Like a menu with many choices, finding your way among UUC’s many programs and activities can be daunting. You can take advantage of most of UUC’s offerings even if you are not a member. For many, some involvement and direct experience is key to deciding about membership and whether this is the right community for you.

This guide offers suggestions and poses questions to help you along the way.

Simple First Steps

Learn about UUC through our website – you’re here! We have designed it with newcomers in mind. And we hope you find it inviting, easy to use, and full of clear, alluring information. For an overall sense of what is here, drag your cursor over the main navigation bar — in brown — on the top of each page. And take a look at our Activities page, which will take you to descriptions of our major programs, to an all-groups catalog, and to our calendar of all that is going on.

Attend Sunday services. Worship services are the centerpiece of UUC’s spiritual life, and a chance for members and visitors to connect. Greeters are on hand to make visitors and newcomers feel welcome and to answer questions. Stop at the greeters’ station when you arrive for a name badge and for information.

Visit with us during the Sunday social hour. Before and after both services, we invite you to join us in Nathan Johnson Hall — just across from the chapel — for coffee, tea, treats, and conversation. One of the greeters (they're the ones with red ribbons) will help you join in and find your way around.

Read about UUC’s upcoming activities and developments in the Sunday Order of Service, which includes timely announcements, and The Gateway, our bi-weekly newsletter. The Gateway is available online, in paper copy at UUC, or by e-mail. Let the church office know if you would like to receive The Gateway by e-mail.

Choosing the Right Involvement for You

Newcomers arrive at UUC with their own hopes, interests, and motivations. The clearer you are about what you need and want, the more readily you will see a path for your involvement at UUC. Reflecting on the following questions — and seeking your own answers — may help you choose how to start your involvement in the community.

• What brings you to this church at this time? Religious education for your children; a desire to work with others on social justice matters; the love of music? Have life's transitions brought you to a point of wanting a caring community? Are you looking for a place from which to explore your own spirituality?
• What type of activity or pursuit would be best for you? Intellectually challenging discussions, hands-on tasks, physical activity, or inward reflection? Outward community action or focus on strengthening this UUC community? Caring for others in need or allowing others to care for you? Small group interaction or larger group activities? One-time pursuits or ongoing programs?
• What skills, strengths, or talents can you contribute in your involvement at UUC? Are you a natural teacher? Do you have great organizational skills? Are you a photographer or writer? Or do you want to step into something entirely new to stretch yourself and discover or develop new strengths?
• What kind of time commitment can you make? UUC’s community is strong and vital because of the active involvement of many. At different times, though, we all have more or less of ourselves we can devote to our involvement here. We urge you to be realistic, and we hope you will be drawn to be a full and active part of this community as your involvement unfolds.

Through your own reflections and test-runs, may you find ways of being involved at UUC that “speak to you,” that make you feel connected, welcome, and appreciated for your contribution of time and talent.

Need a Boost?

If you would like some person-to-person support to help you find your way, contact the Membership Exploration and Integration Team, one of the Sunday greeters, or another member of the church.