New to First U?

What is Unitarian Universalism?

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal, creedless religion.  UUs are as unique as our faith.  Many come from Christian or Jewish traditions and incorporate those teachings into their daily lives. Other UUs are attracted to Eastern or Pagan practices and still others are atheist or humanist. Regardless of our personal beliefs, we all agree that the search for truth and meaning is a journey that is best accomplished in community. There are over 1000 UU congregations nationwide. First Unitarian in Brooklyn is one of 5 in New York City. (More information on Unitarian Universalism can be found at uua.org)

Your First Visit

Sunday worship services start at 11:00AM and end at about 12:15PM. You can expect singing, prayer, meditation, music, candle lighting, and a message. We provide childcare every Sunday. You can wear whatever feels comfortable and authentic to you. Content varies: on any given Sunday, the message may be about anything from Star Trek to the spirituality of tattoos to the sacred world of fungi. Similarly, the music may be anything from gospel to contemporary pop to jazz to organ. All are welcome at Coffee Hour in the Undercroft after the service.

Travel

Street parking is generally available in the neighborhood. You do not need to feed the meters on Sundays. If you drive, plan to arrive early to find a spot. There is a commercial parking lot on Clinton Street between Pierrepont and Cadman Plaza. We are walking distance from the 2/3. 4/5, and R trains at Borough Hall, and the A train at High Street.

Accessibility

Our historic building is not ADA compliant. We have a wheel chair lift to the Sanctuary, but bathrooms are accessible only by leaving the building and entering through another entrance. There are people on site to help you with the lift every Sunday morning, but it is always useful to know that you intend to use it. Contact info@firstubrooklyn.org.

Are you a visitor who wants to sing with us on a Sunday morning?

If you read music, at least a little, and have sung in choirs before, you’re welcome to pop in and join our choir while you’re in town! Some Sundays we’ll all be looking at that day’s choir piece for the first time together, but other weeks our choir will have already spent some time with a piece. If you’re willing to give it a shot and go with the flow, come on by. A heads up would be nice, but not essential to participate. Email Adam Podd.

Fellowship Hour

After worship, we gather in the “undercroft”, a large meeting space below the Sanctuary, for coffee, tea and conversation. Members of our Connections Committee will be happy to speak with you about your experiences and answer any questions you may have.  You may choose to complete a welcome card so that we can get to know you better.

Children and Youth at First Unitarian

We offer a comprehensive Religious Education program for children and youth led by our Director of Religious Education, Elizabeth Ann Terry. If you arrive with children, please try to come a few minutes early. A greeter will be happy to introduce you to a member of our religious education council who will help you to accommodate your children. Children generally attend the first 20-30 minutes of the worship service and then leave under our rainbow arch for their classes or other programming designed especially for them. Of course, if you’d prefer to keep your children with you for the entire worship service, that is perfectly fine. Children under two are welcome to stay with our professional nursery caregivers. Please ask a greeter to direct you.

Summer Services

During the summer, we meet in the air conditioned McKinney Chapel, a smaller worship space next to the Sanctuary.  These services are lay-led and incorporate a wide range of worship styles.  Summer is a wonderful time to visit.  The services are smaller and more intimate and many newcomers find them to be a perfect introduction to Unitarian Universalism.  During the summer, our Sunday school is in recess.  However, we do offer a children’s program for all ages. Cold refreshments are served following the service.

Programs for Newcomers

Young Adult Ministry – Young adults (roughly 18-34) meet monthly for a casual brunch in a local diner and once a month for a spiritual discussion. Both meetings happen after the worship service, and everyone who identifies as a young adult is welcome to attend.

Men’s Group – All who identify as male are welcome to join our monthly men’s discussion group. Topics vary and are often selected by group members. Meetings are generally on the second Sunday of the month following the worship service.

Newcomer Orientation – Tyrone Davis, Jr., Our Director of Congregational Life, offers classes throughout the year for newcomers.  These include sessions on UU theology and history.  Classes are generally after the worship service, with time for a cup of coffee or tea, on the first Sunday of every month from October through June and one or two times in the summer.

Adult Spiritual Development – First Unitarian is a busy place. Throughout the year we offer single classes and series on a range of subjects.  Class descriptions can be found in the weekly e-news. To subscribe contact Rev. Micah C. Ma (micah@firstubrooklyn.org).

Caring Ministry

An important part of the life of any religious community is care of people in need.  Our ministers provide pastoral counseling for members going through life transitions and losses. We also perform life cycle ceremonies for all rites of passage, most often weddings and memorial services held here in the church. Our lay Pastoral Associates reach out to provide practical assistance to those in crisis, struggling with health or physical challenges.  Note: pastoral care and counseling is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment.

Justice Work

Our congregation has a long history of working for justice.  Most recently, we have worked together to promote marriage equality and fair treatment for immigrants. Please visit our Serve the World page for more information