Ever wonder about Unitarian Universalist Services of Worship? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about our Sunday service:

When does your service start?

The worship service is at 11:00 a.m. The service lasts about 1 hour. This service is followed by a time of informal conversation and refreshments; some people leave immediately after the service ends, others linger for some time.

Do I have to get dressed up?

Feel free to wear what is most comfortable. You will be welcomed for who you are, not what you wear. After all, this is Key West; if it's good enough for Duval Street - it's good enough for us!

What do our kids do?

Children attend the service for the first fifteen minutes most Sundays before going to their religious education classes. Several Sundays in the year consist of intergenerational worship when we worship together for the whole hour. Also, a child who prefers to stay for the service is welcome on any Sunday (that includes infants and toddlers who are not disruptive).

Where do I go when I arrive?

You'll enter through our main door on Georgia Street closest to Petronia. As you enter the main door, you will be in our Gathering Room where you will find a visitor's table, staffed by volunteers who would be glad to answer any questions. They will also welcome you and provide you with a nametag, if you're willing.  The Gathering Room also contains our Library, and you should feel free to browse (and borrow if some book catches your eye or spirit).

At the door to the sanctuary, an usher will give you an order of service and hymnal so you can participate in the program.

What will happen in the service?

You will find that while our services vary from week to week, there are some common elements:

• Our Welcoming the Day music sets the tone; we respect this time of gathering in silence.
• This is followed by congregational singing and then lighting of the flame of a chalice - a representation of the symbol of Unitarian Universalism.  For most of our times of singing, an invitation is made to rise in body or spirit; when you see the Worship Leader rise or gesture to rise, you may do so if you wish.
• A Prelude is offered by one of our musicians.
• Opening Words then introduce the theme of thought and reflection for that Sunday, followed by another opportunity for congregational singing.
• Words for All Ages follow - stories and reflections for your children. Then the children leave for their program (sung out to their class by the congregation: May Peace surround you, May Love surround you, As you go on your way).
• We usually will have several readings (from religious and secular sources), a time of meditation, a musical selection, and the major presentation (sermon, panel, play, etc.).
• This is followed by another hymn, and then a time of community.  We welcome our visitors and guests and share announcements about our congregational life. We also offer an opportunity for individuals to share short personal statements about joys, sorrows, concerns, and synchronicities in their lives.
• We sing together one more time before the Closing Words are shared, summing up the topic of the day.  A final short piece of music is listened to quietly before our chalice flame is extinguished.

You will not be asked say or do anything that you do not choose; ours is a religion of choice!  And don't worry: standing, sitting, remaining silent out of synch with others will not be considered offensive. 

If you have any further questions, feel free to give us a call at 305.296.4369 or send an email to minister@uufkw.org