Are all people welcome in this congregation?
We strive to respect and welcome all people.

Are there people in the congregation who hold diverse beliefs?
Definitely. Unitarian Universalists affirm a diversity of religious ideas and support spiritual development guided by freedom, reason, and conscience.

What goes on during the Sunday services?
Services vary, yet regularly include elements which celebrate our values in words, music, silence, story, and song. We have an excellent music program. There is a “Time for All Ages” early in the service in which a story is told.

How do I meet other people? How do I get involved?
Attend a Sunday service or Personal Theology/Summer Forum talk. You will be greeted at the door and can learn about the many activities at UUCB. Stay for coffee, a snack or light lunch, and conversation following the service. Subscribe to emails. Watch for other events to attend and opportunities to volunteer. Many newcomers find joining a Chalice Circle a rewarding experience that connects them closely with a small group of people. Also consider some of our interest groups.

Is there an LGBTQ+ community at UUCB?
We have many LGBTQ+ members, who are involved in activities throughout the church.

Are there young adults active in the congregation?
Yes! Young adults are a vital part of the UUCB community—singing in the choir, serving on the Board of Trustees, sharing Sunday worship, and serving on many committees. Many are parents and are part of the Family Ministry community. We have at times had an active group for ages 18 to 35 or so in connection with a national UU Young Adult Network. (See https://www.uuyarn.org for current info out of the San Francisco UU church.)

What should my children and I wear for Sunday worship?
There is no official dress code.  Attire is relatively casual, but you may see people in suits as well as in shorts.  Since the church’s membership ranges from the very young to the very old, with a variety of races, ethnicities, spiritual traditions and cultural customs, it is impossible to limit participants to one set of dress instructions.  However, it is a good guide to dress like you are ready to do spiritual, social, and community work, and attire should convey respect and acceptance of ourselves and others.

Is there childcare/Sunday school during church?
Children and adults are together for the first part of each Sunday service, beginning at 11:00. Some weeks the entire service is multigenerational; other times children go to classes or activities. Childcare is available for younger children from 10 am to 1 pm.

If my child doesn’t separate well, can my child stay with me during the service?
Your child is always welcome to stay with you during the worship service. Please be considerate of others if your child becomes restless.

Is handicap parking available at UUCB?
Yes! There are specially marked parking spaces just outside the entrance of the church. The entrance is also level with the parking lot, so no stairs will impede access.

Is UUCB wheelchair accessible?
Yes! Wheelchairs can easily be moved from the parking lot directly in front of the church entrance to the Atrium, Sanctuary, Social Hall, Fireside Room, Safir Room, church offices, kitchen, restrooms, and to childcare facilities.

I have difficulty hearing. Is there any listening device available for church services?
Enhanced listening devices are available. Please ask an usher for assistance. We also have the Hearing Loop system that feeds audio directly into hearing aids.

What is the significance of the flaming chalice?
A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot) is a primary symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. Many of our congregations kindle a flaming chalice in worship services and meetings and feature the chalice symbol prominently.

Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol during his work with the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. To Deutsch, the image had connotations of sacrifice and love.

To Unitarian Universalists today the flaming chalice is a symbol of hope, the sacred, the quest for truth, the warmth of community, the light of reason, and more. You may see many variations on the flaming chalice motif, including the logo image at right adopted by the Unitarian Universalist Association and our church in 2016.

We light a flaming chalice in worship to create a reverent space for reflection, prayer, meditation, and singing. We also light one in most meetings to remind ourselves to be spiritually present.

How do I get to the church?
Select the Directions link at the top of the page for Google maps, or visit this link for spelled-out directions for how to get to UUCB by public transit or driving.

Who supports UUCB?
UUCB is self-supporting, both financially and in volunteer effort.

What do I do if I have other questions?
Click here to send us an email or call the church office at (510) 525-0302.