What do Unitarian Universalists believe?

Unitarian Universalists have a range of beliefs. A good place to find basic information about Unitarian Universalism is at the newcomers page of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Here you will find frequently asked questions about UUs, as well as other information about the denomination.

What can you expect at a worship service at First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio?

Unitarian Universalists are noted for their openness to new ideas and a diversity of worship experiences. At First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio we have a strong tradition of minister and lay led worship that enlivens and broadens our individual and collective search for meaning.

Worship services take many forms. They may:

follow a familiar sermon focused model
include a period of discussion
be an all music service
celebrate the gifts of our children
honor a seasonal event
include a Flower Communion
focus on supporting community organizations in the city

Worship services may be led by:

our Minister
our Director of Religious Education
our Minister of Music
a visiting Minister
a lay leader
our church youth

A brief orientation to Sunday worship at First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio

In general you will find that our services include the following elements, however, every Sunday offers us something new.

Sound of the Bell:: A few minutes prior to 11AM a bell will be rung on the patio to call people to worship.
Order of Service:: Ushers distribute the Order of Service (or Bulletin) at the center doors to the sanctuary. The Order of Service provides an outline of the service, contact information for the minister and church staff, and announcements that provide information about current events in the life of the church.
Welcome and Announcements:: A lay person welcomes the congregation and visitors. Recognizing the need to communicate effectively about the life of the church, the Welcomer reads a few short and important announcements. Board or Council persons may also make short important announcements at this time.
Chalice Lighting:: The worship leader and/or a family/individual in the congregation light the chalice. As the chalice is lit the worship leader shares an inspirational quote, poem, or observation.
Music and Hymns:: At least three times a month, we enjoy the great musical talents of our Minister of Music and choir. The choir is accompanied on the organ or piano, and occasionally, members of the congregation who are instrumentalists will also perform. Our hymnal, Singing the Living Tradition, draws on diverse faith traditions and offers a wide variety of music for our worship. Throughout the service, everyone is welcome to sing the chosen hymns (if you sit in the side pews you may need to share a hymnal). The worship leader will indicate if he or she wishes for people to stand, but you may always remain seated if that is more comfortable.
Children's Story Time:: An inspirational short story is read by our minister, our director of religious education, a special guest speaker, or a lay person comfortable with children. The children are invited to come to the front of the church and sit before the storyteller. After the story, children may leave for supervised play on the playground or return to sit with their family.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns:: Part of being in a community means sharing what's going on in your life. You are welcome to come to the dais and silently light a candle or share your joy or concern briefly and then light a candle to symbolize your joy or concern now expressed to the larger community. Those wishing to share their joy or concern with the congregation may do so by writing a short note a paper provided. The note will be read aloud by the Minister or a lay leader.
Offering:: We are a self-governed, self-supporting church. The ushers will pass the offering baskets and we ask that you contribute, as you feel comfortable doing so.
Sermon:: These articulate the theme of the service. Unitarian Universalism is a truth-seeking religion and gravitates towards exploring life, ideas and faith paths. The sermon may challenge, educate, question, comfort, or anger. We affirm the freedom of the pulpit and encourage discussion with worship leaders about their services.
Closing:: The closing words are offered by the worship leader and are often followed by an organ postlude. At each door to the sanctuary there will be a person to greet you. The worship leader will be at the center door.

A few other things that are important to know:

Coffee Time:: You are invited to join us on the patio before and after the service for pleasant conversation and refreshments. Coffee and other beverages are always available. Often during this time a committee of the church will have a table on the patio with information about their activities.
Accessibility concerns:: To aid in the enjoyment of our services by people with reduced sight or hearing we offer large print hymnals and sound amplifiers for those who need them. In addition, our sanctuary and its restroom facilities are accessible to persons using wheelchairs and walking aids.
Wiggle Room:: At the back of the sanctuary there is a room available where child caretakers can go and sit with a child that is crying. From this room you can still hear and see the service but your child will not disrupt the worship experience of others.