…a welcoming spiritual community

Visitor Information

Welcome to the North Parish website. We hope to see you soon at a Worship Service or other community activity!

This page contains information about many of the commonly-asked questions newcomers have about North Parish and Unitarian Universalism, with links to resources for more information, deeper understanding, or details.

What do I do as a first time visitor to North Parish?

Worship services are held every Sunday at 9am and 11am from September through June. As of summer 2006, we plan to have a single service at 9am. Everyone is welcome to attend any service. When you visit, please fill out a guest registry form (you will find them on a podium next to the doors to the sanctuary, or ask an usher) and please join us after services for coffee hour downstairs in the Parish Hall (below the sanctuary). Representatives of the Membership Committee are always available during coffee hour to answer any questions you might have about North Parish or Unitarian Universalism. Look for the Membership Table!

How is the guest registry information used?

When you fill out a guest registry form, you can also request that we add you to the mailing list to receive The Messenger, the semi-monthly North Parish bulletin. A letter from the minister and information regarding the various groups you have expressed an interest in (music program, Religious Education, Center for Spiritual Renewal, Crossroads Coffeehouse, etc.) will be mailed to you. A representative of the membership committee may contact you after your visit to answer any questions you might have, if that is your desire.

What do Unitarian Universalists believe?

For a basic overview of what we believe, see What We Believe. See About Us for our mission statement, or click a link in the More info section on this page.

How big is North Parish?

As of April 2006, North Parish has approximately 360 members. There are over 185 children enrolled in religious education programs for children and youth.

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What do I do with my children when I’m visiting?

We provide "Safe Church" policies to all activities concerning children. Nursery care is available for infants and children under age 4 in the Nursery area - lower floor of the Religious Education wing. There are age-appropriate toys and games. Those who are four years of age and older are welcome to visit the Sunday morning children’s program (at 9am and 11am) or to remain with you in the sanctuary.  You may also choose to visit the children’s worship service or attend group sessions with your child.

What do children do during Sunday morning programming?

We provide nursery care for children ages three and younger.  Children in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten meet in small classes where they explore holidays and church traditions, along with learning values such as kindness, caring for the earth, and gratitude. Children and youth in grades one through eight attend a worship service based on a wisdom story, then move into age-specific groups where they get to know one another, reflect on the story, do art, music, role-playing and game activities and work on service projects. Older teens generally attend worship in the sanctuary. For more detailed information, see Lifespan Religious Education.

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What kinds of religious education do you offer for adults?

North Parish offers a number of programs that support the ongoing spiritual development of our adult members. Our newly formed Center for Spiritual Renewal (pdf) brings together the programs open to the community. Please see the Adult Spirituality page for more information.

We offer a New UU class about 3 times a year. This 3-session class is for people interested in Unitarian Universalism, in North Parish specifically, who are new members, or who are interested in becoming members. Please contact the Congregational Administrator to find out when the next class begins.

How can I get involved?

There are many ways to get involved at North Parish, and we welcome your participation. One of the best ways to get involved is to participate in one of North Parish’s many small groups. Small groups are a great way to find a deeper sense of connection and community at North Parish. Some small groups are focused on social activities, some are drop-in groups, and some are ongoing spiritual growth groups. Watch for small group meeting announcements in The Messenger. For more information, speak to a membership committee representative during coffee hour after worship services, or visit the Getting Involved page.

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Do I have to be a member to participate at North Parish?

You do not have to be a member to attend worship services, to enter your children in religious education programs, to serve on church committees, or to participate in small groups. Youhave to be a member to chair a church committee and to have a vote in church governance issues.

How do I become a member?

To become a member, we ask that you first spend a little time getting to know us: attend worship services, read through the membership information packet, attend a New UU course if you can, meet with the ministers or a representative of the membership committee to discuss the benefits and responsibilities of membership. Once you have decided to join, fill out and submit a Membership Application. The Board of Trustees reviews and approves applications for membership. Twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring, new members are recognized and welcomed during worship services, but once you are approved for membership you have all the rights and privileges thereof.

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Welcoming Congregation

North Parish is a Welcoming Congregation, consistent with the guidelines of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We actively welcome lesbian, gay. bisexual, transgender, and intersex people as full participants in the life of the church. For more information, see our Welcoming Congregation page, or contact our Interweave chapter.