questions that might help you to feel more comfortable in exploring our congregation.
What do people wear to our church? Visitors often want to know what to wear. We are an informal church and you'll find that most people are dressed casually. During our children's programs, children frequently have art projects and sometimes outdoor activities. They should dress so they can actively engage in the program.
What goes on during the worship service? Unitarian Universalism is unique in that its members are joined by common values, rather than a creed of religious beliefs. If you are hungry for a church that honors your questions rather than giving you one set of answers, Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church might be what you are looking for. We say to the children, we are the church of the open mind, the loving heart and the helping hands. The purpose of the Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church is to build community, to deepen spiritual growth, and to foster action for social justice. Really, it's all about love. We believe each person is sacred and we are all one family. Our Sunday services start at 10:30AM and last from an hour to an hour and a half. Each worship service usually includes music, hymns, a lesson for all ages, and a sermon by our minister. About one service a month is lay-led. The format may vary, and the themes will include such topics as spiritual growth, common ethical questions, social issues of our day, and the great mysteries of life. We draw on the wisdom of many religious traditions in our choice of readings and lessons. Explore our website to find out more about upcoming services and to read previous sermons. The services begin with announcements and greeting each other. We share personal joys and sorrows during Candles of Community. We take an offering to support the work of our church. On the first Sunday of each month we have a special outreach collection. In the first 18 months of this program our congregation contributed over $12,000 to a variety of worthwhile organizations. Read more about our Outreach program. Our Music Director plays a wide range of music on the piano, our choir sings about twice a month, and we occasionally have other talented musicians play a variety of instruments. We recommend coming to more than one service at any church you are considering as a possible spiritual community. You'll have a better idea of the variety and flavor of the church and whether or not it feels right for you. For more information, view Typical Service on our website.
What do you offer children and youth? September - June From the second Sunday of September to early June we have a full religious education program for children and youth. Children attend the first part of the worship service, participate in “A Time For All Ages”, and then go to their programs about 15 minutes after worship begins. You can find out more about our Children’s Religious Education program on the Education section of our website. We also have staffed nursery care for infants and toddlers through age 3 ½ from 9:00 am until noon. The Nursery is located off the Great Room, next to the kitchen. Children are also welcome to remain in the sanctuary if they wish to. Visiting children are invited to join with others of their age group. We ask parents to speak with our Director of Religious Education (DRE), Hollie Johnson, so that she has parent contact information for all visiting children. If you arrive about 10 minutes before the service begins, greeters at the door can help you find the Religious Education contact for the day, and she or he will help you and your children find rooms and leaders of the different age groups. You can also accompany your child when the children leave the service, to make these arrangements. You can contact our Director of Religious Education, Hollie Johnson, at the church office at 231-8634 if you have other questions before or after you visit. In addition, we have a senior high youth group with adult advisors, led by our part-time Youth and Young Adult Minister. If you have a senior high age youth, you may contact Rev. Linda Eppert at 231-8634 with any questions. Summertime During our summer services, Children’s Religious Education is more informal. This is sometimes referred to as Summer Club. Congregants are invited to share their hobbies and favorite activities with the children as a group. Two adults are with the children at all times.
What happens when I arrive? We recommend coming at least 10 minutes before the service starts to find parking and allow time to be welcomed. There are greeters who will meet you as you enter and answer questions you may have. Please sign our guest book, located in the lobby. If you like, you may also request a complimentary subscription to our church newsletter, Heirloom, which is published monthly. Ushers hand out orders of service and help seat people. The church is wheel-chair accessible, and the greeters can help if you have any special concerns. Visitors are encouraged to wear an adhesive name tag. Again, an usher will be happy to provide one for you. If you would like a permanent name tag, please print your name on the signup sheet located on the table at the back of the sanctuary.
What happens following the service? After our service, we invite you to join us for a social hour, with fair trade coffee and tea and time for discussion and meeting new friends. This is a good time to inquire about the activities we have going on, and perhaps check the bulletin boards for items that interest you. On a number of Sundays, following the service, there may be other activities going on, such as a social justice forum, a potluck lunch, various meetings, or informal discussions to join.
Are bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people welcomed? Yes! We are a Welcoming Congregation. The designation "Welcoming Congregation" is conferred upon Unitarian Universalist congregations that are open, affirming and inclusive toward bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender people as full participants in the life of the church. The designation is conferred after an educational process within the congregation, and a vote by members of the congregation to affirm our welcome. Our congregation had an overwhelming affirmative resolution vote taken at our annual meeting in 2004, and has been an active supporter of bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender issues. You can learn more about Welcoming Congregations in the About HUUC section of our website.
We hope you'll visit us! For more information about our church, explore other links on our website. For more information about Unitarian Universalism, visit About UU on our website. |
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We hope that you will visit us at Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church. All are embraced here—wherever they may be on their religious or spiritual journey. Our church is a home to seekers—a sanctuary free from dogma and creed, where all may explore, together, the great questions of this life we share.
Visitors often ask, “What is Unitarian Universalism?” We are an inclusive religion which teaches us that we’re all connected, and thus, it behooves us to treat one another with respect and dignity—in other words, to treat others as we ourselves would be treated.
Each Sunday at Heritage, we offer a worship service for adults, age-appropriate Sunday school for children and youth, stimulating conversation, and lively community. Throughout the month, our activities include discussion groups, meditation, adult enrichment classes, book groups, potlucks, yoga, a labyrinth, and more. |
