Helpful Information for Visitors

Here is some information to make your visit easier and more convenient:

WHERE WE ARE:
37 Miller Street, Belfast, Maine – See a Google Map. Street parking is available and you can also Download the Downtown Belfast Parking Map.

WHAT TO WEAR:
Dress comfortably, casually, or a bit dressier as you prefer, depending on your plans for the afternoon or the weather. Children should wear comfortable clothes because children’s activities vary and might include going outside or doing crafts.

ACCESS:

• Parking: We do not have a parking lot. Street parking is available on Sunday mornings. There are three handicapped parking spaces in front of the church. Those for whom walking is difficult may get dropped in front of the church.
• Elevator: An elevator is available near the side entrance door.
• Assisted Listening: Receivers, earplugs, and headphones are available at the entrance to the sanctuary on the second floor.
• Bathrooms: We have bathrooms near both the front and side entrances, and two at the rear of the sanctuary.

ARRIVAL:
Our Sunday service starts at 10:00 am. A greeter on the main floor will offer an order of service and answer any questions. A coat rack and a bathroom are near the side entrance door.

CHILDREN:
Children go with their parents to the sanctuary. You are also welcome to take infants into the service – whatever is more comfortable for you.
Elementary age children attend the first part of the worship service with their families, then are invited to leave the worship service after the “Time for All Ages” portion to attend the Religious Exploration (RE) program.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & WELCOME:
Featured announcements are made by a member of the Worship Arts Team during the first few minutes of the service. Visitors are then invited to stand and introduce themselves if they would like to do so. This helps us find newcomers at coffee after the service.

THE SERVICE BEGINS:
The striking of the singing bowl signals the beginning of worship. The lighting of the chalice is a Unitarian Universalist tradition to mark our gathering and remind us of the light within us all.

TIME FOR ALL AGES:
The minister or speaker will share a story for all – but specifically aimed to engage the children and youth and tie in with the theme of the sermon. After the story, young children and teachers leave for their own RE programs.

JOYS & SORROWS:
A tradition in Unitarian Universalist churches, “Joys & Sorrows” is the time in the service when we share with our community what is alive in us at the present time – an anniversary, or visit from family, a concern for someone ill or in need, a loss.

OFFERING:
Our church is sustained through our regular pledge program. Our Sunday morning offering is always in support of significant causes. Fifty percent of the offering goes to an annual cause and the other fifty percent goes to a different cause or program each month. First-time visitors are asked to “let the plate pass by, for your presence is your gift.”

READINGS & SERMON:
Our minister, a guest preacher, or a member of the congregation speaks each Sunday. She or he shares a reading and speaks on a related topic of their choosing. The subject matter varies widely from personal spirituality and growth to social and justice issues but all are intended to inspire us and stretch our awareness. Upcoming services are posted in this website.

AFTER THE SERVICE:
We remain seated during the postlude to enjoy the music, reflect on the sermon or in quiet meditation.

When the music ends, most people goes to the meeting room on the main floor to get a coffee or tea, or retrieve their children from the education wing. We know you might be hesitant to enter a noisy room of people already engaged in conversation and make your way to the coffee pot, but we want to get to know you. We hope one of us speaks to you before you reach the refreshments; if not, please, speak to us.