 |
Here you will find the most frequently asked questions about our church along with responses. The broad categories are:
Celebrating Diversity
Directions and Access
Sunday Services and Religious Education
Meaningful Membership
Our Faith
Getting Involved
Celebrating Diversity
Will I be welcome in this congregation?
Whoever you are, wherever you come from, you are welcome in our faith community. After each service we have an area called “Let’s Get Acquainted” which is specifically for visitors and newcomers. Please stop by.
Are people of all races welcome?
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville is open to everyone in our community regardless of racial, ethnic, or economic background.
Are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people welcome in this congregation?
Are there GLBT members?
Our congregation is a Welcoming Congregation for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) persons. This congregation became a Welcoming Congregation in 1999 after a multi-year period of study and reflection by congregation members. We fulfill our role as a Welcoming Congregation by offering GLBT persons a religious home free of discrimination and we do have GLBT members and friends who are active in the church.
What do the members of this church have in common?
Our church is centered in a covenant, an agreement among ourselves as a community of religious seekers to walk together in an attitude of respect and love. Unitarian Universalist churches as a group have covenanted to affirm and promote certain principles in religious search, such as the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity and compassion; acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth; a free and responsible search for truth and meaning; the right of conscience and use of the democratic process; the goal of world community and respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.
Directions and Access
How do I get to your church?
We are located at One Edwin Place in Asheville, NC, just a few minutes from the intersection of I-240 and Charlotte Street. Please see Directions for directions, street maps, campus map and where to park.
Is your church accessible to the disabled?
Yes. See the Campus Map for information on the accommodations we have available for parking and building access. We provide large print orders of service, an assisted listening system, and a Braille hymnal.
Sunday Services and Religious Education
What time is your service?
We generally hold two services each Sunday, one at 9:15am and one at 11:15am. From late May through Labor Day weekend we hold one service at 10am. Please see our Sundays on the website for details on upcoming Sundays and the current service schedule.
What do people wear to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville?
The members of our congregation attend Sunday services in various styles of clothing. You may dress formally or dress casually; wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Children are encouraged to dress appropriate to our Religious Education activities which could involve physical movement and art projects. Shorts, casual shirts and sandals are often worn at the summer services.
What goes on during a typical worship service?
Our service generally consists of a welcome, lighting of the chalice, choral music, readings, singing, meditation, sermon, offertory and candle lighting to express a concern or joy. At the beginning of the service, visitors have an opportunity to stand and introduce themselves. On occasion we have intergenerational services when the children attend part or all of the service. On some Sundays we have a guest speaker or a lay led service as noted in the Sunday section of the website. Click to see a typical Order of Service.
What's the music like at the Sunday services?
Music, which draws from many genres and traditions, enhances and strengthens our worship experience. Our accomplished Music Director, Lenora Thom, offers piano and organ musical pieces, and directs a 40 voice choir that sings primarily at the 11:15am service. Our Unitarian Universalist hymnal, Singing the Living Tradition, contains a wide variety of music from many traditions and around the world.
May my child stay with me during the service?
Certainly, although we ask that you be considerate of others if your child becomes restless. We have a nursery and Religious Education classes for children up to grade 5 during our early service; and both a childcare nursery and a full Religious Education program (Pre-K through 12) during the late service. Childcare is also available during summer months.
Is there Sunday School during church?
We offer a Religious Education program for grades Pre-K through 5 during the early service and for grades Pre-K through 12 during the late service. See the Religious Education page for more information.
What do children do during the services?
We offer a Religious Education program for grades Pre-K through 5 during the early service and for grades Pre-K through 12 during the late service. Periodically children attend a portion and sometimes all of a service. Often, a story, tale or fable is shared with the children during the service that is age appropriate and related to the topic of the sermon. See the Religious Education page for more information.
Are there services besides those on Sunday mornings?
The minister is available for weddings, memorials and child dedications for members and occasionally for people outside of the church.
How can I learn more?
Stop by our Visitors Information table and the “Let’s Get Acquainted” area on any Sunday and many of your questions will be answered. We have booklets and other materials that will help you better understand our faith and this church. We offer a UU 101 Orientation Class four times per year. Our website has links to other UU organizations where you may find additional helpful information.
Meaningful Membership
What is required to become a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville?
Visit the Membership section for complete details on Steps to Membership, Meaningful Membership and our UU 101 Orientation Class.
Do you have an orientation session for people who want to become members?
The Membership Committee has responsibility for UU 101, an orientation to the Unitarian Universalist faith and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville. At least four classes are held each year. Details about the class are posted in Sandburg Hall, on our website calendar, and in the newsletter. Email Membership@UUAsheville.org for more information.
How do you welcome new members into your congregation?
Shortly after signing the Membership Book, new members are recognized in the newsletter with a short biography so people will get to know you better. Periodically during the year we have a New Member Sunday, when we formally welcome new members into the congregation during a service.
What are the benefits of becoming a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville?
Members of our church receive our monthly newsletter and the UU World magazine, published by the Unitarian Universalist Association. They are also entitled to the services of the minister for weddings, memorial services and child dedications as well as pastoral care services. But perhaps the most important benefits of being a member of our church are the intangible ones: the support and fellowship of a warm, welcoming group of religious seekers, a multigenerational community of people committed to free faith, ethical living and service to justice.
How is the church supported financially?
The financial support of our church comes primarily from the generosity of our members. Other sources include: Sunday collections, building rental, investment earnings, and fund raising events. Our congregation pays directly for staff salaries and benefits, building maintenance and renovation, and program expenses. Members are encouraged to participate in the Annual Budget Drive and make an annual pledge, which is the basis for planning our annual operating budget. Download a 2009-10 Financial Commitment Form here.
Our Faith
What's the mission of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville?
In the tradition of free religion, we are a welcoming and nurturing community for all generations. We come together respecting diversity, celebrating life’s complexity and challenges, honoring the many paths of spiritual growth, and fostering justice and love in the world.
What do Unitarian Universalists believe?
We agree that religious belief arises out of personal experience tested by reason and conscience. That means that in a Unitarian Universalist church you will find people of many different theological perspectives. Some affirm a belief in God; others find no value in such an idea. Some affirm a mystical spirituality; others ground their beliefs in what they can test and see. What we share is the conviction that none of us has attained a fixed and final understanding of religious truth. Truth itself is ever evolving, as is our perception and understanding of it, and our church life is dedicated to exploring the many paths to wisdom. We affirm the worth and dignity of every person and the right of each person to use their own hearts and minds to discern what is true.
What is the importance of the Chalice?
At the opening of our worship services, we light a flame inside a chalice. This flaming chalice has become a well-known symbol of our denomination. It unites our members in worship and symbolizes the spirit of our work. During the offertory, the congregation is invited to light a candle to express a joy or concern in their life. Click Chalice for more on the history of the flaming chalice
Getting Involved
How can I become active in this congregation?
We have numerous Groups who gather to share recreation, conversation and meals throughout the year. Our monthly newsletter and this website provide information about these activities. See the section Activities/Getting Involved.
What social justice activities do you have?
We commit our faith to action and demonstrate through our service to others what we say with our mouths. The church is actively engaged in a number of social causes however there are many opportunities in each of our lives for outreach to others. Acts of caring are an essential part of belonging to a faith community. Click the Social Justice Council link for more details.
What goes on at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville during the week?
There are numerous church and community meetings or events. You may find out about current activities and Events at the website, on the Calendar, in the newsletter or in the Order of Service insert. Also, there is an information table in Sandburg Hall on Sundays and notices are posted on bulletin boards.
|
