What is your religion like?
We are a very liberal religion. Under one roof, we have and welcome many different beliefs. Our congregation includes agnostics, Buddhists, Pagans, Christians, Jews, humanists and atheists. Our uniting belief is that truth is different for each person. Although our roots are Christian, the majority of us believe that the Bible was written by people (not God) and Jesus was a great man and teacher, but not more a son of God than any of the rest of us. You are likely to hear the words, “Spirit of Life and Love” more often than God. Our readings come from people we consider wise, as well as from all the major religions.

What do you believe in?
We have seven principles that we covenant to affirm and promote. It’s like the UU version of the Bible’s 10 commandments. The principles we covenant to affirm and promote are:

• 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.

Children's Version of our principles:

• Each person is important
• Be kind in all you do
• We’re free to learn together...
• ...and search for what is true
• All people need a voice
• Build a fair and peaceful world
• We care for the Earth

As a Unitarian Universalist, can you just believe in anything?
No. Unitarian Universalists do not believe in things that contradict our Seven Guiding Principles. We do NOT believe in the following:

• We do not believe there is only one pathway to God or spirituality.
• We do not believe God favors any group of people based on inherent qualities such as skin color, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, etc.
• We do not believe undemocratic, autocratic or overly hierarchical systems are the way to organize our congregations or the larger society.
• We do not believe humanity has the right or moral authority to exploit the environment or other life forms with whom we share the planet.

What are your services like?
We are a very liberal religion, but our services are very much like any protestant religious service. Our services are about one hour long. We sing hymns, have readings, have a sermon or homily (a shorter sermon), and an offertory (passing the plate for monetary donations). A few times per year we have a “Spirit Circle” worship, where we break up into small groups and discuss our feelings and thoughts about a presented topic. Please see our current sermon topics.

Are you expected to give money when you visit?
Visitors are welcome to let the offertory basket pass them by.

How do the children worship?
During the regular church year (September through mid-June) the children begin church with the adults, in the service. There is a children’s story and then we “sing the children away” to their Sunday school classes. If your children would like to stay with you, they are welcome to. A “crying room” is available for services during the regular church year, plus child care is available for the youngest children. Find out more about our Religious Education for children and youth.

Summer program: During the summer, the children go directly to their Sunday school, without joining the church service first.

Will I be asked to give my name and address?
Yes. When you come in, you will be asked to fill out a form, letting us know you were with us, but you are welcome to decline if you wish. If you give us your name, address, etc. it allows you to get our newsletter and helps us to know that you were with us.

We take great care in keeping your information private. Your personal information will not be given out or sold. It is strictly for our use in sending you the newsletter.

Are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people welcome at your church?
Yes, our congregation is about 25-30 percent out gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. We are very proud of the fact that our children grow up knowing not all families look the same.