The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover: Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions posed by our visitors

When and where are your services?
What do adults wear to services?
Are you accessible to people in wheelchairs?
May our child stay with us during the service?
How large is your congregation
What can I expect to see and do when I arrive?
What goes on during the worship services?
Will I be welcome?
What do Unitarian Universalists believe?
How do I become a member?
What if I don't see my question answered here?

When and where are your services?

Our worship services are held every Sunday morning at 10:30am at Six Locke Street in downtown Andover and usually last about one hour. (During July and August, summer services begin at 9:30 a.m.) Here are directions and a map.

What do adults wear to services?

Dress is casual. You are welcome just as you are!

Are you wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Handicap parking is available and the worship place and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

What do children do during the service?

We provide childcare for children under four. Children four and older usually stay for the first part of the service, including a "Story for All Ages." Then the children go downstairs to their Religious Education classes, or child care for younger ones. See our Religious Education page for more details.

May our child stay with us during the service?

Of course.

How large is your congregation?

Average Sunday attendance ranges from 30 to 50 people. We encourage visitors!

What can I expect to see and do when I arrive?

In addition to on-street parking along Locke Street, there's more on-street parking right around the corner on School Street and Main Street.
As you enter the building, there's a restroom to your right and downstairs, to your left.
In the foyer is a guestbook, which you are welcome to sign. Yoy may also make yourself a name tag, if you wish.
Before you enter the worship space, a greeter will hand you an order of worship.
Find a seat. If it's crowded, late, or you need assistance, a greeter will be happy to help you get settled.
Starting at 10:25am, we close the doors to the worship space and observe five minutes of quiet meditation before the service begins.

What goes on during the worship services?

Service begins with an opening piece of music and the sounding of the Tibetan singing bowl.
A younger member of our congregation is invited to light the Flaming Chalice.
While the format can vary considerably, a typical service will include readings, singing, quiet meditation, an opportunity to share joys and sorrows, a sermon by the minister, the morning's offering, and announcements.
At the close of the service, chairs are folded and hymnals are put away, and our worship space is transformed into a room for fellowship and refreshments.

Will I be welcome?

Yes! Male or female, young or old, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or straight, you are welcome here. Whether temporarily abled or disabled; whatever your skin color, cultural background or nation of origin; whatever your political persuasion or day-to-day occupation, you are welcome here. Yes - theist, atheist or agnostic; pantheist, Pagan, Jewish, Humanist, Christian or Buddhist, whatever ways you name sacred things, you are welcome here, just as you are.

What do Unitarian Universalists believe?

A more detailed answer can be found here. Our Congregational Covenant:

We covenant with one another to create and sustain a community that supports people of all ages in their spiritual journeys, shines as a beacon of hope, inspires our actions for a just world, and encourages us to demonstrate our Unitarian Universalist principles in our daily lives. Our communal strength comes from caring for each other in times of joy and sorrow, respecting each other during agreement and disagreement, welcoming and affirming diversity, and giving freely of ourselves from all our personal resources.

How do I become a member?

There are no prerequisites to becoming a member of our congregation. All that is formally required is a signature in our membership book. Of course, signing one's name to say "I belong" can mean different things to different people. The reasons for joining and the meanings of membership are as varied as the people in our congregation. If you are willing to commit to being a part of our congregation family, we want you to be a part.

What if I don't see my question answered here?

Please email us at questions@uuandover.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.


	Visitors, Welcome! Who are we? What can you expect on your first visit? Read our FAQ.