Welcome Visitors and Seekers!

Are you:

Imagine a religion that strives to answer these and other questions.  All of us have questions, and we invite you to engage in the free and responsible search for truth and meaning; to search for your answers.  We have room for your belief and your individuality.  We have room for you, here, at Cedars Unitarian Universalist Church.

Please explore our website, which will give you a sense of who we are and what we are about.  And come visit us on Sunday morning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Who's your minister?
In 2008 we called a "clergy couple" co-ministry team to fill our one ministry position, which they job-share. See a profile of the Reverends Barbara and Jaco ten Hove here, read their latest newsletter column here, and a sample of their sermons here.

When and where are services held?
Services are on Sunday at 10:00 am.  We meet at The Island School, 8553 NE Day Road W. on Bainbridge Island.  Please see our Map and Directions page for our meeting location and where to park. 

What should I (and my children) wear to church?
Wear whatever is comfortable for you.  Some of us wear "business casual" others of us wear jeans or even shorts.  Children may have art projects or outdoor activities in their Religious Education (RE) program. They should dress comfortably so they can actively engage in the program.

Is there childcare/Sunday school during the church service?
Children usually remain in the service for the first 15 to 20 minutes for a gathering song and story.  Then they go to age appropriate RE classes for the remainder of the hour.  Childcare for infants and toddlers is always available.

May I go to class with my children or keep them with me?
Do whatever is most comfortable for you and your child.  If you would like to have a sense of what is happening in the classroom, or your child feels more at ease with you present, feel free to go to the class.  You will be assured that your child is safe, comfortable and in good care with attentive teachers.  You may then stay for the class or return to the service.  If you and your child would like to stay together in the service, feel free to do so.

What can I expect when I come to church?

You can expect to be greeted warmly by our greeters, members, co-ministers Barbara & Jaco ten Hove and Religious Education Director, Kim Beyer-Nelson. There is a table in Webster Hall with newcomer information, brochures, and copies of The Beacon, our monthly church newsletter. If you sign a Guest Card and give us your e-mail address, we will e-mail you The Beacon so you can get a feel for what we are about.

A bell usually announces the start of the service, which is led by a lay “Worship Associate” and one of our co-ministers (or occasionally a guest speaker). The early part of the service includes a welcome, Flaming Chalice Dedication (honoring and personalizing this symbol of Unitarian Universalism), affirmation, and opening hymn or song. There will often be a short children’s message, after which the young ones leave for Religious Education classes, followed by a time to ritually share joys and sorrows. Readings, prayer or silence, hymns and special music are frequently in the middle part of the service. (Our choir sings regularly, led by our accomplished Music Director/Pianist Chris Smellow.) There’s also a sermon or presentation, an offering (on the fourth Sunday the entire collection goes to a social justice or community organization), and a closing hymn. The service ends with closing words and a responsive benediction as the congregation stands in community. Hopefully, you will leave the service with your heart touched and your mind engaged.

Is everyone welcome?
Yes. We welcome all, no matter what your ethnicity, religious belief or non-belief is; it doesn't matter.  The only people who may find it difficult to fit in are those who are certain that their way is the right way, and demand that others follow suit.  There is no test or creed to join.  "We need not believe alike to love alike."  In our Religious Education program, we do not indoctrinate children by teaching them what they should believe; we try to spark their own curiosity about religious questions and provided them with the tools they need to make their own decisions.  After as series of awareness workshops, and a vote of the congregation, our church has been designated a Welcoming Congregation by the UUA, which means that we especially welcome bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgendered (BGLT) people.

How do I meet other people at Cedars?
Come to church!  Sign a guest card.  Watch for newcomers' events in The Beacon or on the website and attend them.  Offer to help in the RE program.  Sing in the choir.  Come to a congregational potluck.  Attend a committee meeting or a group event that interests you.  Call a committee or group chair to have coffee and discuss even more options for getting involved.

How do I become a member?
We urge you attend our services until you are comfortable with us.  We also suggest you attend Cedars 101, a new member orientation or have a membership conversation with a minister.  Investigate committees and other groups.  Once you have decided you want to join, you will be asked to sign the membership book and make a pledge of support to the church.  That's it!  You don't have to sign a statement of creed or belief.  Joining our church is a statement of support for your religious community.

Send e-mail to Webmeister with questions or comments about this website.   
Last modified: September 02, 2010.  © CUUC 2001 - 2009, all rights reserved.  Website designed and maintained by