Newcomers are greeted warmly and invited to make a name tag, pick up informational brochures, and sign up to receive communications. New families with children are introduced to our Director of Religious Exploration, who shares information about our children’s programs and offers a tour of our welcoming RE classrooms.

Volunteers are available in the Gathering Hall to answer questions about our congregation, Unitarian Universalism, and upcoming activities. After a social time, a chime is our signal to move through the great doors and into the more contemplative atmosphere of our Sanctuary for the morning service.

Our services begin with the ringing of our temple bell following music for gathering. Services weave together words, music, and silence, combining familiar rituals and informal moments inspiring us to pursue our spiritual journey and challenging us to live out our UU principles. Most services have elements in common—short readings, hymns and songs, chalice lighting and extinguishing, reciting of our covenant, sharing of joys and sorrows, a time of meditation, a sermon or talk, and an offering. All children are included in the first part of the service; in the summer months during our 10 a.m. service, the congregation sings our children to their classrooms after the Time for All Ages. Childcare for children 3 and younger is provided during the 10 a.m. services.

Our Minister preaches three times a month from September through June and occasionally throughout the summer. Other services are lay-led or feature guest speakers. On Sundays when the minister is not preaching, and especially during the summer months, we use a variety of alternative formats including panels, guest presentations, and programs featuring music and the arts. Sermons and presentations offer inspiration and spiritual nourishment, intellectual challenge, inter-generational connections, and exploration of the living traditions of Unitarian Universalism. We have several all-ages services during the year where all ages share in the service together. Highlights of the church year include the Ingathering Service and Water Communion in the fall, Solstice and Christmas Eve services in winter, and Easter Sunday and Flower Communion in the spring.

Music is a moving and inspirational part of our worship services. Our choir, led by our Music Director, is a dedicated group of singers who rehearse weekly and perform twice a month at both services, with a break in July and August. There is special music on many other Sundays, provided by instrumentalists, small ensembles, soloists, or our house band, which performs less traditional music.

Community Hour

Our Community Hour, from 11:15 a.m. to noon (during summer schedule), is a time for connecting, deepening relationships, and learning about the many possibilities for engagement and participation at UUFCO and beyond. Visitors, friends, members, and children gather in the Pete Seeger Gathering Hall for coffee and social time — greeting newcomers, sharing in informal conversations, and checking out our information kiosk to find out what’s going on at UUFCO.