Frequently Asked Questions

 If you are planning a visit to UUFD, you may be wondering . . .

What do I need to know to walk in the door?

Sunday Services begin at 10:00 AM but doors open at 9:30 AM if you wish to arrive early. We have greeters who will welcome you at the hospitality table at the entrance to our sanctuary. Feel free to fill in a name tag, sign up to receive our newsletter, and pick up any literature about our events and activities that are on the table.

What do you mean when you say, "Everyone is Welcome?"

All are welcome to attend our services. We are also a designated “Welcoming Congregation,” which means we are an inclusive and supportive religious home for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. We welcome people regardless of class, income, race, disability, or any other status or identity. 

What do I wear to attend a worship service?

People dress in everything from casual business dress to informal attire. We want you to come in any respectful way that makes you feel comfortable.

Do I have to make a donation to the church to attend the service? And if I make a donation, how much is expected?

Visitors are not expected to make a donation. You are our guest. Should you choose to contribute, there are no expectations for the amount of donations. Give only as you are willing and able to support our ministries. About once a month we hold a special offering where donations go to support local social services or to respond to a crisis.  We invite you to contribute to help these organizations or ministries alleviate suffering locally and globally.  

What do I do with my children when I visit?

Your children are welcome!  We provide free nursery care for infants and small children under four. Children four and up are welcome to either join the service with you or participate in our children’s religious education class in the Fellowship Hall adjacent to the sanctuary.  Arrive early, and you will have time to meet our childcare staff and Religious Education Director.  If your children remain with you during the service, our greeters can provide them with activities packets to keep them entertained.

Is UUFD handicapped accessible? And does UUFD offer assisted listening devices and a large print version of its readings and hymns?

Yes!  We are fully wheel-chair accessible.  And our greeters at the entrance to the sanctuary will provide you with an assisted hearing apparatus and a large-print version of its book of readings and hymns upon your request.

What are Unitarian Universalist Worship Services like?

Once a month our services are led by our minister. Other services are led by a team of our lay worship leaders, members of our trained Worship Associates. Our services begin with the lighting of the Flaming Chalice (our symbol of faith) and include music, readings, simple rituals (e.g. candle-lightings), and a sermon. Often our choir is present to contribute one or two anthems. Worshippers often are invited to share joys, sorrows and milestones.  These are followed by a prayer and a special reading that accompanies the lighting of our Social Justice candle. The weekly sermon, which lasts for about twenty minutes, may be about theology, social issues, personal spiritual development, religious holidays or world religions.  Monthly themes inform our Sunday services as well.  Types of monthly themes that we have developed are Hospitality, Faith, Justice, Love, and Humility.

On the fourth Sunday of the month, our services include an intergenerational story and Wonder Box presentation.  On these Sundays, children begin in the sanctuary with the adults and, following the intergenerational story and Wonder Box, are sung out to their religious education classes by the adult congregation. Four to six times a year we hold Multi-generational Services.  Examples of these are the Ingathering & Child Dedication Service, the Day of the Dead Celebration, Family Winter Solstice, and Standing on the Side of Love.     

An offering is held (see “Do I Have to Make a Donation.”) prior to a closing benediction and hymn.  The length of the service is typically 60-75 minutes, but it may be shorter or longer.  We do not mind if you need to leave early.  Visitors are welcome to join us for coffee and conversation in our Fellowship Hall following the service.

How do I become a friend or member of UUFD?

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal, non-credal faith that welcomes people with different beliefs and religious traditions. Our congregations are places where we gather to nurture our spirits and put our faith into action by working toward social justice in our communities and the wider world. We are united by our mission, ministries, and the values we share.  There is no conversion process or acceptance of a creed to become a Unitarian Universalist. It is a matter of self-awareness and self-identification. Some people become members of our world-wide on-line church, the Church of the Larger Fellowship. Some people seek the connection and community of a local congregation. 

To become a member of UUFD, we encourage you to get to know us through Sunday services, Pathways to Membership seminars, small groups, and conversations with our minister and members. Both friends and members of UUFD help to sustain our congregation through giving of time, talent, and money. Membership in UUFD is not a prerequisite for becoming involved in our ministries and activities, but only signed members can vote at semi-annual congregational meetings on elections, issues, and the budget, and only signed members can, if elected, serve on the UUFD Board of Trustees.  For further information about becoming a friend or member of UUFD, contact our Church Office, office@uufdekalb.org.   

Who can I contact with further questions?

Please contact our Office Manager, Beth Schewe, by calling  815-756-7089, emailing  office@uufdekalb.org,  or submitting the contact form on our website. The Office Manager will reply to you during her office hours, which are Wednesdays 9 - 2 and Fridays 10 to 3.   

 

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