New to UUCB? Welcome!
We’d love to get to know you better and share with you what we have to offer. Welcome to a liberal church supporting a free and responsible search for truth and meaning, social justice, and respect for the interdependent web of all existence.
We need not think alike to love alike. Most of the members of UUCB were not born Unitarian Universalists (UU). Ours is a chosen faith. We come from many faith traditions; and some from no religion at all. We come in search of answers to questions like these…
- How can I lead a deeper spiritual life?
- How can I be engaged with something beyond day to day, secular life?
- How can I be part of a community of meaning and purpose?
- How can I (with others) help change the world?
For those of you who are already Unitarian Universalists, we bid you warm welcome, and offer a place from which to continue exploring your spiritual path and living your social justice commitments.
Fill out our newcomer’s form, tell us your interests, how you found us, and any questions we can answer. If you leave your email address, someone will be in touch.
Plan Your First Visit (In Person or Online)
We know that a first time anywhere new is exciting but sometimes can be daunting, too. The UU Church of Berkeley strives to be a radically hospitable community, and we work hard to make sure you feel welcome. The aim of this page is to help you prepare for your first experience at UUCB.
UUCB is near the top of the Berkeley/El Cerrito hills, with awe-inspiring views of the bay. This meditative retreat is off of the beaten path, so you’ll need good directions. You may also watch the service online.
Sunday morning Worship meets at 11:00 a.m. Parents, please note that the Worship service includes a “Time for All Ages” — stories focused for our children and youth.
If you prefer to join us virtually, select the Facebook OR YouTube link on the home page in the upper right corner.
After Worship services, there is a fun Coffee Hour that meets in the Social Hall. When you have coffee or tea before or after the service, we encourage you to use a purple mug to let us know you are new and would like to make connections.
Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the 11:00 worship service and stop by the Welcome Table in the Atrium. You’ll find friendly and helpful greeters who will tell you about what’s happening on that Sunday and provide you with information about our community. Make a name tag. On your next time at UUCB, you’ll have a printed name tag waiting for you at the Welcome Table.
“Personal Theology” seminars take place on select Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 and are given by speakers who come from a range of perspectives on: Sufism, Atheist, The Goddess, Christianity, Physics, Consciousness, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Altered States, and Human Potential.
Keep an eye out on the home page of website for other SPECIAL EVENTS.
Social Justice activities abound with post card writing, showing up to council meetings, volunteering for helping create Tiny Houses for youth. Please fill in the Newcomer info card (button above) so we can let you know when some of these activities are happening and the contact person.
Chalice Circles are a good way to get to know a small group of members and non-members through focused discussions of stories from our own lives. Recognizing the Unitarian Universalist call to minister to each other and to the world, Chalice Circles provide a unique opportunity to engage in the spiritual practice of deep listening. They generally form several times a year and run for a limited number of sessions.
Thank you for visiting! We hope to see you at the Worship service on Sunday or maybe in the Coffee Hour or at a meeting of one of the vibrant programs at UUCB. Filling in the Newcomer info card and checking to receive the Weekly list of events and activities will keep you informed of the wonderful work of this congregation.
Fill out our newcomer’s card, tell us your interests, how you found us, and any questions we can answer. If you leave your email address, someone will be in touch.
For Families with Children
Families are also invited to visit the Family Welcome Table in the Atrium. One of our Family Connectors will be waiting to welcome you. Look for the smiling person in a red apron.
Please fill out a Connection Card. This card helps us get to know you and your family, and provides us important safety info about your kids. Have your kids make name tags, and decorate the tags with stickers.
Families generally attend the first part of the 11:00 worship service together. Children’s classes begin after this multigenerational part of the service. For our youngest newcomers, childcare is available – you can drop your kids directly at our childcare area. (If you need directions, ask at the Welcome Table.)
Near the beginning of the 11:00 service, children and their parents are called forward for a story. Afterwards, the congregation will sing children to their classes, and you may escort your child to the Atrium and give the Connection Card to the Family Connector in the red apron.
You can return to the Sanctuary to enjoy worship, or attend class with your child.
After worship, pick up children grades 5 and younger, finding your way with the map of our campus on the Connection Card. Then, you and your children are welcome to come to the Atrium or Social Hall for snacks, or enjoy playtime on the playground and in our childcare facility. Children can also stay on in our supervised community playspace until 1pm.
Middle school and high school youth go straight to their classroom at 11:00 (unless we are having All Age Worship) and may release themselves when their meetings end, with permission given on the card.
We’re looking forward to meeting you and your loved ones! If you have any questions, please reach out to our Family Ministry committee.
Each Sunday there are fun and inspiring activities for children, youth, and parents. You are welcome to explore our beautiful property beforehand, or attend one of our many activities for families.
See also What We Believe and FAQs about UU and UUCB.
