1) What time are the Sunday services and where are you located? We are located at 835 W. College Street, with the College of St. Scholastica to the west and University of MN, Duluth to our east. Look for the green building on the upper side of the street with the grass-covered roof. Sunday mornings begin with an Adult Enrichment Forum at 9:00am, followed by the service at 10:00 and a social hour at 11:00. Religious Education for children begins at 10:00. Childcare is provided during the service.
2) How should I dress? There are a variety of styles of dress in our congregation, from jeans to business casual attire. Please wear what is comfortable for you.
3) Where can I park? Parking spaces are available outside in front of the building including handicapped parking spaces by the sidewalk in front of the door. Also, during services and major events, the under-the-building garage is unlocked- just pull up to the electric eye and the door will open. Enter on the right side (east) of the building and exit on the opposite side. The walkway up to the main level is located in the middle on the left.
If the lot and garage are full, we have permission to park across College Street in the Northwood Children’s Services parking area. Please use caution when crossing the street.
4) Are there nursery or religious education classes for my children? Yes, see our Religious Education page under the website menu. Nursery is provided for children 4 years old and younger.
Can my children remain with me for the service? Yes, children may remain with their parents. There are activity materials for the younger children, located in the back of the sanctuary on a table.
5) Are there any provisions for those who have low vision, hard of hearing, or physical disabilities? We have large print hymnals available, just ask an usher. Also there are assisted hearing devices that consist of a radio with headphones and tuned to channel 98.1 FM. Please ask an usher for assistance with ours or bring your own. There is a wheelchair located to the right of the main entrance or just as you enter the ramp from the underground garage. There is an elevator in the garage, approx. 2/3 of the way in on the right.
6) Is there a collection plate passed? We pass a wooden plate, which supports the congregation’s expenses and also a woven basket that is donated to organizations that make our community a better place in which to live. The organization’s name for each Sunday is indicated in the Sunday bulletin. Visitors are welcome to contribute, but as our guests, you are free to just let the plate and basket to pass by you.
7) What should I expect at a Sunday service? The services follow a general format with readings, hymns, Chalice lighting, meditation, and sermon. Within this framework we have a variety of speakers and special events. Please visit us several times to experience the diversity in our services.
8) Am I welcome to join in activities/committees/various groups if I am not a member? Everyone is welcome to join us in any of the above groups.
9) How can I learn more about Unitarian Universalism? Visit the Welcome Table in the back of the sanctuary for information and conversation with friendly, helpful people who staff the table.
Attend a Newcomers Information session, held once a month, usually the fourth Sunday. Please check the calendar for time and place.
Who We Are is a page on our website describing who we are and providing additional links to learn more about us.
Voices of Liberal Faith: Unitarian Universalism: This twelve-minute DVD shares important background information and inspirational messages about our religion including our history, theology, worship experience, religious education, social justice, and inclusiveness. This can be viewed: YouTube online video
10) Is it true that UUCD welcomes GLBT people? Yes, wholeheartedly! Knowing that church should be a safe and supportive spiritual haven for all who attend, and also knowing that for many bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender people, their past church experience has been anything but that, we strive to be a sanctuary of love and acceptance.
11) My partner and I are of different faith backgrounds and beliefs. Are we both welcome? Yes, unconditionally! Many individuals in multi-faith relationships and families find our congregation an ideal place to be together and grow spiritually without forcing any one individual to give up a personal religious path. We are a covenantal church rather than a creedal one. Our members represent a wide variety of spiritual paths. (Agnostics, Buddhists, Christians, Jews, Pagans, Humanists, Atheists, Native-American spirituality, etc.) but we come together in community around a covenant or mutual agreement based on the Seven Principles Who We Are — Our Beliefs to support others in their individual faith journeys. We find our shared belief in how we treat one another and relate to each other in our congregational community.