FAQs for Newcomers
UUFF strives to nurture learning, inspire spiritual insights, create compassionate relationships, and lovingly transform our community and the world. No matter who you are, where you are on your spiritual journey, and no matter whom you love, you are truly welcome here. In this fellowship, we put radical hospitality into practice.
FAQs
Q: What do Unitarian Universalists believe?
A: Our Unitarian Universalist traditions are rooted in the Protestant Reformation. Early Unitarians denied the doctrine of the Trinity as being unbiblical. The early Universalists believed that God’s love was so encompassing that all of creation would be reconciled to God at the end of time. Today, we are people of all ages, people of many backgrounds, and people of many beliefs. We are brave, curious, and compassionate thinkers and doers. We create spirituality and community beyond boundaries, working for more justice and love in our lives and the world.
To learn more about Unitarian Universalist beliefs, visit these sources:
- Unitarian Universalist Association
- Take a quiz to find out if you might be a Unitarian Universalist.
- View We Are Unitarian Universalists, a video from the UUA.
Q: Is everyone welcome here?
A: At our Sunday services and other congregational activities, we welcome and honor you, whoever you are. As a family that respects and promotes diversity, we believe that expressing individual thought and lifestyles are foundational to our core values. In effect, we go “beyond categorical thinking.” For us, it is not about how you look, what you wear, how educated you are, what you do for a living, who you love, or what your resume might say about you – it is about you as the distinct individual you are. We only ask that you honor our principles of love, freedom, equality, and justice for all who share life with you on this planet. UUFF is officially recognized by the UUA as a Welcoming Congregation. We are a Welcoming Congregation recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association. This means we affirm and include people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer at every level of congregational life—in worship, in programs, and in social occasions—welcoming them as whole people.
Q: “What will happen when I attend for the first time?”
A: “As our guest, we will not embarrass you, have you stand up, or ask you to give money. We know that many people want to check out the church. You will be greeted as you enter the door and be directed to the Welcome Table in our foyer, where you can (as you are comfortable) complete a name tag, pick up a visitor card (so we can connect with you again) and find out about our newcomer opportunities. Come in, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and see if this fellowship is for you. We invite you to join us for coffee and snacks in the foyer following our service.
Q: What do people wear?
A: Most congregants dress in casual clothes, although it’s not uncommon to see sports jackets and dresses. Summertime brings out shorts and sandals. Our children wear a range of styles from dresses to jeans—no need to “dress up” to fit in. Most of us prefer comfort to style!
Q: Is there childcare/Sunday School during the service
A. Yes, we offer a wide range of childcare/Sunday School during the service. You can learn more about these offerings at our Children & Youth RE @ UUFF page.
Q: If my child does not separate well from me, may he/she/they remain with me during the service?
A: Yes, Children are welcome to stay with their families during the service. In fact, in the front corner of the Sanctuary, we have a play space set up just for them, with coloring books, fidget toys, a play rug, and some bean bag chairs. This is also where our time for all ages will take place each week!
Q: What is our service like?
A: Each service runs about an hour, and consists normally of an opening introduction and greeting, followed by either a sermon, message, or presentation depending on the topic and who may be giving it that day. Finally, we move towards joys and concerns and goodwill donations, and finish off with a closing and goodbyes.
Topics for the week can vary significantly, from thoughts on why bad things can happen to good people (among other spiritual and philosophical quandaries), to open discussions on politics, to lessons on history, sociology, and theology. To keep on top of what we will be discussing on a given week, please consult our front page for this upcoming Sunday’s service. You may also click “Upcoming Services” to see a full listing of services and their central ideas for a given month.