For Visitors: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Unitarian Universalism?

With its historical roots in the Jewish and Christian traditions, 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.

(Excerpts from "We Are Unitarian Universalists", pamphlet #3047)
© Unitarian Universalist Association, 1995)

Our Principles

There are seven principles that Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

To learn more about our history and beliefs visit the Unitarian Universalist Association's Visitor's page.

What Happens on Sunday Morning?

The service begins at 10 o'clock. We usually have a sermon, led by our minister, Rev. Lynn Strauss, or a guest speaker. Our services touch on personal, social and spiritual issues that speak to and affect our congregation. Sometimes a member of the congregation gives a sermon or leads a program. We have special services throughout the year including a Flower Communion to welcome summer and an In-Gathering ceremony in the fall. We also hold special services for Thanksgiving and the December holiday season. You can read or listen to some of our recent sermons here.

The congregation sings two or three hymns during each service and there is always excellent music for reflection or celebration, either from our superb choir or from guest singers and musicians.

After church, you are welcome to join us at coffee hour in Fellowhip Hall adjoining the sanctuary.

You're also welcome to join us before church in room 44 for a half-hour of meditation, beginning at 9:15am.

What About Children?

Several Sundays a month, the children start their Sunday mornings in church with the adults. On other Sundays, they have a short Worship service just for them in the Children's Worship Hall.

We have Sunday School programs for children from pre-school through High School. We try to teach our children to think for themselves, while guiding them on moral and ethical behavior. Loving nursery care is provided for the youngest children and infants.

The 7 Principles in Children's Language

1. Each person is important.
2. Be kind in all you do.
3. We’re free to learn together.
4. We search for what is true.
5. All people need a voice.
6. Build a fair and peaceful world.
7. We care for Earth’s lifeboat.

What should I wear to this church?

Clothes worn at UUCR range from suits to jeans, but the majority of adults wear “business casual” to Sunday services. Children should wear clothes suitable for art projects and outdoor activity.

Where is UUCR?

Click here for map and directions.

How do I Join UUCR?

To become a member of UUCR, you need only sign the church membership book. That's all there is to it. Unitarian Universalism is non-creedal; that is, members are not required to affirm or adhere to any set of beliefs.

Prior to joining, it is important that you understand what Unitarian Universalism stands for and what church membership means. The best way to gain such an understanding is to attend UUCR's class called Path to Membership, a series of two sessions offered on successive Sundays in March and October. Unitarian Universalism is non-creedal; that is, members are not required to affirm or adhere to a particular set of beliefs. At the second session, participants are invited to join the congregation by signing the Membership Book. New members are then welcomed into the congregation during a Sunday morning service, usually a week or two after the class ends.

There are also books, video tapes, pamphlets, and our Membership Brochure that describe Unitarian Universalism.

We would love to have you visit!