|
Welcome to Davies
Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church. We hope you will visit us. Here
are some questions which have been answered for other visitors. If you
have other questions, please send
them here.
What should I wear
to this church?
 We
have no dress code; though people have come dressed in their "Sunday
best" or in jeans and a T-shirt, most people wear something in-between.
Children are encouraged to wear comfortable play clothes as activities
are sometimes messy.
Is there child
care during the service on Sunday morning? If my child doesn't separate
well, can s/he stay with me in the service?
We
have nursery care with a paid nursery provider, starting at 10:30 AM.
The children usally join the adults for service for the first fifteen
minutes and then go to religious education classes, but they are welcome
to stay if they prefer. Parents are also welcome to accompany their children
to the class. For further information, see our Religious
Education program.
Are people with
special needs welcome?
Yes.
All ages. We have a variety of levels of ability. The building is handicapped
accessible. Large print orders-of-service are available each Sunday. If
you or your child has a fairly unique special need, you may want to call
or email
the church (301) 449-4308 to see how we can arrange to accomodate
you. You can read more about our commitment to accessibility here.
Are there any people
in mixed marriages in this congregation?
Yes.
Both racially and religiously mixed backgrounds. We try to be welcoming
to everyone who comes in the spirit of good will, regardless of race,
color, religious background, gender, affectional or sexual orientation,
age, abililities or limitations, national origin, or marital status.
Are there bi-gay-lesbian-transgender
(BGLT) people in this congregation? Are BGLTs welcome?
Yes.
(See answer to above question.)
Are there people
in the congregation who are from Virginia? Waldorf? Calvert County? Washington,
DC? Upper Marlboro?
Yes.
We have members from all of these areas and many others, too. We provide
our members and friends with a directory. If you have been coming to our
church and have not received one yet, please inquire at church or
contact the office. A list of towns from which we know we have members is on the bottom of our About page.
Are there people
in the congregation who are humanist? atheist? pagan? Christian? Jewish?
Muslim? agnostic?
Yes
and probably several other beliefs also (see our Many
Beliefs page).
What goes on during
the worship services?
Though
our order-of-service varies somewhat, here is what you can usually expect.:
* We have many musicians in our congregation, so we enjoy live music or
the choir to start. More about our music here.
* We share our joys and concerns, a member lights the flaming chalice
(see the history of the chalice) and gives
a short reading, we have a silent meditation, and sing "Spirit of
Life" while the children lead us in sign language.
* We enjoy singing
hymns from our hymnal "Singing the Living Tradition" which contains
traditional Christian and Jewish songs, as well as songs from other traditions
and both traditional and contemporary songs original to the Unitarian
Universalist faith.
* There is an offertory, but you are welcome to be our guest with no commitment
to contribute (see below for more about donating).
* The minister's sermon is usually ~20-30 mins. long. We occasionally
have visiting ministers or lay services, especially in the summer. (See
the service schedule, as available on our calendar.)
* The service
culminates with community time when visitors can introduce themselves
and announcements are made.
* Lastly, we sing our benediction ("From you I receive, to you I
give...") as we stand and hold hands.
* Coffee, refreshments and conversation follow.
Will I be required
to do volunteer work?
Newcomers
have no requirements. There are many opportunities to get involved, though,
so when you feel your "newcomer" status has worn off and you
consider youself a "friend" or become a member, you will learn
some of the small or great ways in which you can get involved.
Will I be required
to donate money?
No.
A collection basket is passed during the offertory. The church is primarily
supported by annual pledges and from our members and friends ("friends"
are people who attend regularly and/or have participated for a while,
but have not officially signed the membership book). You may initiate
your pledge at the time you feel ready. Please be our guest at least the
first time you visit. Members and active friends are expected to contribute
to the financial well being of the church in accord with their means and
the value they place on the great things they find in this community.
More information is on the Membership
page.
How can I learn
more about the church?
Besides
an abundance of information on this web site and emailing
questions to us, you can join our email lists.
|
