Frequently Asked Questions about Quincy's Unitarian Church

About Unitarian-Universalism:
What do Unitarian-Universalists believe?
That's hard to generalize about. Unitarian-Universalism is a "non-creedal" denomination; it doesn't insist on a profession of faith or a standard set of beliefs from its members.
Then what do you believe?
UUs believe in a free and responsible search for meaning. We believe that the search for spiritual truth can take many paths, and we honor all those paths.
So you're not Christians?
Some UUs identify themselves as Christians. Others would describe themselves as followers of other religious traditions, such as Buddhist, Taoist, or earth-centered. Still others would prefer to describe themselves as agnostic or atheist. It's a point of pride for UUs to respect and honor each other's religious values.
What kinds of things do you have in common?
UUs affirm seven principles as the core of their religious organization. These are:
  1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
  2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
  3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
  4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
  5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
  6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
  7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
I guess this means you don't believe in the Bible?
Quite the contrary! The Bible is a sacred scripture. But there are lots of sacred scriptures in the world, and we draw from them as well. In fact, UUs have identified a number of different sources from which we draw our beliefs:
  • Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
  • Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
  • Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
  • Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
  • Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
  • Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Where can I learn more about this Uncommon Denomination's history and principles?
The Unitarian Universalist Association has an excellent website at www.uua.org. For information about the UUA's history, principles, services, and activities, try their "Welcome to Unitarian Universalism" page.
On the NW corner at 16th & Hampshire
About This Church:
Where are you located?
We're at 1479 Hampshire Street (A Google Map shows the Church's location). It's a gray stone building at the corner of Hampshire and 16th Street in Quincy.
When I call the church at (217)-222-5468, I get an answering machine. What's that all about?
Our Administrator keeps office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the mornings, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. At all other times, the answering machine will record your message.
What kinds of services do you have?
During our regular season (second Sunday of September through second Sunday of June) we have services at 10:45 a.m. During the summer, our services begin at 9:30 a.m. We also have Christmas Eve services.
What can I expect at one of your services?
Our services usually begin with a lovely organ prelude, followed by a welcome and a time for announcements. (If you would like to introduce yourself, this is the time to do so.) Then we recite our affirmation and have some opening words, a hymn, an offering, and a time for meditation. A sermon follows; our minister, Rev. Dr. Rob Manning, gives the sermon about one-third of the time, and the other two-thirds are given by lay speakers from the congregation and community. After the sermon, there is a closing hymn, some closing words, an organ postlude, and then a talkback time.
What's a talkback time?
Our congregation doesn't like to just listen and file away the ideas that are given in the sermon. During talkback, members of the congregation give their own views, discuss the ideas, and offer additional perspectives.
Then what?
After the formal services are over, there's a coffee time. People stay around for casual conversation and further discussion of the sermon topic, while enjoying coffee, juice, and a few snacks. The formal services are generally over by 11:30, and the coffee time lasts as long as there are people still talking-typically till noon or so.
Are children welcome?
Children are very welcome. There is a supervised nursery for the youngest kids, and children up through the high school years have organized classes.
Could my child stay with me?
Certainly. Children usually depart for their classes after the opening hymn, but if they feel more comfortable staying with you, that's quite all right.
Should I dress up?
With a congregation as diverse as ours, you can bet that you'll see all levels of dress, from suits to blue jeans. Dress in whatever makes you comfortable and puts you in the right mood.
What about your summer services?
Our summer services are very informal discussion sessions. Church members meet around the big table in our Heritage Room and talk over a topic, beginning at 9:30. Sometimes there's a discussion leader and sometimes not. There's a different topic every week; just walk in and join the conversation. It usually ends by about 11:00.
Is your building wheelchair accessible?
Yes, we are. On September 22, 2007, we dedicated a new addition to our historic building. Our primary objective with our construction project was to add handicap accessibility and handicap accessible restrooms. We take the position that it is our moral responsibility.
How about air conditioning?
Our new addition has air conditioning, but the original building doesn't. That's why our summer services are held at 9:30 a.m.!
How accepting are you of different races and sexual orientations?
Just as we respect and honor different religious beliefs and backgrounds, we also affirm and accept differences of race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation as part of the rich fabric of human life. Our congregation includes Republicans and Democrats, Libertarians and Greens, gay and straight, lifelong Unitarians and recent joiners. Everyone is welcome here.