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,
Candee Cole. 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 and activities regularly as you become comfortable among us.
We also suggest you attend the periodic course offering called "The New UU
Class", a helpful orientation held on a Saturday, usually late in October,
January and April. Or you may ask to have a membership conversation with a
minister. Meanwhile, investigate groups and activities that might interest you
and get to know other Cedars people. You may
download our pamphlet on
"Meaningful Membership" [PDF] here or pick one up at the
Welcome Table on Sunday morning. 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
congregation's operating budget. You don't have to sign a statement of creed or
belief. Currently, "Joining Sundays" are immediately after the first service of
each month, when our Membership Book will be available to sign up front. We
generally consider joining to be a significant movement from saying "This I
believe" to "Here I stand."
