Newcomers
WELCOME !
At the First Unitarian Society of Ithaca our mission is “to encourage free expression of philosophical, spiritual, and religious beliefs; work for social justice; provide religious education; deepen our acceptance of ourselves and others; and unite as a caring community.” We strive to nurture attentive listening and respectful communication, and to appreciate our members’ and friends’ many theological and spiritual paths. We welcome all who share this vision and invite you share our journey.
VISIT US SUNDAY MORNINGS. We are pleased that you are visiting our web site, but you might find that we are friendlier in person. We hope you will consider joining us for a Sunday worship service. Dress up or dress casually; you won’t be alone whichever you choose. Our service starts at 10:30 a.m. Arriving a few minutes early will allow you to get seated and to read our bulletin. Inserted in the bulletin you will find a Guest Registry form. If you choose to fill it out, we will be better able to serve you. Please leave your completed form at the Newcomers’ table in the parlor after the service.
You will find information about parking here.
CHILDREN You are most welcome to bring your children with you when you visit. We offer nursery care for very young children during the service, and we offer an outstanding Religious Education (RE) program for ages kindergarten through adult. Please refer to our RE web page for more information.
Note that the children’s Religious Education classes often involve crafts or other potentially messy activities, so visiting youngsters should dress accordingly.
NAMETAGS. Help us to welcome you! Our custom is to wear nametags at all gatherings. On your first visit you may choose to write your name on a stick-on nametag (available in the foyer at the back of the sanctuary, at the Buffalo St./Aurora St. corner entrance). Forms for requesting a more durable nametag are available at the Newcomers' table in the parlor on Sundays. If you fill out the form, your nametag will be waiting for you on the Newcomers' board the following Sunday. (If you would like a pink triangle or rainbow ribbon affixed to your nametag, to indicate your support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, you may indicate this on the nametag request form.) You can indicate your continued interest in the church and its programs by returning your nametag to the basket on the Newcomers' table after each visit.
GETTING MORE INFORMATION: If you have questions after your visit, please feel free to talk to the people at the Newcomers’ table, or to any member, in the parlor after the Sunday service. You may call our Church office (273-7521) with questions, or to make a request to speak with our minister, Rev. David Grimm. We offer orientation sessions for those curious about this church or about Unitarianism. You can ask a member of the Newcomer committee for more information about these sessions.Sign up to receive our newsletter (see the Guest Registry form) or read it here.
OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND. Besides the typical Sunday-morning church programs and activities, there are lots of other ways to connect with church members and friends. Whether you seek intellectual stimulation, social interaction, or hands-on participation, this Church offers many opportunities to join with others. For instance, you may (1) participate in the church’s small-group-ministry program or the Diners’ Club, (2) attend an adult RE session, help out in our Religious Education programs, (3) join one of our church-focused committees or one that serves the wider community, or (4) work with other volunteers on administrative details or logistical tasks such as ushering on Sunday, or (5) perhaps you would like to help out with our Religious Education programs. Contact our Congregational Administrator, Mark Pedersen, in the church office for more information on the above.
However you choose to participate in the activities of the First Unitarian Society of Ithaca, we welcome you and look forward to meeting you!