What to Expect on Sunday
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
Our address is 4980 Gordon Avenue NW in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. You can find a map at the bottom of the page, or click here.
What time does your Sunday service start?
Our service begins at 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary on the main floor. On some Sundays, we have adult programs before the service. Check the Voice Newsletter to see this Sunday’s topic.
What goes on during the Sunday services?
Most services include:
- Live music (choir, piano, and/or other instruments)
- Time for all ages story
- A homily or sermon
- A time for prayer and reflection; we invite people to light a candle or place a stone in our communal water
- Congregational singing
- An offering to support the church. Once a month, on the Second Sunday, we donate proceeds from our plate collection to a nonprofit.
- A benediction
What do people wear to Sunday Service?
People dress comfortably. You might see everything from jeans and t-shirts to dresses and suits. Children are find in play clothes.
Are bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgendered people welcome in this congregation?
Yes. We are a Welcoming Congregation that affirms and promotes the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. We begin each service by extending a heartfelt greeting to all of good will regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, or other barriers that may wrongly separate people.
Is your church accessible?
Yes. Individuals with limited mobility should enter through the west door, which leads to the main floor where the Sanctuary and wheelchair accessible restroom are located. An elevator can take you to our fellowship hall on the lower level. We have several reserved parking spaces near the west door, as well. Services are also live-streamed and availably on YouTube.
Do you provide for the hearing or visually impaired?
Yes. We have assistive listening devices and large print hymnals available in the back of the Sanctuary.
What about other disabilities?
We are aware there are many disabilities, including hidden ones. Let us know your needs so we can work together to solve or avoid problems that might prevent you from participating in our community. Contact our office or call (319) 362-9827 if you have concerns.
What do children do on Sunday?
From September through May, children and youth attend faith formation classes beginning at 9:45 AM. We also provide care in the nursery for infants and toddlers. Children and youth then attend the 11:00 AM service with their parents.
What if my child(ren) can’t sit still for an hour?
We provide activity bags for young children at the back of the Sanctuary to help keep them occupied. And we ask parents to take noisy or disruptive children across the hall to the Ely Room until they have settled. The service is broadcast to a TV in the room so adults can stay tuned in.
What beliefs are people in your congregation expected to hold?
Unitarian Universalism centers on Shared Values. Individuals in our congregation have a wide range of faith identities such as humanists, theists, pagans, Christians, jews, Buddhists, Hindus, atheists, and agnostics. We come together to learn from and help each other grow in our spiritual and ethical lives, guided by freedom, reason, and conscience.
How do I become a member?
A good place to start is to attend a service. If you are interested in becoming a member, let us know. The minister and the Membership Team periodically facilitate an “Exploring Membership” Series of gatherings to help you get all your questions answered in a fun and engaging way!
What do I do if I have other questions?
Talk with our minister, members of the Board of Trustees, or other members of the congregation. Contact our office or call (319) 362-9827. Let us know what you want to learn about and get involved with.