I am going to be attending my first Unitarian Universalism church service this Sunday...?

Question

what should I expect? Should I come in casual clothes, dress up, or what? Do they perform any certain religious acts (lighting a candle, praying, or what?)? If everyone comes from different spiritual backgrounds, what kind of teachings do they do? Thank you all for your help. And please don't respond if you have no knowledge of this. Thanks! *hugs*

Answer 1

Our web site tells people what to expect at our UU church.
http://www.stanuu.org
Theirs should too. Look for "FAQ".

If it doesn't (not all web sites are perfect), as a general rule, in Massachusetts and cities as big as SF or Denver, wear the lady's equivalent of slacks, sport coat and tie. Outside of Massachusetts and big cities, the lady's equivalent of white shirt and Dockers, no tie.

The minister will tell you when to stand and sit. Ours says "Please stand as you are willing and able", then, after we sing, "Please be seated". All you'll have to do is sit, stand and sit again. We don't genuflect or dance naked by the light of the moon or take communion or cross ourselves or sprinkle holy water or sit cross-legged and contemplate the sound of one hand clapping. You may have a chance to stand up and introduce yourself. We always say "It is an offer, not a requirement."

There will probably be coffee afterwards. Someone may strike up a conversation with a friend in front of the urn. Just tap them on the shoulder and say "Hi there! You're going to get trampled if you stand in front of the coffee." I say it all the time.

Most of them light a chalice. Some pray or meditate.

The teachings tend to be spiritual but not religious; how to be a better person or questions about things. Our site (above) has a collection of past sermons and a lis of upcoming sermon topics. Theirs should have a list of upcoming sermon topics, at least. (Not all UU churches post old sermons.)

The list of upcoming topics will give you an idea. If they post old sermons, you culd read the introduction to each to get an idea.

UU sermons range; history, politics, ethics, conservation, personal experience . . .

I'd be pleased if you'd let me know what you think, afterwards. You can send me e-mail via my profile.

Answer 2

You can't go wrong being a bit dressy. Then you can see how others are dressed. Not super casual, nor super dressy. That way, you won't feel out of place, whatever everyone else is wearing.

Sorry, my Mom's a Unitarian, but I've never been.

The beauty of Unitarians is that there is NO dogma. There's no particular thing you're expected to accept.

The joke is, "When Unitarians pray, they begin 'To whom it may concern:'"

Actually, I was recently informed that Unitarians can even be atheists. (I had been under the impression that they believe in something -- what, exactly, it doesn't matter.)

Sorry for answering when I'm not really in a position to answer. I just wanted to give the clothes advice, and assure you they won't be trying to cram some story down your throat that you have to buy in to.

BTW, there'd be nothing wrong in going a bit early, siddling up to someone, and saying that it's your first time and you aren't at all sure what to expect. I'm sure they won't mind cluing you in.

Or call the -- uh, whatever they call the leaders, pastors? whatever -- and ask what a service is like. (I know I'm the sort of person who likes to know what to expect.)

Answer 3

The Unitarian Universalist Church is very "New England" in its spareness and lack of ritual, which has an attractiveness all its own. The churches are generally quite plain and pretty, especially at holidays. It is a very, very liberal church. Beliefs and doctrines differ, although acceptance of Jesus as a saviour is accepted. Discussion of other religions, beliefs, movements within the spiritual world accepted, sometimes incorporated into the worship service.

Please wear nice clothes. You can never go wrong with something attractive. It always shows respect and no one will look askance at you.

I have attended some services in a Unitarian
Church. The Sunday program was as follows:
Organ Prelude
Congregational Hymn Singing
Greeting by Minister
(various)
Anthem by the Choir
Sermon
Collection Plate passed
Announcements
Another Anthem by Choir
Concerns
Closing Hymn


best to you
have a pleasant time

Answer 4

I think it depends on the UU that you're going to, but you could dress fairly casually and they would be fine with it, I'm sure. I'd dress a little less formally than you would for an actually church, in my opinion.
The one I went to had a candle lighting thing at the beginning called Joys and Sorrows, but it wasn't really religious, it was more like a meditation thing. Basically people came up to this little table with one big candle and a bunch of smaller ones and came up to the mic and expressed a recent joy or sorrow, lit a candle and put it in some sand.
Basically every sermon is different and the point is to learn from them. Sometimes you'll agree and sometimes you wont, but the great thing about it is that you are allowed to disagree!
I used to go, but I'm an Atheist now.... but if you have any more questions at all, message me and I'll answer the best that I can!

Answer 5

I suppose it depends on the congregation. I went to my brother's once -- it was casual, but it was good etiquette (I was told) not to wear any clothes with logos, text, or other distractions.

It was pet day. They had a guest Episcopal priest come in and bless everyone's pets, which they brought in. It was kind of chaotic.

It seemed harmless, albeit a little pointless to me. ;)

Answer 6

I'm sorry, I can't answer your question about what clothes to wear. Maybe call the church office ahead of time and ask them.

Here is info on the church's teachings:
http://www.carm.org/universalism.htm

Answer 7

I'm not sure about the church services...but I wouldn't wear jeans...wear a dress suit if you want to wear pants, but I would suggest wearing a dress, of any kind, as long as it's not too revealing...

Answer 8

It hardly matters what teachings they do, since everyone in that "church" is free to believe whatever they personally like and to reject whatever they personally don't care for.

Answer 9

Good for you. You will absolutely love it. Just dress nicely, and most of all just be yourself. The members will welcome you warmly and guide you into their fold. And remember a smile and friendliness begets a smile and friendliness.......good luck !

Answer 10

You can read what they believe on web sites.
I read it and don't reccomend it at all!
They claim peace, but it is false.
Only truth can bring real peace, freedom, and love
in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Love is not all about tolerance.
Tolerance does not really have much to
do with love, actually.
It is more the kind of "love" that causes
a mother to spoil her children then they
can not help themselves at all and get
into all kinds of trouble.
The truth sets free and the truth is in
Jesus Christ and His redemption.
Any church that does not wholeheartedly
believe in that is not a true church.
It is a self-serving one.

Many times, the "easy way" ends up
much worse than one bargains for
or could imagine!

That is my warning.