Services

We’re very proud of our worship services here at First U. While there are elements that may seem familiar (e.g. a sermon, readings, hymns), there are others that are sure to surprise you. We celebrate Samhain, as well as Easter, and Diwali, alongside Yom Kippur. 

We have our own special traditions, too – Water Communion starts our program year, in September; Hunger Communion precedes Thanksgiving; Fire Communion lights our way through winter; and Flower Communion ends our program year in June. In any given service, we strive to express and explore the entire range of human experience.

Worship FAQs:

Q: What time does the service start?

11AM every Sunday, except for the Sunday after Christmas, when we instead have a 5pm Vespers service.

Q: How do I get there?

We encourage using public transportation. We are conveniently located near the subway stations of Borough Hall, Court Street, and Clark Street, accessible via the 2/3, 4/5, R, and W lines.

Q: Where do I park? 

Parking is very limited in Brooklyn Heights. Street parking is free, but be prepared to spend extra time looking for an open spot. Paid parking garages can be found on Clinton St, near Pierrepont St, as well as closer to Cadman Plaza and the courthouses.

Q: I am in a wheelchair or mobility aid. Can I access your building? 

Yes! However, our historic building has some accessibility limitations. We have a chair lift at the corner of Pierrepont St and Monroe Pl to assist you directly into the Sanctuary, and our Ushers or Sexton will be ready to greet you starting half an hour before services start. It is recommended (but not required) to contact us in advance – at info@firstubrooklyn.org – if you plan to use the lift so we can be prepared to assist you.

Q: I wear a hearing aid. Will I be able to clearly listen to the services?

Yes! All amplified sound in the Sanctuary and Chapel are connected to an audio induction loop system.

Q: Can I bring my dog?

Service animals are welcome. They should generally be harnessed, leashed, or tethered – unless the equipment interferes with the animal’s work or the handler’s disability prevents its use. In those circumstances, the handler must maintain control through voice commands, signals, or other effective means. For preservation of First U’s historic property and the safety of all, pets and emotional support animals that do not qualify as service animals are not permitted inside the building.

Q: What should I wear?

Whatever you like. Some people arrive in their “Sunday best,” while others arrive in shorts and t-shirts. If you are sensitive to scents, including perfumes and laudry soaps, we have a dedicated scent-free section of pews on the far left side of the Sanctuary.

Q: Is there childcare?

There is childcare for infants and toddlers. School-aged children generally stay for the first 20 minutes of the story, after which they depart for religious education classes. But of course, your children are welcome to stay with you for the entirety of the service if that is what they wish.

Q: Is there any particular Sunday I should make sure to come?

If you like jazz music, the second Sunday of every month from October to June is Jazz Sunday! Otherwise, come whenever works for you.

Q: What happens from July to September?

July and August are lay-led services in the air-conditioned McKinney Chapel. We return to the Sanctuary in mid-September for Water Communion.