
Attending a church for the first time (or even the 2nd or 3rd time) can be somewhat daunting, even for extroverts. There are many ways to connect at First Unitarian 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 Mt. Vernon District. Our Parish Hall is on Charles Street, directly behind the main building. 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 this week, month | Sign up for Happenings, our weekly E-mail update: Happenings, 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 rest room |
| Find a parking space | Parking is free in the Franklin Street garage across from our front entrance - Sundays until 1:00 pm, $1/hour thereafter (max. $4); there is 2 hour free parking on Cathedral St; 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 to dresses or three-piece suits - be comfortable |
| What to do with your toddler | 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. There is also a Nursery for babies and toddlers (through age 2) staffed by an experienced caregiver. 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. |
| Determine if First UU is for U | |
|---|---|
| Figure out if U are a UU already | Answer some questions at Belief-O-Matic 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 7 Principles, and the sources of our tradition. Wallet size cards are available at the Wecome 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 |
| Read past sermons and newsletters | Sermons and Newsletters |
| Find out the vision and goals of each Board member | Board |
| Discover First Unitarian history | Church History (established in 1817). Sign up for a Beginnings Class Check the calendar for the next class. |
| Meet People and 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 Ministers, 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 Happenings, our weekly 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 | Join the choir - contact 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 Ministers Ministers, 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 Ministers: Ministers |
| 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 with the Dream Group | 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 Reverends Hubbell or Manwell Ministers |
| 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 |