What to Expect at a Sunday Service

Our Sunday services are held at 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary, except during the Summer months when services are held at 10:00 a.m. in the parlor.

Arrival
The church has a large parking lot, which is usually adequate for Sunday morning service. If, however, you find that it's full, you may park next door at Concord Orthopaedics, and walk to the church on the path behind the building.

Although you are welcome to enter directly into the sanctuary, the octagonal structure at the end of the church building, most people come in through the double doors near the large parking lot. You may hang up your coat at the coat rack, and proceed down the hall to the parlor.

In the church parlor you will be greeted by members of our welcoming committee at the visitor’s table. The greeters will answer questions regarding the service, religious education, child care, building amenities and church activities, and can provide you with brochures and information regarding Unitarian-Universalism. You will be invited to fill out and wear a name tag, and to complete a visitor’s form if you wish to be placed on the church mailing list.

Proceed down the hallway and turn left after the chapel. Enter the sanctuary through the double doors. An usher will greet you at the doors and give you an order of service describing the service for that Sunday. You may seat yourself in the sanctuary or ask the usher to assist you in finding a seat.

Children
Children may join adults in the sanctuary for the beginning or all of the service, or they may go directly to their religious education classrooms, depending on the plan for that Sunday. Visitors are always welcome to have their children remain with them in the sanctuary during the entire service. Child care for children under the age of 3 is provided each Sunday in the nursery.

The Service
The service begins with a welcoming message and announcements by the service leader. Visitors may be invited to stand and introduce themselves, but should not feel obligated to do so. The service continues with

• music
• lighting of the chalice
• readings
• hymns
• sharing of joys and sorrows by those who feel moved to speak
• spoken prayer or meditation
• moment of silent prayer, meditation or reflection
• singing by the choir
• sermon
• the collection of an offering, which is usually donated to a local or national charitable organization or relief agency.

At the end of the service, we link hands and sing a short song celebrating our shared feelings of community.

On occasion, services may include

• a children’s story (children are invited to the front of the sanctuary if they wish to go)
• an affirmation by a member (First Sunday Speaker)
• an important announcement or concern read by a member (Matters of Our Lives)
• a joining ceremony for new members
• a dedication ceremony for babies or children
• celebration of a particular religious tradition
• a guest speaker or minister
• a special musical or dramatic presentation.

Services may be quite varied and we invite visitors to attend a few services to gain a fuller impression of the rich diversity of our faith community.

Social Hour
After the service, you are invited to attend the social hour in Fellowship Hall, located across from the church office, for coffee, refreshments and conversation. Visitors are asked to use a green mug to identify themselves so that members may make a special effort to meet and get to know them, to share impressions and experiences, and to welcome them to a church that supports each person’s unique spiritual journey. You should also feel welcome to stop by the visitor’s table in Fellowship Hall to ask any questions you may have and to obtain additional information regarding our church. The social hour usually winds down by 12:30 p.m.

What to Wear
Most members dress casually but neatly, while others prefer to dress up. You may wear whatever seems comfortable for you.

You are Welcome!
We are a Welcoming Congregation. Our members, friends and guests include Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Pagans, humanists, atheists, agnostics, skeptics, seekers, singles, couples, families, heterosexuals, gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people, of different races, ethnic backgrounds, national origins and socio-economic circumstances.