| Frequently Asked Questions
What could I expect from a Sunday
morning service at the North Unitarian Universalist
Congregation?
Our
services open with those things that remind us of the importance of gathering
together. We hear the call to worship that invites us to transition from
our everyday concerns and into our time together. During this first part
of the service we also sing a gathering hymn, and share in a moment of silent
meditation. We recite our covenant together, a reminder that even though
we have no creed, we are bound together by the obligation to assist each other
in our spiritual journeys and to understand how might helpfully relate to the
world at large.
The
second part of the service is for reflection. We hear a teaching story
from religious tradition, enjoy a musical interlude together (often performed by
our choir), and hear a reading. We draw on a huge variety of sources for
these inspirational moments--from scripture (from a variety of world religious
traditions)--to contemporary poetry. We then listen to a sermon. The
sermon is given great emphasis within Unitarian Universalist worship
services. Our sermons are never chastising, punishing or irrelevant;
rather they are aimed at understanding how we, as people of conscience, might
lead better, fuller lives today.
The
third part of the service celebrates and reaffirms our community. We
collect an offering, and hear announcements about the business and activities of
our congregation. We then take the time for anyone who would like to share
some important event in their life--either a joy or a concern--to do so. We also
sing hymns together--from the traditional to the very modern. The reflective and
meditative tone for worship is then set by readings, responsive readings, and
music.
The
service closes with a hymn and closing words, or a benediction, which is
intended to send us back into our lives with a renewed sense of purpose.
But there is no reason to run away after worship is over. Many will tell
you that the after-church coffee, where we share the week's events with friends
new and old, is just as if not more important than the service
itself.
Our
services are generally led by our minister. Yet once a month lay persons
lead the service, an important reminder of our tradition's insistence that all
persons have important truths and experiences that can profitably shared with
others. <top>
OK, but what do I wear, and how do I
behave?
Not
to worry. You will find us a friendly and casual group, eager to help you feel
at home. Our members wear everything from Sunday best to casual jeans to our
services, so wear what makes you most comfortable. <top>
Is Unitarian Universalism a Christian
faith?
Our
historical roots are within Christianity. Indeed, there have been Unitarians and
Universalists as long as there have been Christians. In the 19th
century, both Unitarians and Universalists chose to hold their faiths open not
only to the teachings of Christianity, but also to other world religious (and
secular) teachings. Consequently
our congregations today include both people who would identify themselves as
Christians and those who would not. Because we have always emphasized that
adherence to the ethical teachings of Jesus is much more important than the
actual worship of Jesus the person, we have also historically attracted a fair
number of people of Jewish heritage. The Unitarian and Universalist
movements merged in 1961. <top>
So what do Unitarian Universalists
believe?
Click here to read about our Principles
and Purposes <top>
What does membership in a Unitarian
Universalist Church entail?
Since our movement is one that embraces theological diversity, there is
no test of belief for membership. Membership in the church is attained by simply signing the membership
book. Signing the membership book does two things. First, it
expresses your interest in sharing your talents, resources and energy with our
congregation. As always, the quality and quantity of that sharing is up to
you. As one of our ministers, the Rev. Jack Mendelssohn, put it "...in
joining a Unitarian Universalist church, the initiative is entirely yours.
You do not sign on someone else's dotted line of spiritual development,
and there is no fine print." Second, signing the membership book
formalizes the church's commitment to you, and consists of our promise to value
and support, within our larger community, your individual path. <top>
Why did the Dublin Unitarian Universalist Church change its
name to the North Unitarian Universalist
Congregation?
Our building is now in Lewis Center. After a long process of voting
for various names we decided on NUUC. <top>
Revised:
11/10/2006
| 
Welcome! · 
About Us · 
