Newcomer FAQ

When do you meet?

Weekly Sunday morning church service begins at 10:30 AM. Check our Calendar page for events details.

Where do you meet?

4451 Dunsmore Avenue in La Crescenta, CA. See our Map & Directions page.

What do I wear to church?

You are welcome to wear whatever makes you comfortable. "Business casual" is generally the norm here. For men, Dockers or jeans and a shirt with a collar (no tie) are common and women wear dresses or pants/jeans. Some prefer to don their "Sunday best" and that's great too. We want your children to be comfortable and will provide smocks for them if they happen to be doing a craft with paints or some other potentially messy activity.

Will I be pressured to join or to be saved?

No. In fact, people sometimes think we are being aloof because we don't approach our visitors as if we were selling used cars. We'll welcome you at the door. We'll send you our newsletter for a while. We'd be happy to have you join us, but we won't try to push ourselves onto you. We'll never pressure you to be saved, either. We don't believe in salvation by grace. That is where the "Universalist" part of "Unitarian-Universalists" comes in which you can read more about on our Beliefs FAQ page.

Is there Children's Sunday School during church?

Not at a separate class. We are a multi-generational congregation and value the "Family Service". Kids are separated all week long into different classrooms and we find that bringing everyone together in worship creates a meaningful experience for the children and adults alike. Even though our Service is designed for the whole family, we do understand that young children can get restless. So, we provide each child with a "Kid Kit" of UU relevant coloring pages, crayons, activities & stickers in a take-home tote which entertains them as needed.

For children under 3 years old who may need a quiet space, we have a nursery and playroom adjacent to the Sanctuary with lots of books & toys and an area for diaper changing. Please feel comfortable exiting & re-entering Worship Service as your child may need.

How can an agnostic go to church?

By private automobile, bicycle or on foot.

Seriously, this is one of the things about us that puzzles people. Why would an agnostic (atheist, humanist...) go to church? We give people a place to explore and grow spiritually. We teach their children to respect all religions. We give people a chance to work for social justice in a group. An agnostic working alone would have a hard time feeding 120 homeless people. Finally, there is the social aspect. Even agnostics like potlucks.

Are you "the church that doesn't believe in anything"?

No. We believe in many things, among them the worth and dignity of every person. We don't all believe the same thing about the nature of God. This annoys, amuses and confuses Protestants, Catholics and Jews alike.

Will I be welcome?

Yes. We mean that welcoming statement on the Home page. Over the years UUCVH has grown our membership with people of every income level, every nationality, young and old, walking and wheeling, straight, lesbian and gay. We have people of many different heritages and cultures. We have engineers, carpenters, teachers, bakers, writers, artists, computer programmers, unemployed people, house wives, house husbands, lawyers, students and retired people. We welcome them all. We will welcome you.

Will I be welcome even if I'm gay or lesbian?

Yes. Our denomination is famous for welcoming people regardless of affectional orientation or gender indentity.

What goes on during the worship services?

A typical service lasts about an hour and includes a welcome greeting, musical interludes with meditation/prayer, singing hymns, responsive readings, a multi-generational lesson which leads in to the sermon, and finally, a closing. After the Service, we share refreshments and conversation (with juices & snacks for the kids) in our Fellowship Hall.

Does your denomination have diverse beliefs?

Yes. Some grew up with orthodox faith; some come from unchurched backgrounds. Some of us are still Christian or Jewish. Some of us are "spiritual but not religious", secular humanists, agnostics or atheists. Some of us believe in earth-based or Pagan spirituality. Some of us are Buddhists. We all believe in the search for truth and a deeper meaning in life.

Where can I learn more?

For a thorough discussion, you can download our 56 page pdf titled "100 Questions Non-Members Ask About Unitarian Universalism".  For quicker answers, check out our Beliefs FAQ page.  Or, Email us anytime. Best yet, come check us out this Sunday!