Visiting a new church or trying a new or different religion can be make one uneasy or anxious.  Here is some information about what to expect when you visit our congregation and hope we will make you feel comfortable.

Come as You Are

When preparing to come to a service for the first time, feel free to come as you are most comfortable. Some people come each week dressed up and more formal, while several others are quite casual. This "come as you are" atmosphere extends beyond mere clothing and other adornments. We welcome all seekers regardless of any prior religious affiliation (or none as the case may be).

Parking

Sunday mornings, you may park in the parking spaces adjacent to the church or along the neighborhood streets (see map and directions).  Parking is also available at the West Lafayette High School.

Prior to the Service

Although the main service does not start until 10:30 am, many people arrive early for the Sunday Morning Forum that takes place prior to each service. If you would like to attend a forum, plan to arrive by 9:00 am and go to Room 101. Please consult the Forum web page or newsletter for the topic to be discussed. The Sunday Morning Forum concludes at 10:00 am.

One or more greeters will welcome you as you enter the front door.  You will be invited to make a name tag.  Informational pamphlets and other reading materials about the church and Unitarianism are available in the front entry way.   The greeters will talk to you and answer any questions you might have and direct you to the sanctuary.  If you have children, you will be introduced to the Religious Education Director and the children will be shown their classrooms.  Children under 5 can be cared for in the nursery or classroom, and other children participate in the first part of the service with the whole congregation. 
 

The Service

Gathering music plays as people gather and seat themselves.  The service begins at 10:30.  All are welcomed and visitors have an opportunity to introduce themselves if they wish to.  Announcements are made.  A child performs the lighting of a chalice, the primary symbol of Unitarian Universalism, while a reading takes place.  Everyone joins in singing a hymn and the recitation of our Covenant.  There is a story for all ages, where children are invited to come forward to participate.  The children leave for religious education classes as the congregation sings them out. 

The service is sometimes led by our minister, the Reverend Hilary Krivchenia, and sometimes led by lay people in the church.  The topic of sermons vary widely.  Check our newsletter for the topics of this month's services. Other activities that occur during services include: singing hymns, special music, readings from the minister and/or worship associates , receiving of an offering, the sermon, children's story, and meditation, silent reflection or prayer.  Once a month, we also offer space for recognizing the Joys and Concerns of our members, friends, and visitors. People may light a candle and share their joy or concern with the congregation.

The service concludes with a hymn, closing words and a musical postlude.

After the Service

Immediately after the service we gather in the fellowship hall for coffee and conversation.  Here we encourage visitors to help others recognize you by taking a colored cup, so that we may properly welcome you. This is a time of lively conversation, sharing and getting to know each other.

We encourage visitors to sign the visitor book at the back of sanctuary and put an asterisk by their name if they wish to receive mailings of our monthly newsletter. 

Children are dismissed from their religious education classes at 11:45 and most people leave by 12:15 pm.