The most important thing to know about us is that you are welcome here!
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Whatever your age, gender, political affiliation, nationality, race, abilities, cultural heritage, or religious upbringing -- whomever you love, whatever your gifts, you are welcome here.
Services are conducted every Sunday at 10 am. You may choose to join us in person, or you may decide to stay in your jammies and join us from home, on Zoom! Whenever you'd like, you are also welcome to visit and explore the rest of our campus. You might see others birdwatching, walking dogs, working in the gardens, meditating on the brick labyrinth, or children playing on the playground. Every Sunday service is unique, so please attend many services to gain a sense of the breadth and depth of Unitarian Universalism. In the meantime, the Membership Committee is happy to answer any questions you might have. Please check the Service Calendar for details. |
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Frequently Asked Questions:
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What us Unitarian Universalism?
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York is a spiritual community that invites questions and explores answers. We engage in a free and responsible search for truth and meaning -- and support one another on that quest. We agree to help each other live and act according to the seven shared Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (listed below).
Except for a few individuals born into the Unitarian Universalist faith, most members of this congregation were once a new visitor. It will take time to determine if this is the place where you want to put down roots. We hope the answer will be “yes,” and you will want to join this community committed to personal growth, shared learning, and social justice. The Seven UU Principles
Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. We live out these Principles within a “living tradition” of wisdom and spirituality, drawn from sources as diverse as poetry, scripture, and personal experience. These are not dogma, but a guide for how to live a meaningful life. Read more.... Where Can I Park?
With the exception of well-marked handicap spaces, parking is available off George Street, as well as Duke Street. We also have several spaces reserved especially for visitors. Will Someone Greet Me When I Arrive? Several friendly faces will be in lobby to greet you. The team at the Welcome Desk is available to answer any questions you have during your visit. |
What Should I Wear?
While some congregants prefer to dress formally, most attend service in comfortable casual clothing. There are no rules here, beyond common decency. Where Can I sit?
There is no assigned seating; however, there is a designated area for the choir, which is typically the front rows on the right side (facing the sanctuary). How do I Learn about the Religious Education Program?
Please contact our Director of Lifespan Faith Development, Matt Shineman at dlre@uucy.org regarding our programs for children, youth and adults. Also refer to the Faith Development page on this website. How Large is the Congregation? We are a congregation of approximately 220 adult members and friends. Average attendance for Sunday Services ranges between 90-100. What Options are there for Children?
It’s up to you. Your children may attend the adult service, or they may participate in the concurrent Religious Education classes. If you choose to have your children attend RE, please be sure to provide your cell number in case you need to be reached during service. (Each classroom has at least two adults and child-safety background checks are conducted on all RE teachers.} How do I get on the Email List?
Email to office@uucy.org to receive the UUCY’s weekly newsletter and the Zoom link for Sunday Services. UUCY is a Welcoming Congregation--
What Does That Mean? Twenty-five years ago, UUCY became a Welcoming Congregation. UUCY extends a warm welcome to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, and others (LGBTQIA+) individuals, families, and communities. We work to promote acceptance, inclusion, understanding, and equity for LGBTQIA+ persons of all ages, abilities, colors, and genders, both within our denomination and in society at large. We are committed to protecting the civil and legal rights of LGBTQIA+ people and families across the country. 
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Who is the Minister?
Our minister, Jennifer Raffensperger, is typically in the pulpit two to three times a month; other services are led by guest ministers or lay-leaders. The minister is available and happy to answer questions you may have about Unitarian Universalism or UUCY. You may contact her at revjen@uucy.org. Is Hospitality Offered After the Worship Service?
Usually there is coffee and tea after service in our Lobby area...hopefully, we can start doing that once COVID goes down a bit more. Right now we gather outside so we can unmaks, and often someone brings cookies to share! After Sunday Services the lobby can be a bit overwhelming to newcomers – so we encourage you to take a few minutes to visit us at the Welcome Desk. We are also available via email to answer questions during the week at membership@uucy.org How Can I Learn More About This Faith Tradition?
Many sources exist to learn more about our free religious tradition. You could start with pamphlets in our lobby, talking to our members or join an orientation class. Many books and multi-media sources about Unitarian Universalism are available to inform, delight, and challenge you. You may like to start with the links below. Where are the Bathrooms?
There is a single bathroom on the main floor opposite the sanctuary and multiple bathrooms downstairs and to the left. |
