About Our First UU Community
Learn more about our diverse First UU community
- Meet our Minister and Staff
- Meet our Board of Trustees
- Find out more about our Committees
- Find out more about our Social Justice activities
- We are a Welcoming Congregation
- We are working towards becoming a Green Sanctuary
- Read about the origins of our Chancel Window
- You can find our more about our organizational structure, governing documents, and other forms here
Common Questions From First Time Visitors
Welcome to the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Syracuse! Below are questions often asked by first time visitors. If you have others, please do not hesitate to contact the church office by phone at (315) 446-5940 or by . We look forward to meeting you!
- How to I get to the church? We are located at 109 Waring Road, Syracuse, NY 13224. You can find detailed directions and a map here.
- Is your church handicap accessible? What if I am hearing or sight impaired? Our church is handicap accessible. Both the upper and lower parking lots are wheelchair accessible. There is an elevator between the first and second floors of the church. The restroom off the sanctuary is handicap accessible. There are pre-tuned hearing assisted radios available from the greeters if you are hearing impaired. We can provide assistance if you are sight impaired.
- How should I dress? We encourage you to dress to your comfort level. Dress ranges from casual jacket and tie to jeans and shorts.
- Where should I park and where should I go when I arrive? We have two lots for parking. The upper lot is smaller and has several handicap parking spaces. The lower lot is the main parking lot and also contains several handicap parking spaces adjacent to the entry way. If you park in the upper lot you will enter the church through the double doors into the narthax and then into the sanctuary. There are stairs and an elevator down to Fellowship Hall. If you park in the lower parking lot you will enter at the rear of the church into Fellowship Hall. You can take the stairs or the elevator up to the narthax.
- What should I do when I arrive at the church for a Sunday service? When you arrive, you will be greeted at the door by one or several members of our congregation who will be happy to guide you to the newcomer's table where you can get a temporary nametag, ask questions, and sign our visitor's book or they can show you directly to the Sanctuary. If you have children, we suggest you arrive a few minutes early so we can help determine any childcare needs you may have or how to find the appropriate religious education classes for your older children.
- What will a typical service be like? A typical service lasts about an hour. The general order of service includes announcements and words of welcome, chalice lighting and affirmation, a short focus on youth activity, sharing of joys and sorrows, meditation, various readings, a sermon, an offertory, and closing words. Music and singing are an integral part of our worship service.
- What should I expect to hear from the pulpit? Our services are respectful of our Christian and Jewish heritage, but also cherish the inclusion of eastern, earth-centered and humanist traditions.
- What happens in Fellowship Hall after the service? We gather informally over coffee or tea and snacks downstairs in Fellowship Hall to chat with old friends and welcome new ones. Conversation is friendly and you can also learn more about our congregation and its activities at various informational tables and the bulletin boards. There is also a variety of literature available about Unitarian Universalism.
- Is there childcare or classes for children and teens? Nursery care is provided for babies and toddlers. Child care and Religious Education classes are provided. Children aged 3 to 11 years old remain with their parents during the first 15 minutes of the service for the Focus on Youth, then leave with their teachers for religious education classes. Parents are asked to pick up their children from religious education classes by 12:00. Middle school youth may attend classes or join the adults for Sunday morning worship services. Older youth (ages 16 - 18) may join the adults for Sunday services or attend the youth group in the Teen Room. There are adult facilitators who help guide the youth with their activities.
- Are there informational classes for new members? Classes are offered periodically to help newcomers make friends and learn about both this congregation and the values, beliefs, and history of the Unitarian Universalist denomination.
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