Frequently Asked Questions
Parking spaces for people with special needs are available as soon as you pull into our driveway, beside the House of Worship and the Meeting House. Our large parking lot is found by following the driveway around to the right. The House of Worship is the large building with the dramatic, sail-like roof. Some people like to drop off passengers at the main entrance on the right before they go around the building to park. When entering the House of Worship (also informally called the Sanctuary) from the parking lot, we use the lower entrance nearest the road. There are white signs to guide you.
From September through June, Sunday worship services are at 10:15 AM. Most people start to arrive shortly after 10:00 AM. In July and August, we move to Pinkney Park down the street from the church for shortened services that begin at 9:15 AM. Because there is very limited parking in the Park itself, we leave our cars at the Church or park on the street.
Some people dress more formally while others arrive in what is most comfortable. Yes, jeans and shorts are fine. In the summer, when our services are held in Pinkney Park and we sit in lawn chairs or on the grass, informal and comfortable is definitely the order of the day.
As you enter the House of Worship, you will be greeted with a smile by an usher and given an Order of Worship that will guide you through the service. Stop at the Welcome Table and check out the information that is available for you. Sit anywhere. As you look around, you will notice we enjoy being with each other. While some people sit quietly, preparing themselves for worship, most can be seen happily catching up on the week’s events.
I love my extended family at the UCR. I am so happy here, glad I found a home in the UCR! M.H.
Although we follow a basic framework, our services don’t follow a rigid structure; no two services are alike. Each opening prayer is unique. One week we might have a member of the congregation read a passage and in another the Handbell Choir might treat us to an anthem. One hymn might be more “traditional” and the next something we’ve never sung before. This adds variety.
The one constant is we can count on is every sermon, or mediation as Pastor Sal calls them, will be energetic, interesting, and motivating, and it will help us grow spiritually.
We serve Communion on the first Sunday of the month. In the United Church of Christ, everyone is welcome to come to the Communion table. We serve grape juice instead of wine.
Our music reflects a wide range of styles, from traditional hymns to more modern selections. You might hear the Choir sing a familiar anthem or an African Spiritual, or enjoy the Handbell Choir adding color and energy to worship. We also welcome guest musicians from time to time.
One definition of sermon is “a lengthy and tedious lecture of reproof and exhortation.” That’s not what Pastor Sal gives us each week! His Progressive meditations are contemporary and food for thought. The ancient writers of the Bible used metaphor and symbolism. Speaking simply, Sal teaches us how to understand the Bible. He draws on the universal lessons of the major world religions and shares the wisdom of ancient mystics. He gives us a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian in this world of ours.
Infants and toddlers, for whom the service may be too long, may go to our Infant Care Room. It is staffed by trained personnel. Parents who want to be with their children can still hear the service on a speaker.
Children in grades 4-6 leave their families during the second hymn and go to Sunday school. Its lesson is based on that day’s scripture reading and Pastor Sal’s message, and it is filled with hands-on activities. These classes last about half and hour.
6th-8th graders and their friends participate in a bi-monthly, evening program called The Anchors. They participate in short, Christian-focused discussions and creative activities in a safe, supportive environment. They share in the church’s community service programs, such as the White Dove Christmas gifts and the Undie Sunday clothing drive.
9th and 10th graders can participate in our two-year confirmation program, where they learn what it means to be a Christian in today’s world. They participate in our community service programs and take the lead in our Living Nativity service.
You do not have to belong to the church for your child to participate in these programs – we welcome all children.
After the service, we walk to the Meeting House for fellowship. This is a time to gather, greet old friends, and make new ones. Join us. Everyone is welcome. This is a great opportunity to meet Pastor Sal and to get to know us as you help yourself to something to eat and grab a cup of coffee.
On any given Thursday. you might find 16-30 people in our weekly Thursday Bible Study. In addition, from time to time, we offer a special thematic program that may occur on a Sunday afternoon or weeknight.