Your First Visit to the Piedmont UU Church
When you enter the church, you will be greeted, given the opportunity to make a name tag, and receive a service program. We encourage you to fill out a visitor card to help us learn about you, and give you the opportunity to receive our monthly newsletter. If you have any questions, you may ask the greeter at the door.
What is the dress code at church?
Members of the congregation wear everything from jeans and shorts to Sunday best. Wear whatever makes you comfortable.
Where do I sit?
Sit anywhere in the sanctuary except the section reserved for the choir.
Is there Sunday school?
Children generally remain in the sanctuary for the beginning of the service. They leave for their Religious Education (RE) classes together at the time in the sevice when the congregation "sings them out."
What about infants and children under the age of three?
Childcare is provided for free in the nursery during the service. Ask the greeter for more information.
After the service you are invited to stay for coffee or tea and snacks. We welcome the opportunity to get to know you better!
What happens at a Sunday service?
In the beginning of each service we light the Chalice, which is a primary symbol of our faith. Elements of worship include music and singing, readings, candles of sharing, an offering, time for silent meditation and prayer, a sermon, and benediction. The service is approximately one hour long.
What happens in the children's Religious Education classes?
The children gather in small groups according to grade level, and meet with a teacher or teachers. RE has many aspects; there is a time for centering and worshipful gathering, stories, engaging activities and play, social justice projects, and lessons about UUism, history, living our UU values, and other world religions. For more information, contact our RE Coordinator Liz Grimes.
Are there any open adult religious exploration groups or spirituality groups?
Yes, we have a variety of adult religious exploration opportunities that range from social activities and adult RE courses to spiritual practice groups.
What is the Newcomer Orientation Class?
The Newcomer Orientation class is a great place for newcomers, as well as those who have been part of our congregation for years. Clergy and lay leaders discuss the structure of our congregation, our worship, religious exploration, and social justice programs. We also discuss the UU Principles and Purposes and briefly review the history of the UU movement.
Participation in a Newcomer Orientation Class is a required step on the path to church membership. The classes are held once a month in the meeting house after the service. For more information on the UU 101 Classes, please contact membership @ puuc.org
How is this church different from others?
Our congregation expresses a diverse range of theologies, and all are welcome. We choose to worship sharing our commonly held beliefs expressed in the Principles and Purposes. We offer both the freedom and the responsibility to create a personal theology that has roots in history, yet is vibrantly alive in our everyday interactions.
Resources:
The History of the Flaming Chalice
Movie about Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church
Sunday order of service example
Rituals and Traditions at Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church
WFAE audio piece about Unitarian Universalism, featuring Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church