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Frequently asked questions

What time is the Sunday service?

The Sunday Worship service and the Religious Exploration programming begins each week at 10:30 am. Additionally, there is a morning Forum at 9:30 am.

What should I wear to church?

Some people dress up and some people dress very casually. Wear what feels comfortable to you.

What should I expect at a Sunday morning service?

Our services, generally about an hour in length, are designed to honor our traditions, to connect us with that which is larger than ourselves, to awaken us to awe and wonder, to deepen our spiritual journeys and inspire us to acts of justice and compassion: our services are meant to nurture your spirit and to help heal our world.

Expect to be moved, challenged, stimulated, and valued. Our worship services are in many ways traditional: we sing hymns, enjoy the choir's anthem, read from scripture and classic texts, pause for meditation and silence, and hear a sermon. And our services are in many ways untraditional: we read from cutting edge authors and hear messages that may draw upon ancient wisdom or today's headlines.

Is there childcare or Sunday School during services?

Childcare for infants and toddlers is available during services year round. Religious Exploration classes and social justice activities for older children and youth are held during the program year, mid-August through May. During the summer months, there are classes for Pre-kindergarten through Fourth grade, while older children and teens are welcome to attend the service in the Sanctuary.

If my child doesn't separate well, can my child stay with me during the service?

Your child is always welcome to stay with you during the worship service. Please be considerate of others if your child becomes restless as we have no separate area for parents and children.

What symbols do you display in your churches?

Our Chalice is the main symbol in our sanctuary. At its base you will see symbols from some of the world's major religions affirming that we value the wisdom of many faiths as well as that of science and philosophy.

Are there people in the congregation who hold diverse beliefs?

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion -- that is, a religion that keeps an open mind to the religious questions people have struggled with in all times and places. We believe that personal experience, conscience and reason should be the final authorities in religion, and that in the end religious authority lies not in a book or person or institution, but in ourselves. Thus, we pose no creed, for we believe that religious faith is uniquely personal and evolves as we each engage in our inner search and in our life journey. We believe this quest is enriched and empowered by the diversity of our community.

Here at UUCS people share many different beliefs and backgrounds: Christian, Jewish, Humanist, Agnostic, Atheist, Buddhist, Taoist, Theist, Muslim, Hindu and Earth-centered -- as well as some who follow more than one of these paths.

Are people like me welcome in this congregation?

Here at UUCS we say, ALL are welcome. Our congregation strives to respect and welcome all people. We encourage people of all ages, races, colors, socio-economic backgrounds, ethnic origins, genders, sexual orientations, and enablement to join with us in celebrating life and all of its awesome diversity.

How do I meet other people? How do I get involved?

Attend a service. You will be greeted at the sanctuary doors where you can learn about small group opportunities for education and spiritual growth. Stay for coffee and conversation in the courtyard following the service and for the potluck on the second Sunday of each month.

Give some thought to whether you prefer to meet new people in social or committee related activities; we offer plenty of both options. For example, you can enroll in life-enriching adult education classes or join any number of committees to work on specific projects that match your skills and interests. This web site has a lot of information about our social outreach projects, our social groups and our committee work.

How do I get to the church?

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota is located at 3975 Fruitville Road between McIntosh and Beneva Roads. Click here for directions.

What do I do if I have other questions?

For more information, you are encouraged to contact the church office between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm each weekday at 941-371-4974.