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What
does a typical worship service look like?
Sunday worship is a comprised of a time-tested series of readings,
musical selections, hymns, and other elements selected for their
harmony, instructional qualities, inspirational value, beauty, and
dignity. You can find the archive of past sermons
here. A typical Sunday's Order
of Service. Photos of
our sanctuary.
What happens after church?
After the service we invite you to join us for fellowship
and refreshments. For more information about the church, feel free
to ask any member or Rev. Baird. There
are brochures, phamplets and information about Unitarian Universalism
in the cabinet in the front foyer.
How do I find the church?
We are located at the corner of High Street and Orange
Street, just across Orange street from the convienently located
Washington Public Library parking lot. Directions to our church
can be found here. Our address is 1085 High
Street.
What do adults wear?
You are welcome to wear whatever you are comfortable in.
Members often describe the dress code as "casual," but
some people wear their "Sunday Best," and many wear jeans.
In the summer shorts and t-shirts are not uncommon. Most of the
ladies bring a light sweater,year round, just in case.
What do children wear?
Children should wear comfortable clothes. They may spend
time playing on the floor, or work with art supplies. Sometimes
they may go outside.
May our child stay with us during the service?
Yes, but children
are invited to attend our RE classes which are held during the worship
hour.
What
do children do during the worship service?
We offer a nursery for children under 3, and Religious
Education classes for children ages 3-12. Classroom time is designed
with age appropriate curricula and activities.
Do I have to check in at a visitor's table?
You will be met at the door by a greeter who is a High
Street member and will be made to feel welcome on your first visit
to our church. We have information packets available and copies
of newsletters. We may ask you to wear a name tag, which is your
decision, but it allows members to greet you during the coffee hour.
If you fill out the newcomer log or a newcomer card, we will send
our monthly newsletter and our weekly e-letter via e-mail. While
we would love for you to register, though we respect that you may
prefer to attend our service in private. That said, be prepared
to meet several of our more outgoing members.
What is religious education?
Our Religious Education staff
understand that religion is not something to be given to a young
person, but something to be nurtured and encouraged as a young person's
life unfolds. Our program is designed to appeal to those parents
and other adults who wish to enter with young people upon a life-span
adventure in religious growth and learning. Nursery care services
are also provided.
Is your church accessible to people in wheelchairs?
Yes it is!! When we renovated the church, we had an elevator
installed. Please come to the rear entrance. A greeter will point
the way and provide as much assistance as you request.
Do you have services for the hearing impaired?
Hearing devices are available from the audio volunteer
at the rear of the sanctuary before the Service and may be used
anywhere in the Sanctuary.
Will I be welcome?
Yes, most assuredly. We welcome all no matter race, religion,
creed, color, capability, or whom you love. We will welcome you.
Will I be pressured to join or to be saved?
No. We will welcome you at the door. We will send you our
newsletter for a while, if you ask for it. We invite you to learn
more about our faith at the national website, www.uua.org.
And as for salvation, we tend to adhere (most of us) to this viewpoint
as expressed on the UUA FAQ page.
Does your congregation have diverse beliefs?
We have some mild differences of opinion. Some of us are
agnostics or atheists. Some of us believe in an earth-based spirituality.
Some of us are Buddhist and a few Christian. We all believe in the
search for truth and a deeper meaning in life. We invite you to
learn more about our faith at the national website,www.uua.org
How can an agnostic (atheist, humanist...) go to church?
By private automobile, bicycle, public transportation or
on foot. Yes, we even have a sense of humor!
We give people
a place to explore and grow spiritually, even if they grow in different
directions. We provide religious education
for our children, so that they can make an informed choice when
it comes time for them to choose a religion. We are engaged in social
causes that allow us to embrace and celebrate our principles.
I've heard that Unitarian Universalists can believe anything they want
to. Is that true?
No. One could
not be considered a Unitarian Universalist and believe that subscription
to specific doctrines or creeds are necessary for access to God
or spirituality or membership in our congregations.
Unitarian Universalists
could not believe that God favors any group of people based on any
inherent qualities, such as skin color, gender, sexual orientation,
physical ability, etc.-or that any group of people is more worthy
of access to opportunities than any other as a result of these qualities.
We don't believe that autocratic, undemocratic or overly hierarchical systems are
appropriate methods of organizing our congregations or the larger
society.
We don't believe that humanity has the right or moral authority to exploit the environment
or other life forms with whom we share this planet.
What are the expectations of membership?
As members of High Street, we will, to the best of our abilities
and according to the dictates of our consciences, contribute to
this congregation financially and with our time and energy, attend
services regularly and otherwise participate in the life of this
congregation, and through this congregation, enrich ourselves spiritually.
How do I become a member?
Becoming a member of our congregation consists of signing the membership
book in the presence of the minister or a member of our board, thereby
making an explicit commitment to participate as a member of our
religious community, upholding High Street's mission, sharing your
talents, your resources and your energy with others in a life-long
spiritual quest founded in Unitarian Universalist religious values.
To discuss membership in the congregation, please contact our
Membership Chair.
How do WE feel about High Street Church?
One member's response:
“From the first day I walked through the doors of High Street
Church, I’ve felt like I was at home. The beauty of the sanctuary,
the warmth of the people, and the high quality of the worship experience
at High Street have more than once moved me to tears. Here I have
found a community of faith that warms my heart, challenges me to
be a better person, and offers healing to my soul. The folks at
High Street Church are “family”, and I am grateful to
be a part of this congregation.”
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