We know that getting to know and getting involved in a congregation can be a confusing challenge, but at UUFR, we try to make things as clear and easy for visitors as possible.

If you are interested in getting to know more about UUFR and becoming more involved in UUFR, below is a list of steps we recommend. You don’t have to do them in any order and you don’t have to do every one. None are required! But you may find each of them helpful.

1. Explore our website.

We know most people first discover UUFR through our website. It’s here to help you find out more about us.

You can also watch videos of past worship services on YouTube to see what they’re like before you come. (You may want to fast forward past the pre-service announcements. If you only want to watch the “Message of the Morning,” that part usually starts about 30 minutes after the beginning of the service.)

2. Contact us with any questions you may have.

We’re happy to talk with you if you have questions before your first visit. Email info@uufr.org with any questions.

3. Visit us on a Sunday morning

You can visit either online or in-person. Read more here about what to expect during your first in-person visit.

It’s also always fine to participate in one of our other activities during the week before ever visiting on a Sunday morning.

4. Fill out a visitor form. If you visit us online, you can do this at uufr.org/visitorform . If you visit us in person, you can do this at our Welcome Stand. Once you do this, you’ll start to receive The Chalice, our weekly e-newsletter, that lets you know about everything that’s happening at UUFR every day of the week.

5. Attend a Newcomer Gathering. These are usually held once a month after a Sunday morning worship service and last for about an hour. They are led either by Rev. James or another UUFR staff member. They’re a chance for us to get to know you, for you to get to know us, to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, and UUFR, and to ask any questions you may have.

6. Learn more about Unitarian Universalism.

Rev. James leads a five-session “Introduction to Unitarian Universalism Class” every fall based on his book A Liberal Religious Path: A Short, Personal Introduction to Unitarian Universalism. However, if you aren’t available to attend the class, the book is also available on Amazon as an e-book or a paperback.

Other adult classes on Unitarian Universalist beliefs, history, values, sources of inspiration, and other topics are offered throughout the year.

7. Find your niche.

As wonderful as we hope our Sunday morning worship services are, we know many people come to UUFR seeking both opportunities to explore their own spirituality on a deeper level and to make connections with other people on a deeper level. This most often happens at UUFR in one of our many small groups. Our most popular small groups are Chalice Circles, but we have many others as well, some that meet for spiritual deepening, fun, and fellowship and some who work to make our world more compassionate and just.

8. Explore membership.

After getting to know us, you may decide you would like to become a member. We encourage you to take your time in deciding whether to become a member. Most people who become members of UUFR do so after a few months or even a year of visiting us.

To learn more about what membership means and how to become a member, visit here.

We hold a UUFR 101 class on a Saturday morning once a year, usually in January, that explores UUFR’s governance, organizational structures, finances and other topics for individuals who are recent new members or are considering membership and want to know more about those topics.

People can become members of UUFR at any time, but new members, if they wish, are recognized in a New Member Recognition Ceremony once a year, usually at the beginning of February.

9. Find a way to serve.

Life is busier than ever these days, and we know for some people, managing to show up on a Sunday morning wearing matching clean socks is an accomplishment worth celebrating, but we also know that people who find their participation in UUFR most meaningful often have found a way to be of service to others, either by volunteering in simple ways around UUFR, by participating one of our ministry teams, including our social justice ministry teams, or even by serving on our board or one of its committees. To find out more about possibilities for volunteering, visit here.