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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q. What are your worship services like?

A. They will probably be familiar to you if you've attended a Protestant-style worship service at a more traditional church. Worship services typically last an hour, and feature a sermon delivered by Rev. Dan Harper, our minister, or a sermon by a guest minister or a lay worship leader. Stories, poems, readings from a variety of sources are also used. Randy Fayan, our music director, plays a wide variety of music ranging from Bach to Duke Ellington, from Pete Seeger to R.E.M. We have a time when people can share joys or sorrows from their lives, and ask for prayers and support. Worship services are followed by social hour in our Parish Hall -- our you can slip out into our quiet garden and walk the labyrinth. For a more detailed description, see our First Time Visitors page.

Q. What should I wear to one of your worship services?

A. At First Unitarian, some people dress up for church (women in dresses or blouses and skirts, men in jackets and ties). Many people dress more casually, and some people come in jeans and t-shirt. It's really up to you!

Q. What do you teach children?

A. We teach children to think for themselves while respecting the great religious traditions of the world. In our Sunday school we emphasize our Unitarian Universalist values, our Jewish and Christian heritage, and wisdom from the world's religions. Since children attend the first part of every worship service with parents/guardians, they also learn religion by following the example of the adults around them. More about religious education for kids.

Q. I've heard Unitarian Universalists can believe anything they want -- is that true?

A. Not really. We value the use of reason as we seek after truth and goodness, but we do not believe that any one person can fix the ultimate truth for others. We value openness and tolerance of others, but we try not to tolerate prejudice, or closed-mindedness.

Q. I have lots more questions about Unitarian Universalism. Where can I get answers?

A. Try visiting the FAQ at the Web site of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Or you could try coming to a worship service, and asking one of us during social hour.