First Unitarian Church of Toledo 

• Visitors FAQ's

Freqently Asked Questions 

What should I wear?
On any given Sunday one will find a full spectrum of attire at First Unitarian from sweatpants to suits and everything in between. You are encouraged to wear what is comfortable for you; you are accepted as you are.

When does the service start?
The regular worship service starts at 11:00.

Is there a Sunday School or religious study?
Lifespan Faith Development classes are offered for  adults at 10:00 from September to May. The adult RE classes are given by anyone who has an area of expertise and is willing to share their knowledge with others.  It is not limited to religious subjects, but covers a broad range of spiritual, ethical, and intellectual issues.  While you attend  Faith Development class your children are welcome to attend UU cafe and enjoy a time for free play with crafts, board games, yoga, etc.  Following the "story for all ages"  during worship service children can attend their own Faith Development class.  The wide array of children’s’ classes may include such topics as the environment, animals, expressing creativity, homelessness, and learning about world religions.  Life Span Faith Development

Where do I park?
You are welcome to park in our parking lot. If there are no spaces available, we have access to the church parking lot next door. There is even a convenient paved path leading from their lot to ours.

What happens during the worship service?
The order of service typically involves readings, chalice lighting, community concerns, hymns, greet your neighbor, children’s story, meditation, choir and/or The Gathering, offering, and an insightful  sermon.  sample order of service. The words recited during the chalice lighting, children’s story, and offering are printed in the order of service.  Our sanctuary is situated like a traditional church with pews facing the altar at the front of the sanctuary.

What should I expect after service?
You will have a chance to meet the ministers after the service outside the sanctuary. Most attendees then decide to stay for a light lunch at coffee hour. We were all visitors at one time and want to make sure you feel welcome. If you choose to stay, there are visitor placemats at each table to make sure you get a seat…our coffee hours are pretty popular. The fourth Sunday of every month is a potluck which allows members & visitors more time to socialize and pursue common interests.
If you would like a tour of the building we would be happy to give you one after the service.

On the second and fourth Sundays of the month, following our 11AM service, our greeters will meet with visitors to share a little information about our congregation.  Visitors are encouraged to attend to learn the basics about Unitarian Universalism and to familiarize yourself with our church, religious education classes, childcare, coffee hour and much more.

Can I bring my children?
Of course! Our Religious Education program is what often attracts families to First Unitarian. From September to May your children are welcome to join us for UU cafe at 10:00 to enjoy an array of fun activities like board games, crafts, or yoga on select Sundays.   If you would like loving volunteers to care for your child while you attend an RE class and/or worship, our nursery is available from 9:45 am to 12:15 pm for children birth to preschool age. Just ask a greeter or usher to show you to the nursery.

Most Sundays, there will be a "story for all ages" during the service where children are invited to come to the front of the sanctuary to listen to the story. After the story, children are welcome to attend the Religious Education class for their age group.  LifeSpan Faith Development

Children are also welcome to stay in the sanctuary with their parents. There are boxes located in the back of the sanctuary for children who would like to pick an activity package to take with them to their seats.

Will I be welcome?
EVERYONE is welcome to First Unitarian of Toledo. We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, no matter their race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, occupation, social status, or sexual orientation. A greeter will welcome you into the church and will offer you a nametag to help others welcome you by name.

What if I’m in a same sex relationship?
No need to hide your identity here, your relationship/family will be welcome! Unitarian Universalism has been on the forefront of the gay rights movement and has many homosexual ministers. We hope you find a home at First Unitarian Church of Toledo.

What if I’m part of an interfaith family?
Then you will fit into our already diverse church family. Many interfaith families find a home in First Unitarian because we embrace, honor, and celebrate many religions.

Will I be welcome if I’m Agnostic or Atheist?
All spiritual beliefs are welcome. Our congregation is made up of Agnostics, Atheists, Pagans, Buddhists, Humanists, Theists, Christian, Catholic and more. We strive to provide an environment for exploration, growth and discovery of your own spiritual path no matter where you are on your journey.  

Will I be pressured to join?
While we want to welcome everyone who comes through our doors we do not ask visitors to join our church right away. Take your time to explore the UU faith and our church to make sure it is the right fit for you. If membership feels right to you, please speak with a minister or a member of the membership committee. At First Unitarian certain rights and responsibilities come along with membership such as voting rights, financial contribution, and service to the church and/or the community. However, we have "friends" of the church that are involved in the spirit and giving of the church without signing the membership book. LINK TO MEMBERSHIP PAGE

What holidays are celebrated?
Many holidays are honored and celebrated at First UU including but definitely not limited to Easter, Solstices, Day of the Dead, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.

Am I expected to tithe?
Visitors are not required to pledge (or tithe) but there is an opportunity to place a greatly appreciated donation in the offering plate during our Sunday service.   We are a self-sustaining church; therefore our entire budget is funded solely by the financial contributions & yearly pledges of our members & friends.   

Our Covenant

Love is the doctrine of this church
The quest for truth is its sacrament,
and service is its prayer.

This is our great covenant:
To dwell together in peace,
to seek the truth in love,
and to help one another.