What to Expect
Visitors are warmly welcomed to a meaningful service of reflection, music, shared community, and connection.
A meaningful time together.
As you enter 1st U from the front on Fulton St., you will be warmly greeted and given a printed “Order of Service”. (The accessible entrance is on the west side of the building.) Find a seat in the beautiful, historic sanctuary and take in the stained-glass windows. Each has a meaning and a story.
The opening is announcements followed by the lighting of the chalice with these words: The chalice is a symbol of our Principles, our denomination and our congregation – open at the top to new thoughts, ideas and information – round at the bottom to hold and support us in our journey through life. We light the flame as a symbol of the warmth and illumination we share with each other and with our community.
The Affirmation of Faith is then recited (it is printed in the Order of Service and on the wall at the front of the Service area):
Love is the doctrine of this church, the quest for truth is its sacraments, and service is its prayer. To dwell together in peace, to seek knowledge in freedom, to serve human needs – For these high purposes do we unite in worship.
The congregation is then asked to express their joys and sorrows. This is followed by the offering collection. The minister or speaker or musician then becomes the focus. This leads into an open discussion of the talk or dialogue with the musician. The Service is concluded with music, typically the hymn “Spirit of Life”.
You will then be invited to coffee hour with light snacks in the dining room below the Service area. This adds to the joy of being together and establishes or expands our relationships . . . the main pillar for our existence.
