Discover the Essence of Unitarian Universalism
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about our beliefs, services, and community.
Common Questions About Our Fellowship
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand more about our beliefs and what to expect when you visit us.
What do Unitarian Universalists Believe?
Unitarian Universalism (UU) is a liberal religion characterized by a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Unitarian Universalists assert no creed, but instead are unified by their shared search for spiritual growth. To learn more, check out the Unitarian Universalist Association website.
I am planning to attend one of your services for the first time. What can I expect?
We’re so glad you are planning to visit our fellowship! We are a small (typically 20-40 attendees), friendly group. UUFHC is a place where you can “come as you are” — wear what makes you feel comfortable, whether it’s a dress with heels or shorts with flip-flops. Please plan to arrive a few minutes before 10:30 so we can greet you — or, feel free to come at 9:30 for the adult discussion forum. You are welcome to help yourself to coffee, water, etc. before the service and can sit anywhere you like. Services last one hour and include readings, music, a story for children, a brief silent meditation period, an offering, and a sermon by either one of our members or a guest speaker. In addition, a unique aspect of UUFHC’s services is our time for “Joys and Concerns,” where members and friends are invited to come to the front, share a joy or concern they are experiencing in their lives and/or the broader world, and drop a pebble in a bowl of water. All attendees — including visitors — are welcome to share joys and concerns, but there is never an obligation to do so. At the end of the service, there is a period for announcements and welcoming of new visitors. We will invite you to introduce yourself at that time, but there is no pressure to do so. After the service, there is a time for coffee and conversation. We look forward to the opportunity to get to know you!
Is your church wheelchair accessible?
Yes! We have accessible parking, a ramp to our front door, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom.
Do you offer programming for children?
We welcome children! Our Sunday service includes a ‘Time for All Ages,” where we invite children of any age to sit up front and listen to a story read by one of our members. Although we do not have a religious education program or regular child care at this time, if you contact us to let us know you’re coming, we will be happy to make arrangements for one of our members to provide child care next door in the Sager Building. Children are also welcome to stay for the entire service, though sermons occasionally contain mature content.
Are there opportunities to get involved beyond Sunday service?
Yes! We strongly encourage all members and friends to engage with UUFHC in ways that are meaningful to them. Some examples of ways to get involved include participating in the adult discussion forum, joining the band, bringing a snack, gardening, teaching ESL classes, assisting with child care, planning Sunday services, giving a sermon, helping to spread the word about UUFHC, and more. Whoever you are and whatever you love to do, there is a place for you here.
What should I wear to the service?
Wear what makes you feel comfortable, whether it’s a dress with heels or shorts with flip-flops. We believe in coming as you are.
What Unitarian Universalists Believe
Unitarian Universalism (UU) is a liberal religion characterized by a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Unitarian Universalists assert no creed, but instead are unified by their shared search for spiritual growth. To learn more, check out the Unitarian Universalist Association website.
Our Community Values
At the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hidalgo County, we value independent thought and exceptional friendships. We strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone can explore their spiritual journey.
What to Expect When You Visit
We are thrilled to welcome you to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hidalgo County! Our services are warm, inclusive, and designed to make everyone feel at home. Typically, we have 20-40 attendees, and you can expect a friendly and inviting atmosphere.
Plan to arrive a few minutes before 10:30 AM to be greeted, or join us at 9:30 AM for the adult discussion forum. Feel free to help yourself to coffee or water before the service and sit wherever you feel comfortable. Our services last about an hour and include music, readings, a children’s story, a brief silent meditation, an offering, and a sermon. A unique feature of our services is the ‘Joys and Concerns’ segment, where attendees can share personal joys or concerns and drop a pebble in a bowl of water. Visitors are welcome to participate but are not obligated to do so.
After the service, join us for coffee and conversation. We look forward to meeting you!
Accessibility Features
At the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hidalgo County, we are committed to ensuring that our space is accessible to everyone. We offer accessible parking spaces close to the entrance, a ramp leading to our front door, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment where all individuals, regardless of physical ability, can participate fully in our community and services. If you have any specific accessibility needs or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us so we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate you.
Children's Programming
We love having children as part of our community at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hidalgo County! During our Sunday service, we include a ‘Time for All Ages’ segment, where children are invited to the front to listen to a story read by one of our members. Although we do not currently have a formal religious education program or regular child care, we are more than happy to make arrangements if you let us know in advance. One of our members can provide child care in the Sager Building next door. Children are also welcome to stay for the entire service, though please be aware that sermons may occasionally contain mature content. We strive to create a nurturing and inclusive environment for children of all ages.
Get Involved Beyond Sunday Services
At the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hidalgo County, we believe that community engagement extends far beyond our Sunday services. We offer a variety of opportunities for members and friends to connect, grow, and contribute in meaningful ways. Join our adult discussion forum to delve into thought-provoking topics, or share your musical talents by joining our band. If you have a green thumb, our gardening group would love your help in keeping our grounds beautiful. For those passionate about education, consider teaching ESL classes or assisting with child care. You can also play a vital role in planning our Sunday services, giving a sermon, or helping to spread the word about UUFHC. Whatever your interests, there is a place for you here to make a difference and build lasting friendships.
