You are welcome to UUCSF!
Visitors, out of town UU's, and long time Santa Fe residents are all welcome at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Fe. This is a community with a wide diversity of backgrounds. Members of the congregation include agnostics, atheists, humanists, theists, Buddhists, Christians, and celebrators of earth based religions. We offer everyone a community that will help you grow your own faith, an opportunity to work with others on the same faith journey, and a religious education for our children to help them make informed and ethical choices in their lives.
What should I wear?
Santa Fe is host to many visitors who share our rich cultural history. Santa Fe has a relaxed dress code that reflects our laid back approach to life as well as our tourist economy. UUCSF has that same attitude to attire. While a few members wear dressier outfits, the majority wear casual clothing. Children should wear comfortable clothes and their normal footwear.
When should I arrive?
It is best to arrive about 15-20 minutes before service, especially if you have children. This will give you and your children time to meet the Religious Education teachers before service begins. Services are normally at 9:30 and 11:00 AM. During the summer, we have one service at 10:00.
Where do I park and enter the church?
There is a large “L” shaped parking lot around the church. You may park in any space, and there are reserved parking places marked “Sunday Visitor Parking”. There are doorways from both sides of the parking lot that enter our inner courtyard. They both lead to the front entry.
What happens after I walk in?
A greeter will welcome you as you enter our front door. The greeter will be able to give you information about this congregation and where to enter the services. They will also give you a chance to give us some information about yourself. If you request it, we will send you several editions of our UUCSF newsletter, El Centinela. You may also ask the greeter to point out our information brochure rack. It will have more information about UUCSF as well as the Unitarian Universalist faith.
What are services like?
When you enter Fogelson Hall, an usher will welcome you and hand you an order of service. You may sit anywhere you like in the worship space, but the left front section is used by people sensitive to fragrances. Towards the beginning of the service, one of the worship leaders will ask if anyone is a visitor. If you are comfortable, you may choose to stand and give your name and where you are from. The service normally consists of opening words, several hymns, some instrumental music, two or more readings, a sermon, and an offering. After services we meet just outside of Fogelson Hall or, weather permitting, in the courtyard, to have a cup of coffee and talk. If you would like coffee (or tea) please take a maroon coffee cup, free to our visitors, so that others may greet you.
What about my children?
If you have children we will be glad to introduce you to a leader in our children and youth Religious Education program. The RE program is at 11:00, the same time as our second service. If you want more information about this program please look at the Lifespan Religious Education information on this website. Of course your children may sit with you in the services if they choose.
Will someone try to pressure me to join or convert?
While Unitarians Universalist are very open to others joining our faith and congregation, you will not be pressured to join. If you consider joining UUCSF you should take some time to attend services, allow your children to participate in youth religious education, and consider how well Unitarian Universalism fits your personal faith. If you decide to join the congregation, we offer a set of newcomer classes. The actual process of joining is quite simple: You sign our membership book and make a commitment of your time, talent and treasure to support this congregation.
