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Why You Should Not Be a Unitarian Universalist [PDF]

A sermon by
Rev. Tony Larson
Used by permission

Welcome Newcomers and Seekers!

Are you:

• surfing the internet because you are curious about religion?

• new to the area and looking for a church?

• questioning what you were brought up to believe and looking for answers?

• looking for a Religious Education program for your children that encourages them to explore their questions?

• a couple looking for a church to marry in because you are from different religious backgrounds?

• bisexual, gay, lesbian or transgendered and looking for a religious home that accepts you unconditionally?

• an atheist or agnostic who seeks community or spirituality?

Imagine a religion that strives to answer these and other questions. All of us have questions, and we invite you to engage in the free and responsible search for truth and meaning; to search for your answers. We have room for your belief and your individuality. We have room for you here at North Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Church.

Please explore our website, which will give you a sense of who we are and what we are about. And come visit us at a Sunday Service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Who's your minister?

As a newly-formed church, we are currently a "lay-led" congregation whose services are conducted by guest ministers, speakers and congregation members. Once our congregation reaches a size that will suport it, we will begin the search for a minister.

When and where are services held?

Sunday Services are on the first and third Sundays of the month at 10:30 am. We meet at the Poulsbo Library, 700 NE Lincoln Road, Poulsbo, WA 98370. Please see our Find Us page for directions.

What should I wear to church?

Wear whatever is comfortable for you. Some of us wear "business casual" others wear jeans or even shorts.

What can I expect when I come to church?

You can expect to be greeted warmly by our greeters and members. There is a table with newcomer information and brochures. If you sign the Guest Book and give us your email address, we will email our newsletter so you can get a feel for what we are about.

The early part of the service includes a welcome, chalice lighting, affirmation, and opening hymn or song. There will often be a short children's message, after which the young ones leave for Religious Education classes, followed by a time to ritually share joys and sorrows. Readings, prayer or silence, hymns and special music are frequently in the middle part of the service. There's also a sermon or presentation, an offering, and a closing hymn. The service ends with closing words and a responsive benediction as the congregation stands in community. Hopefully, you will leave the service with your heart touched and your mind engaged.

Is everyone welcome?

Yes. We welcome all, no matter what your ethnicity, religious belief or non-belief is; it doesn't matter. The only people who may find it difficult to fit in are those who are certain that their way is the right way, and demand that others follow suit. There is no test or creed to join. We need not believe alike to love alike. In our Religious Education program, we do not indoctrinate children by teaching them what they should believe; we try to spark their curiosity about religious questions and provided them with the tools they need to make their own decisions. We welcome bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgendered (BGLT) people.

How do I meet other people at church?

Come to the Sunday Service! Sign a guest card. Watch for newcomers' events in the newsletter or on the website and attend them. Come to a Circle Supper, congregational potluck, or summer potluck. Attend an event or meeting of a group that interests you.

How do I become a member?

We urge you attend our services and activities regularly as you become comfortable among us. We also suggest you attend an orientation class about North Kitsap UU Church and Unitarian Universalism. Classes will be announced throughout the year. Or you may ask to have a membership conversation with the Membership Chair or a church leader. Meanwhile, investigate groups and activities that might interest you and get to know other NKUU people. Once you have decided you want to join, you will be asked to sign the Membership Book and make a pledge of time and financial support to the church and community. You don't have to sign a statement of creed or belief.