Sunday Morning

What Time Does the Service Start?

The Sunday morning Worship Service begins at 10:15 a.m. Children (ages six and older) attend the first fifteen minutes of the Service with their parents and then are excused to go to Religious Education (RE) classes which are held for first grade through high school, at the same time as the worship services, from September – May. Childcare is available for children six and under. Often, special programming for school age children is also available during the summer.

The Sunday morning Worship Service begins at 10:15 a.m. Children (ages six and older) attend the first fifteen minutes of the Service with their parents and then are excused to go to Religious Education (RE) classes which are held for first grade through high school, at the same time as the worship services, from September – May. Childcare is available for children six and under. Often, special programming for school age children is also available during the summer.

Where is the Main Entrance?

It’s on the east side of the building, next to our main parking lot. You will see two sets of glass double doors with signage above: West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church; One Church/Many Paths. The front doors visible from Hilliard Blvd. lead to the Main Sanctuary and are only open on Sundays or for special events. On Sundays, you may enter the building from the East Entrance or use the Sanctuary doors located in the front of the church.

Parking

Parking is available in front of the church along the curved drive leading directly to the Sanctuary containing several designated handicapped accessible spots or in the parking lot at the East Entrance. Street parking is also available on Hilliard, Northview and Lakeview. There are designated spaces for First Time Visitors at the back of the main parking lot. In the spring, summer and fall, a bike rack is located at the front of the church. Designated handicapped spaces are also available in the main parking lot on the side near the East Entrance.

Stop by the Welcome Center

If you are a First Time Visitor, the Welcome Center is your first stop in helping you navigate your way around West Shore. The Welcome Center is located in the hallway directly across from the church office. It is staffed by church volunteers and members of the Membership Committee. If you’d like to receive information about the church, please sign our guest book, take a name tag and let us help orient you to the building and the service. First Time Visitors with children can also learn about Religious Education (“RE”) programs and opportunities at the table near the Welcome Center. Childcare for toddlers under age 6 and infants is available during the Worship Service.

Visiting with children? We’re delighted!

During the church year (September – May), children are encouraged to attend our Religious Education (RE) program. Children six years old and above start in the church service with their parents for approximately fifteen minutes and are then excused to attend their RE classes.

If you are a First Time Visitor, you may want to accompany your child to his/her RE program. A greeter will spot you and direct you to the appropriate classroom. Some families prefer to keep their child/children with them on a first visit. They are welcome to accompany you into the Sanctuary for worship. We offer activity bags to help occupy fidgety children, available in the foyer outside the Sanctuary. We also have a Family Room in the Rotunda with video and audio feed. Families with crying children, who might not appreciate the sermon as much as the adults, and breastfeeding mothers can use this private space, too. The services can also be heard through speakers near the lounge area in the Rotunda or in the Fireside Room if you need to remove a crying child from the Sanctuary.

Accessibility & Special Needs

With the exception of the Choir Loft, all spaces in the renovated building are fully accessible. Hearing assist devices are available at the Church Office upon request; large-print orders of service and hymnals are available. Wheelchairs and a walker are available in the Coat Room for Sunday morning use. Ask an usher for assistance. For those with chemical sensitivities, we generally purchase fragrant free cleaning products. We ask all church members and visitors to consider the possible impact of the use of perfume, aftershave, hairsprays, etc. on others. In the event of a potluck, consider labeling your food so that individuals with allergies and special diets can make informed choices.

What Do I Wear? What’s the Feel of the Service?

People dress in many different ways for church. Most dress informally. It is not uncommon for jeans and T-shirts to worship next to suits and dresses! You will be greeted by an usher, and offered an order of service, which will help you follow the service. During the summer months, you’ll see fewer families with children than in the fall season. Childcare is available for infants and toddlers.