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):
When
and where are services held?
Services are on
Sunday at 10:00 am. We meet at The Playhouse, 200 Madison Avenue N.
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 and members. There is a table in the foyer
with newcomer information, brochures, and copies of The Beacon, our
church newsletter. If you sign our Guest Book, we will send you The Beacon
for three months so you can get a feel for what we are about.
A bell in the foyer will
announce the start of the service. The
service begins with a welcome message by a member of the Board of Trustees.
Visitors are asked to introduce themselves if they are comfortable doing so.
Another bell announces the beginning of worship, with opens with a chalice
lighting, an affirmation, and an opening hymn or song. There will
sometimes be a
children’s story after which the children leave for Religious
Education classes. There is a time to share joys and sorrows. Readings,
hymns and special music are part of the service. A sermon is given, an offering
taken, and a closing hymn is sung. The service ends with the congregation
holding hands while a benediction is given.
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 to bisexual,
gay, lesbian, and transgendered (BGLT) people.
How
do I meet other people at Cedars?
Come to church!
Sign the guest book. 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 Summer Potluck or 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 a new member orientation or membership conversation. 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.
