Visiting Us
Welcome!
At the First Unitarian Society of Ithaca, 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 to share our journey.
Things to Know for Your First Visit
The church is located at 306 N. Aurora Street.
On-street parking is available for free, with a limited number of reserved spots for persons with disabilities, nearest our building. There are also spots in the municipal parking lot across from our building on Buffalo St. Please note: The municipal lot is ONLY available on Sunday mornings, not for any other church-related event at any other time. There are also a number of nearby parking garages.
You may enter our building through any of our entrances – on Aurora Street between the main Sanctuary and Parish House, on Buffalo Street adjacent to the Sanctuary, or on the corner of Buffalo and Aurora.
When you arrive, a greeter can direct you towards the Welcome Table, where you’ll find information about our congregation and a newcomer card for you to fill out, so we will be better able to serve you.
Children
Children are always welcome at our services. The service is broadcast into our Parlor, if you find your child needs a little more wiggle room than the Sanctuary provides. During the church year (second Sunday in September – first Sunday in June) we offer nursery care for babies and toddlers during the service, and our outstanding Religious Education (RE) program for preschool through high school aged children. 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.
Name tags
Help us to welcome you by name! Our custom is to wear name tags at all gatherings. On your first visit, you may choose to write your name on a special guest name tag. When you feel comfortable, you may request a permanent name tag by filling out a nametag request card at the Welcome and Information Table. Your name card will be ready the following week.
More Information
If you have questions after your visit, please feel free to visit our Membership Coordinator or any volunteer at the Welcome and Information table. You may also contact our Church office (office@uuithaca.org) with questions.
Approximately three times a church year, we will be offering a membership information program called, Newcomers Inspired, Connected and Engaged (NICE) to help us get to know you better and teach, in-depth, about our liberal faith tradition. Dates for upcoming NICE programs will be posted when they are available.
However you choose to participate in the activities of the First Unitarian Society of Ithaca, we welcome you and look forward to meeting you!