WBUUC New Members Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting a new community of faith can be an exciting and satisfying experience -- but it can also be uncomfortable and strange. "What's it like there?" is not something we can easily or briefly answer, but here are some responses to frequent inquiries that may help you know a little about us before you come.

These answers are provided by W B U U C's minister, Victoria Safford.

Q: What should I (and my children) WEAR to services and Sunday School?

A: We are an informal congregation. While a few folks put on a tie and a dress and their traditional "Sunday best," others come in comfortable clothes suitable to weekend activities. Children are encouraged to dress casually, since much of their class time is spent in arts and crafts, or outdoors. We are not fancy here, and there is no dress code!

Q: Is there childcare during church?
A: Yes. Our Sunday services at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. run concurrently with religious education classes for children from pre-school age through high school. In addition, there is also nursery care for infants and toddlers. Children attend the first 15 minutes of the service with their parents in the Meeting Room, then leave with their teachers for classes. Our Director of Religious Education, Janet Hanson, can answer any questions about the children's program.

Q: If my child doesn't separate well, can she or he stay with me in the service?
A: Of course. Also, if your child is very young and gets restless in the service, we have a Quiet Room at the back of the sanctuary where you can still hear the whole service while allowing your child to remain with you. The service can be heard as well in the hallways by using the special listening devices.

Q: What's the demography of your congregation?
A: We are a welcoming, anti-racist community, gladly open to all regardless of race, gender, class, sexual orientation or physical ability. Our facility is wheelchair-accessible. Within our denomination, we have been recognized as a "Welcoming Congregation," and proudly we welcome and celebrate the presence and participation of gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual persons. While our demography tends to reflect that of the region in which we are located (that is, south-central suburban Minnesota, so mostly middle-class and Caucasian), we passionately believe that diversity among us -- racial, ethnic, theological, economic, cultural -- enriches us all. We heartily and humbly welcome all to this congregation.

Q: What do you believe?
A: Our congregation is comprised of folks from many different religious and spiritual backgrounds. We are not a Christian church, but many members embrace the teachings and example of Jesus. Some of us come out of Judaism, and we honor the tradition of ethical monotheism. Others are Buddhists, many are humanists, and many feel comfortable with some degree of agnosticism. Spirituality grounded in nature finds a voice here, as does feminist theology. What binds us together is a passionate commitment to religious freedom, and the conviction that each of us must find our own spiritual path and vocabulary.

Q: What goes on during the worship service?
A: Our service is relatively informal. It includes the singing of hymns or songs, readings, a sermon (if the Minister is speaking, which she does about 2-3 times monthly) or presentation of some kind, opening and closing words, and time for meditation. Members like to share verbal announcements about the community at the beginning of the service, and there is often special music from our choir or guest musicians.

Q: How do I join this church? 
If you would like to become a member of our congregation, speak with our Minister, Victoria Safford, or with Doug Federhart, Director of Congregational Life.  Attendance at a First Sunday Welcome Session or a membership orientation (held periodically through the year) is encouraged, though not required.
 

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