Welcome Visitors
You may have several questions about us. . .
Whether you're brand new to our church or have been around a while but feel like there's still a lot more to discover, this is the place to start. Visitors are always welcome at our services, and we'd love to meet you in person any time you'd like to attend.
Where are you located and when are the services?
We are located at 421 South Farwell Avenue, in downtown Eau Claire. Services are at 10:00 am from September through early June. During the summer we offer a Forum Series at 9:30 am.
Are you genuinely welcoming to all people?
We begin our services with the following statement:
"Welcome to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation. We are a religious community, who commit ourselves to diversity. We strive to celebrate the rich profusion and variety of life. We hope to nourish human differences—those, for example, of gender, race, age, ability, sexual orientation, culture, class, and religious belief. Welcome to all who treasure for themselves and for all others the freedom to be who one truly is and the freedom to believe according to the dictates of one’s own conscience. We promise to do our best to provide you a spiritual home.”
Each week these words remind us that we come together because we value human diversity. We hope to include the voices and dreams of all people, in our readings and music, our leadership, and our day-to-day operations. We are an open and loving community. We encourage and support people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds to join us for worship on Sunday mornings.
Is there childcare/Sunday school during the church service?
We have a full program of Religious Education classes for children, ages three through high school, as well as nursery care for babies and children under three. Typically children go to their Religious Education classes at the beginning of the worship service, except for once a month, when they join the adults for the first several minutes of the worship service before going to classes. On Sundays that we offer “Intergenerational Services” we do not have classes for the children, but encourage them to attend the service with their families.
Children’s classes cover topics such as ethical decision-making, world religious traditions, and developing a reverence for the mystery of life. Childcare, for children three and under, is available beginning at 9:50 am every Sunday. Visiting children are welcome in both the nursery and Religious Exploration classes. Plan to come a few minutes early so you can register the children for classes and childcare before the start of the service. For more information, please see the Religious Education Program link on the homepage of the website.
If my child doesn't separate well, can she or he stay with me in the service?
YES! We offer “busy bags” for children in the Gathering Room in back of the Sanctuary, to keep smaller children entertained during the service.
Is there someone I can talk to when I get there?
Yes. You will find greeters at each door to give you a program for the day, to answer your questions, and to direct you to the Visitors’ Table in the Gathering Room at the back of the Sanctuary. There a greeter will answer your questions, give you a Visitor’s Information Packet, a nametag, and a visitor card to fill out.
What should I wear to church?
Wear what is comfortable for you. Some people dress casually and others dress more formally. Both are fine. Children may have art projects or outdoor activities. They should dress so they can actively engage in the program.
Is parking available?
Yes. There is plenty of free parking on the street, and in the city lot across Gray Street from the church.
Is the church accessible for those with disabilities?
Yes. Just inside the Gray Street entrance to the church, you will find an elevator. Take it up one floor to the sanctuary level. The greeter will be happy to help you.
Can I be involved in activities, if I’m not a member?
Yes, there are many activities in which you may participate, according to your interests: book group, choir, small group ministry classes, helping on church social action projects, adult religious education classes, and other social groups.
What goes on during the worship service?
Sunday Services include lighting the chalice, singing from our hymnal Singing the Living Tradition, congregational readings, listening to music, sharing of joys and concerns, meditations, readings and a sermon by our minister, a visiting minister, or a member of the congregation. The service also includes congregation dialogue after the sermon, if time permits. We have several Intergenerational services every year. The Sunday Service lasts just over an hour, and afterward we gather for refreshments and conversation downstairs in the Social Hall.
What do Unitarian Universalists believe?
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion -- that is, a religion that keeps an open mind to the religious questions people have struggled with in all times and places. We believe that personal experience, conscience and reason should be the final authorities in religion, and that in the end religious authority lies not in a book or person or institution, but in ourselves. Our congregation affirms and promotes the individual's search for truth and meaning, and we do not ask anyone to subscribe to a creed. As a result, we are a theologically diverse group. What we share, in common, are the seven principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
•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;
What if I'm not ready to join yet, but just want to visit for a while?
That's fine - take your time!
How can I find out more about the church, to figure out if it's the right place for me?
Attending services and other events is the best way to get to know us, but other resources are available, too. Guests who fill out a visitor’s card may receive the monthly newsletter if they so indicate. The Sunday order-of-service has a full listing of the events of the week. You will find a brochure rack in the gathering room at the back of the sanctuary, and you’re welcome to take any brochures that will help you know more about Unitarian Universalism in general or the UU Congregation specifically. Of course, you may always ask a greeter or our minister, Rev. Virginia questions, or call the church office (834-0690) to talk to office manager, Kris Simpson. She also welcomes you to come during the workweek for a tour of the building. The website will give you lots of information, too.
If I do decide to join, what do I have to do?
If you decide you're interested in considering joining the church, speak to a greeter. Twice a year, in the fall and in the spring, we offer a newcomer orientation series of three classes, during which you have the opportunity to share your own spiritual journey, learn about the history of the church, and understand the responsibilities of membership. We have two joining ceremonies per year, one in the fall and one in the spring, but once you’ve taken the newcomer orientation series, you are welcome to sign the membership book and officially join at any time.
Were most of your members raised in a Unitarian Universalist church? Would I still be welcome if I come from a different religious background or tradition?
Some of our members were raised in Unitarian Universalist churches, but most have come to UU from other faith traditions. We have many members who were raised Catholic, Protestant or Jewish, many who grew up (and may still remain) atheist or agnostic, and many whose spiritual journeys have led them to sample a wide range of religions throughout their lives. Unitarian Universalism draws messages from all of these, and more, and we welcome people from any and all theological backgrounds who are looking for a new, non-creedal spiritual home.
421 S.FARWELL ST, EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN, 54701 PHONE 715-834-0690 EMAIL UUOFFICE@CHARTERINTERNET.COM