Here are answers to questions we often hear about Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County (UUCDC).

Practical Matters

Do you welcome visitors?

Absolutely. If you are seeking a new spiritual home for you or your children, please come to Sunday services and sample what we are about. Attend coffee time between the early and late services, where you will be welcomed by friendly, engaging congregants. Always feel free to get your questions answered by contacting the church office by email or by calling 610-566-4853.

When are Sunday worship services? 

Fall through spring, we hold two in-person Sunday morning services, at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m, in the Sanctuary. The 9:30 service is also available via Zoom.  Occasionally, there are special events for which we hold only one service at 10 a.m. Please check the church calendar on this website for weekly service times. Families with children in Religious Education (RE), which is held from September to June, attend the early service, as that is when Sunday School classes are held. During the summer, we have a single service at 10 a.m.

How long does the service last? 

It varies, but usually about an hour.

What happens before and after the service? 

You can enjoy music and a slide show highlighting activities at the church, beginning 15 minutes before each service. Coffee time is held between the two services in Fellowship Hall across from the Sanctuary. Visitors: please come so we can welcome you and answer any questions you have.

Is the church accessible to people with disabilities? 

Our aim is to meet the needs of people with disabilities. We offer listening devices for those who are hearing impaired. For the mobility-impaired, there is an elevator to avoid stairs from the lower lobby to the Sanctuary level. For any need, ask a greeter with the Sunday Hospitality Team, whose members wear white shirts, Hospitality badges, and name tags. Click here to learn more about accessibility at UUCDC, or contact the church office by email or by calling 610-566-4853 about accommodating your needs.

Spiritual Matters

What are UUCDC’s faith principles?

UUCDC follows the seven Unitarian Universalist (UU) principles established in the ’80s, plus one more focused building a diverse, multicultural community. We are taking part in the decision by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) to update Article II of its Purposes and Covenant to center on love. The change will be voted on at the 2024 national General Assembly. For more, see Our Values.

What are the roots of Unitarian Universalism (UU)?

UU is rooted in Judeo-Christian religious traditions, but does not believe in dogma or doctrine. Ours is a covenantal faith, meaning it is not static, or set in stone, but an agreement among its practitioners. As such, it is more fluid. It incorporates new insights and realities as we and the world around us change. Ours is an active, dynamic faith.

Do UUs believe in God?

Many congregants believe in a god, spirit, or higher power; some have other concepts of a spiritual connection and the universe. Some do not believe in a god or anything spiritual. We share common values but encourage diverse thinking and honor others’ perspectives and beliefs.

Where do people who join UUCDC come from?

Many people come to our church from other faith traditions because they seek a spiritual home that’s liberal and are looking to find connection and community with like-minded people. Everyone, regardless of background, race, creed, ability, or sexual identity is welcome to worship with us.

What are Sunday sermons about?

Our minister determines the diverse topics of Sunday services, but they frequently focus on what it means to be a UU and practice our values. The sermons sometimes explore and incorporate different faith traditions’ wisdom into our understanding and teachings. For a sample of what’s said, check out the Sermons Archive.

How do I join the church?

We welcome everyone to our congregation as a friend and attendee as long as you like. If UUCDC becomes your regular spiritual home, we encourage you to become a formal member, which allows you to vote on church decisions. Learn more at Pathway to Membership here.

How do I get connected at UUCDC? 

To learn about what’s happening at our church, subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter, Connections. Also, frequently check back with this website for church news and announcements.  The best way to connect is to attend services and join us for coffee time, where you can introduce yourself to our minister, our leaders, our staff, and other congregants. We practice radical hospitality, and all are welcome, regardless of your background.

Kids’ Stuff

Does UUCDC offer Sunday School? 

Yes. Our church holds Religious Education (RE) classes from fall through spring. On Sundays during the 9:30 a.m. service, pre-K to grade 7 children attend church for the first 10 to 15 minutes with their families in the Sanctuary before going to Sunday School classes on the lower level of our building. Two trained volunteer teachers are in every classroom. There are Youth Programs for grades 7 to 12. Our Whole Lives (OWL) meets at 9:30 a.m.; the grades 10 to 12 group meets during the 11:15 a.m. service. For more information on RE, click here.

If my child doesn’t separate well, can she, he, or they stay with me in the service? 

Of course. Children are always welcome at our services, although we do hope that kids will want to participate in age-appropriate learning and RE. Someone will get you if your child needs you during Sunday School. You may also join your kids in their classroom if that will make them more at ease.

Where can I pick up my child after Sunday School? 

Classes end at 10:45 a.m. or after the service finishes, whichever is later. Parents should head to the RE floor on the lower level of the building to pick up their children.

May I bring a baby to services? 

Yes. You are welcome to bring your baby into the Sanctuary. Please be courteous, though, to other worshippers. If you need to quiet your child, there is a rocking chair in the back or you may leave the Sanctuary and listen to the service via a speaker in Founders Hall opposite it on the same floor. Changing tables are available in the lower-level restrooms.

How do I keep up with what’s happening with Religious Education? 

The best way is to formally register your child for Sunday School or youth programs by clicking here. Also, please sign up for the weekly RE e-newsletter, which offers information about classes, schedules, and monthly themes.