First UU is a growing religious community of over 350 members and friends, exploring many paths to truth. Reason, experience, and wisdom are our guides to spiritual growth. Our church includes people of all races and abilities–young and old, families, and singles. We celebrate diversity and intentionally seek to engage one another in our full humanness. We strive to create an environment that challenges, encourages and supports the individual quest for religious fulfillment.
Arriving at church:
You are welcome here and we want you to feel that. There are greeters each Sunday and a guest table. You can sign in as a guest and make a name tag (or not). We all wear ours, it alleviates the awkward moment when you don’t know someone’s name. If you come early enough, someone will even give you a quick tour. There are brochures for you to read even more about us and Unitarian Universalism.
Accessibility and Accommodations;
If there is something we can do to make your visit smooth and comfortable, we will. Go to our Accessibility and Accommodations page and if you find you need something further please contact Melissa Eggler, Congregational Life Coordinator, at 507-282-5209 or congregationlife@uurochmn.org
Options for kids:
Infant – 3 years of age
Childcare is available during services year around. If it’s more comfortable, your child can attend the service with you or you can sit in the Hearth Room on the main floor, where you will be able to hear the service and your child will have more freedom to move around.
Pre-K – Grade 12
From September through May, we have Children’s Religious Education classes and Youth Religious Education classes. Classes for children age 4- 6th Grade are at 9 am or 11 am, your children are welcome to attend either. Classes for children in grades 7-12 have class at 10 am. Your children are welcome to attend these classes or they may attend the service in the sanctuary with you.
Entering the Sanctuary:
We have no reserved seats; you are welcome to sit anywhere in the Sanctuary. An usher will welcome you and give you a Sunday bulletin. Let the usher know if you need a hearing assistance device, large print bulletin or large print hymnal.
A typical service:
Although each service is different in subject content, they share common elements. A typical service will include a chalice lighting, music, readings, embracing meditation, an offering, a sermon, and a benediction.
Our minister, the Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, leads most services. During the summer months, we have only one service at 10 a.m.
Music is a rich part of our services and we enjoy a lot of variety. Our own Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble and Children’s Choir provide much of the music. We also host guest musicians; one Sunday a Celtic guitarist might play, the next a classical brass quartet, and the next a jazz band.
Social hour:
Following each service, we gather in the Commons, our fellowship hall, to chat with old friends and welcome new ones. Beverages are available and occasionally, baked goods/snacks are available. During summer months, we have a fellowship hour at 11 am following the 10 am service.
Attire:
Wear whatever is comfortable. We do not have any sort of dress code except that you wear something!