First-Time Visitors
Welcome! We’re glad you want to explore our community of faith. What We BelieveOur Order of WorshipWelcome!
Welcome to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville’s website. Generations have found their way to our doors as spiritual seekers, justice doers, and meaning makers. We are a non-creedal tradition (meaning we don’t hold any particular belief). Instead, we are a covenantal tradition organized around how we want to live in community with each other and organized around Unitarian Universalism’s Seven Principles. We welcome all who wish to join us as we seek to be a community founded on justice and meaning-making.
If you’re interested in learning more about us or are thinking about becoming a member, please fill out this Visitor Connection Form and we”ll be in contact with you.
Our core values define us as a congregation and direct us in what we do. These values of Connection, Inspiration, Compassion and Justice express who we are and guide the work we do both within our walls and in the greater community. Our members are committed to uplifting the UU values in the work they do for social and environmental justice, spiritual deepening and congregational care. Whether you are searching for meaning, mending a broken heart, or simply needing some friends who share your values, UUCA is here for you: connecting, caring, and healing.
Even, or maybe especially, during these unusual times, we have found that in community we have the power and the strength to create positive change in the world. There are opportunities for:
1) worshiping,
2) joining small groups to learn more about this religion, explore life issues, and deepen our spiritual selves,
3) experiencing community through educational programs and service opportunities,
4) taking our faith and values out to the world in whatever ways we can to seek justice in this unjust world.
To become a member of UUCA, you do not need to recite a creed or follow a church doctrine. We welcome all people, whoever you are, wherever you come from, whomever you love. To find out more information about membership, spiritual deepening, social groups, and justice ministry available at UUCA during the pandemic, please fill out the online form and you will be contacted by our Connections Coordinator, Venny Zachritz
What to Wear
First-time visitors often wonder what to wear when they visit our congregation. At our regular Sunday services, you’ll see people in a wide range of clothing choices, from “Sunday best” to very casual attire; please wear what helps you feel most comfortable. After all, this is Asheville!
What to Expect
We know that it can be difficult to come into a large group not knowing anyone or how things are done. We want you to feel comfortable and welcome here. Our Sunday service begins at 11:00am on the Sundays between Labor Day and the first Sunday in June. We have very limited parking so be sure to come early–most congregants park on the street.
Before the service
When you enter the foyer, please stop at the Welcome Table to say hello and get a name tag. The person staffing the table will be able to answer your questions about Unitarian Universalism and this congregation. People of all ages attend the first 15-20 minutes of our worship services, and then, when directed, children and teachers in our religious education classes leave for their classrooms.
Your children are welcome to stay with you in the Sanctuary or they can join the children and youth for classes during the school year.
Nursery and childcare for those too young for our Religious Education program are provided during Sunday service.
Families of children who will join RE programming should be sure to check in at the Welcome Table and learn the procedures for signing in and registering children and youth.
If your child has special needs, please contact the Lifespan Religious Coordinator before your visit so we can ensure your child’s inclusion and safety as much as possible.
There is additional information in a rack in the foyer across from the Welcome Table. Feel free to take any pamphlets of interest.
During the service
Our services start with a Time for All Ages, when everyone is in the service together. Near the ending of the service, you will have an opportunity, if you wish, to stand and introduce yourself. This helps us identify you so we may greet you after the service. Our service generally consists of music, readings, meditation, a sermon, offertory and candle lighting to express a concern or joy. On some Sundays we have a guest speaker and/or a lay-led service.
If you should arrive after the service has begun, you may be asked to remain in the foyer for a few minutes and may join the service when directed by an usher.
After the service
Many in the congregation move across the foyer to Sandburg Hall to have coffee, talk with friends, visit tables presenting various activities of the church, and read bulletin boards. If you have any questions, people will again be available at the Welcome Table to help answer them and help you get connected to our faith community. There are also various members who wear “Ask Me” buttons, and so you are encouraged to ask them if there’s a line at the Welcome Table.
We’re glad you’re thinking about visiting us. We’d love to see you!
Enroll your children in Religious Education.
Registration materials are available online or at the RE Welcome Table downstairs.
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