Frequently asked questions
What time are the Sunday services?
We have two schedules - one for most of the year and the a slightly different one during "season". All of our Sunday services and our Forum are presented in-person and online.
Most of the year we have one Sunday Worship service, at 10:45 am. Children and youth, start in the Service for some special ministry geared for them before heading to their religious education classes. Young children under the age of 5 are welcome in the Service or you can leave them with our loving and trained nursery staff. Starting at 9:15 before the service, we host a Forum where various speakers talk about a relevant topic for about 20 minutes and then open the floor to questions and comments from the audience.
During the busy season, we move to two services; one at 10:00 am, the other at 11:30 am. The choir sings every other Sunday during the 10:00 am service. Forum moves its times (tbd each year) so that their attendees can also attend one of the Services.
What should I wear to church?
Some people dress up and some people dress very casually. Wear what feels comfortable to you.
What should I expect at a Sunday morning service?
Our services, generally about an hour in length, are designed to honor our traditions, to connect us with that which is larger than ourselves, to awaken us to awe and wonder, to deepen our spiritual journeys and inspire us to acts of justice and compassion: our services are meant to nurture your spirit and to help heal our world.
Expect to be moved, challenged, stimulated, and valued. Our worship services are in many ways traditional: we sing hymns, enjoy the choir's anthem, read from classic texts and sometimes scripture, pause for meditation and silence, and hear a sermon. Our services are in many ways untraditional: we read from cutting edge authors and hear messages that may draw upon ancient wisdom or today's headlines. Often, short video clips are included.
Is there childcare or Sunday School during services?
Childcare for infants through Pre-K ages is available during services year round. Religious Education classes and social justice activities for elementary age children and youth are held during the program year. During the summer months, there are classes for Kindergarten through Sixth grade, while older children and teens are welcome to attend the service in the Sanctuary with their parents or help with the elementary age class.
If my child doesn't separate well, can my child stay with me during the service?
Your child is always welcome to stay with you during the worship service. Please be considerate of others if your child becomes restless as we have no separate area for parents and children.
What symbols do you display in your churches?
Our Chalice is the main symbol in our Sanctuary. At its base you will see symbols from some of the world's major religions affirming that we value the wisdom of many faiths as well as that of science and philosophy.
How do I meet other people? How do I get involved?
Attend a service. You will be greeted at the Sanctuary doors where you can learn about small group opportunities for education and spiritual growth. Stay for coffee and conversation in the courtyard following the service.
Consider whether you prefer to meet new people in social or committee-related activities since we offer plenty of both options. For example, you can enroll in life-enriching adult education classes or join any number of committees to work on specific projects that match your skills and interests. This web site has a lot of information about our social outreach projects, social groups, and committee work.
How do I get to the church?
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota is located at 3975 Fruitville Road between McIntosh and Beneva Roads. Click here for directions.
What do I do if I have other questions?
For more information, contact the church office, 941-371-4974, Tuesday through Friday, between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Most of the year we have one Sunday Worship service, at 10:45 am. Children and youth, start in the Service for some special ministry geared for them before heading to their religious education classes. Young children under the age of 5 are welcome in the Service or you can leave them with our loving and trained nursery staff. Starting at 9:15 before the service, we host a Forum where various speakers talk about a relevant topic for about 20 minutes and then open the floor to questions and comments from the audience.
During the busy season, we move to two services; one at 10:00 am, the other at 11:30 am. The choir sings every other Sunday during the 10:00 am service. Forum moves its times (tbd each year) so that their attendees can also attend one of the Services.
What should I wear to church?
Some people dress up and some people dress very casually. Wear what feels comfortable to you.
What should I expect at a Sunday morning service?
Our services, generally about an hour in length, are designed to honor our traditions, to connect us with that which is larger than ourselves, to awaken us to awe and wonder, to deepen our spiritual journeys and inspire us to acts of justice and compassion: our services are meant to nurture your spirit and to help heal our world.
Expect to be moved, challenged, stimulated, and valued. Our worship services are in many ways traditional: we sing hymns, enjoy the choir's anthem, read from classic texts and sometimes scripture, pause for meditation and silence, and hear a sermon. Our services are in many ways untraditional: we read from cutting edge authors and hear messages that may draw upon ancient wisdom or today's headlines. Often, short video clips are included.
Is there childcare or Sunday School during services?
Childcare for infants through Pre-K ages is available during services year round. Religious Education classes and social justice activities for elementary age children and youth are held during the program year. During the summer months, there are classes for Kindergarten through Sixth grade, while older children and teens are welcome to attend the service in the Sanctuary with their parents or help with the elementary age class.
If my child doesn't separate well, can my child stay with me during the service?
Your child is always welcome to stay with you during the worship service. Please be considerate of others if your child becomes restless as we have no separate area for parents and children.
What symbols do you display in your churches?
Our Chalice is the main symbol in our Sanctuary. At its base you will see symbols from some of the world's major religions affirming that we value the wisdom of many faiths as well as that of science and philosophy.
How do I meet other people? How do I get involved?
Attend a service. You will be greeted at the Sanctuary doors where you can learn about small group opportunities for education and spiritual growth. Stay for coffee and conversation in the courtyard following the service.
Consider whether you prefer to meet new people in social or committee-related activities since we offer plenty of both options. For example, you can enroll in life-enriching adult education classes or join any number of committees to work on specific projects that match your skills and interests. This web site has a lot of information about our social outreach projects, social groups, and committee work.
How do I get to the church?
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota is located at 3975 Fruitville Road between McIntosh and Beneva Roads. Click here for directions.
What do I do if I have other questions?
For more information, contact the church office, 941-371-4974, Tuesday through Friday, between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.