Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Newcomers Want to Know Before Their First Visit
This FAQ is for people new to the Unitarian
Universalist Church of Norwich (UUCN). There's also an organizational FAQ, that
will help you figure out how to get specific things done.
What makes Unitarian Universalists
different?
Our openness, questioning attitudes, and
willingness to listen. We don't claim to have all the answers to life's
mysteries - who could - and what fun would that be anyway? Instead, a
Unitarian-Universalist's (UU's) challenge is to discover life's meaning for him
or herself; but none of us is alone in this task. We help each other in many
ways, including sharing our discoveries, our questions, and our ways of finding
answers - we have a lot of fun at the same time!
What do its members think of UUCN?
Some of our members have been with us for
over 30 years - and since we are a small congregation, we talk to each other
quite often about what the church and the community mean to us. Members tell us
that UUCN is a place of comfort for people whose spirituality doesn't always fit
within the confines of traditional religion, or within any religion. We are
gentle with each other, and respect each others' ways while learning from each
other and from our experiences.
UUCN is a mixture of interdependence and
independence. We help each other, while at the same time respecting each others'
right to conscience and to worship in ways that best fit our own hearts and
minds.
What is the religious background of
UUCN members?
To some extent, Unitarian-Universalism is a
haven for spiritual refugees. Many of our members were raised in another faith,
but found they couldn't accept the beliefs they were expected to adopt. Other
members are not religious in the conventional sense; some do not believe in god.
However, they are interested in meaning, in morality, in the larger questions of
life. You will also find members at UUCN who were raised as
Unitarian-Universalists from the very beginning. At UUCN, we can all talk about
deep issues without fear of censure.
Is everyone welcome?
Yes. One of our Unitarian-Universalism's
central beliefs is respect for everyone. Whether black, white, gay, straight,
Christian, atheist ... it doesn't matter. The only people who would find it
difficult to fit in are those who are certain that their way is the right way,
and demand that others follow suit without consideration for the feelings and
experiences of others. We do not dictate what our members must believe - we
firmly believe that exploration is a good thing, and that we must continue to
live our principle that we affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of
every person.
How big is UUCN?
We are a growing church - right now the
congregation is small and intimate, and while we are actively seeking more members,
we have no immediate plans to become a "megachurch." We are also
searching for a new 'physical' home, having recently contracted to sell our
historic old stone building. We are committed to staying in the greater Norwich
area.
When are services?
From 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. We
have "Coffee and Conversation" afterward, so plan on staying until 10:30 a.m. or
so.
Where are services?
We are currently holding services in the
lower parlor at United Congregational Church (UCC), located at 87 Broadway,
right across the street from Norwich City Hall. Parking is available at the
municipal parking structure right next to UCC.
What is the dress code?
Dress is casual. Jeans and a casual shirt
are fine. Some people dress more formally, so you can too, if you want.
If I visit, can I bring my children?
We welcome children in our services - we
try to include information and inspiration for all ages in our services.
If I visit, will there be a 'hard
sell?'
No. We believe in free
choice. In fact, the right of personal conscience is one of our basic
principles. We do encourage you to visit multiple times, and if you have
questions, please feel free to talk with our members or the President of the
Board of Management.
If I visit, should I put money in the
collection basket or plate?
That's up to you. You can add a few dollars
if you want, or nothing at all. We are happy to receive donations from visitors.
Is there a central organization?
Yes. UUCN is a member of the Unitarian
Universalist Association, and more specifically, the Clara Barton District
within the UUA. We govern ourselves, however. We hire our own minister and / or
staff, create
our own services, design our own education programs, and so on. The UUA is a
support organization, not a governing body.
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