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How to Do Church at First Unitarian

Attending a church for the first time (or even the second or third time) can be somewhat daunting, even for extroverts. First Unitarian Church offers many ways for you to connect and many people who can provide guidance. We hope the following information will be helpful in connecting you to the activities that are of interest.

VISIT - FIND YOUR WAY

Find the church

We are located at the corner of Charles and Franklin Streets in the heart of Baltimore's Mount Vernon District. Our Parish Hall is on Charles Street, directly behind the main building (go around the corner). For Map
 
Attend a service Sept. - June: 11 am
July - August: 10 am
Check calendar for location and topic
 
Find out what a typical service is like View a typical Order of Service
 
Find out what's going on Sign up for Happenings, our weekly e-mail update; or check the calendar
 
Determine the buildings' accessibility We strive to make our buildings accessible to all. We have ASL interpreters, amplified headphones, large-print hymnals and bulletins, Braille hymnals, a lift, a ramp, and an accessible restroom
 
Find a parking space Parking is free in the Franklin Street garage across from our front entrance - Sundays until 1 pm, $1/hour thereafter (max. $4); there is 2-hour free parking on Cathedral Street. (Meters do not have to be fed on Sundays.)
 
Get a nametag An usher will give you a nametag as you enter the Sanctuary, or you can pick one up at the Welcome Table in the Parish Hall during coffee hour.
 
What to wear We are as diverse in our attire as we are in our beliefs - jeans, dresses, or three-piece suits. Be comfortable!
 
What to do with your children Children and infants are always welcome in our services. There is a Children's Corner in the back of the sanctuary on the Charles Street side. Here, little ones can play, color, and look at picture books. A Nursery, staffed by an experienced caregiver, also is available for babies and toddlers  (through age 2).  Children 3 and older are welcome to join our Sunday school classes (even if you are just visiting). Ask an usher to show you where classes are meeting.

DETERMINE IF FIRST U IS FOR U
Figure out if U are already a UU Answer some questions on the BeliefNet Website to find out what religion fits you best. Stop by the Welcome Table in the Parish Hall to pick up info, ask questions, and chat with a member. Sign up for a Beginnings Class. Check the calendar for the next class.
 
Learn the mission and vision of First Unitarian Explore the Mission/Vision Web page

 
See what type of people make up our membership As a diverse congregation united by core values, we come from various religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. All people are valued here. As individuals and as a congregation, we benefit from our differences.
 
Find out what is unique about UU beliefs Check out What We Believe, including our Seven Principles, and the sources of our tradition. Wallet-size cards are available at the Welcome Table in the Parish Hall.
 
Learn about spiritual development at First Unitarian Visit our Faith and Fellowship Development page

 
Learn about our Religious Education Program for children and youth Religious Education for Children and Youth

 
Read past sermons and newsletters Sermons and Newsletters
 
Meet our Board members Board
 
Discover First Unitarian history Our church was established in 1817 and is a Baltimore landmark. Learn more Church History


MEET PEOPLE - MAKE FRIENDS
Connect with people Stop in at Coffee Hour after services and visit the Welcome Table
 
Join a small group that shares your interests Visit: Activities or contact: Covenant Groups
 
Learn who's who  Meet the Minister, Board, Staff, Committee Chairs
 
Take a class Contact our Adult Religious Education Chair: Adult RE. A Beginnings Class is a good place to start. Check the calendar for the next class.


JOIN IN THE JOURNEY - COMMUNICATE
Receive our e-mail newsletter Send an email message to Happenings
 
Make use of the website From calendar to committees to discussion board to church activities


JOIN IN THE JOURNEY - PARTICIPATE
Sing, play an instrument, join the choir contact Music Committee or Jim Houston, Director: Music
 
Learn what membership means Participate in a Beginnings Class; Stop by the Welcome Table in the Parish Hall. web page. Check our Membership web page
 
Become a member Contact our Minister Minister, or stop by the Welcome Table to sign the Membership Book
 
Let us know your interests Fill out a New Member/Visitor Questionnaire; place it in the collection plate or mail to the office
 
Teach a class - Adult Contact the ARE Committee Chair: Adult RE
 
Teach a class - Children/youth Contact the RE Director: RE Director
 
Enroll your child in the Religious Education Program Contact the RE Director: RE Director
 
Join a small group that shares your interests Contact Small Group Coordinator: Covenant Groups
 
Start a small group Discuss your ideas with our Minister: Minister
 
Work on projects with others Explore options
 
Gather with UU's in your neighborhood Contact our Neighborhood Caring Circle Coordinator: Caring Circles
 
Join our Young Adult Group Visit the Young Adult web page or contact: Young Adults and enjoy outings like Movie Night
 
Join Interweave Visit the Faith and Fellowship web page or contact: Interweave email Listserv
 
Serve as an usher Contact our Usher Coordinator: Ushers
 
Write/edit for the Beacon Send articles as MS Word attachments to: Beacon
 
Put stuff on the website Contact WebEditor
 
Serve as a host at the Welcome Table Contact: Membership
 
Join our Social Action Clearinghouse Contact SocialAction
 
Enjoy stimulating monthly book group discussions Contact: Book Group
 
Explore the meaning of your dreams Contact Dream Group
 


BUILD YOUR PERSONAL MINISTRY
Determine your calling, gifts, and talents and how to use them in service to the church and community Meet with our minister. Contact: Minister
Introduce a friend to First Unitarian Invite your friend to attend a service with you and to visit our website
 
Make a contribution Make check payable and send to First Unitarian Church, 1 W. Hamilton St. 21201
 
Make a pledge Use our handy pledge form; drop it in the collection plate or mail to the office
 
Include the church in your will Learn about various options on our Heritage Club page


WHAT ELSE?
Rent the Parish Hall or Sanctuary Check availability on the calendar
Find Rental Policies and a Rental Form on our Facilities page
 
Hold your wedding or holy union at First Unitarian Review the information on our Wedding/Union page:
Space Use and Charges, Policies and Procedures
Contact our Wedding/Union Coordinator Weddings/Unions