FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about SUUS

Where are you located?

We are located at 297 Boston Post Road (Route 1) in Madison, Connecticut. You can find driving directions and a map here.

How can I contact you?

For more information, please call the Church office and we will be happy to speak with you and answer any questions. Our phone number is (203) 245-8720. You can also email us for more information.

Does your congregation have diverse beliefs?

Yes! Our congregation includes people who identify as Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Pagans, Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and others. As there is no official Unitarian Universalist creed, we are free to search for truth on many paths.  To quote the Rev. Marta Flanagan, “We uphold the free search for truth. We will not be bound by a statement of belief. We do not ask anyone to subscribe to a creed. We say ours is a non-creedal religion. Ours is a free faith.”

Do you welcome gays and lesbians?

Yes. We have been certified by the UUA as a Welcoming Congregation since 1993. This means that Shoreline UU members have studied issues relating to the LGBTQ community and actively support and work on LGBTQ justice issues.

Also, the Unitarian Universalist Association expects all of its member congregations to be welcoming to individuals and families regardless of sexual or affectional orientation, gender identity or expression, race or ethnicity, ability/disability, class, age, or language and citizenship status.

Is your church accessible to people in wheelchairs?

Yes. Our accessibility ramps lets you enter through our coffee room or through our front door. A bathroom on the main level and one in the coffee room are handicap-accessible. There is also a chair-lift for access to and from our lower level coffee room.

What other accessibility issues have you addressed?

We have a sound system equipped with assisted listening devices. Please let a greeter know if one of these would be helpful to you. We also have magnifiers to help with those who need larger print to read the bulletins or hymnals.

What happens during your worship services?

Most of our services include the following:

  • An introduction and welcome from the morning’s lay leader, chalice lighting and opening words (the chalice is a symbol of Unitarian Universalism)
  • Readings or personal reflections
  • Sharing of Joys and Concerns – a time for members to share important transitions in their lives
  • A sermon or reflections (See the Upcoming Worship Services page)
  • Instrumental and vocal music
  • Singing of hymns or other songs
  • Closing words and extinguishing the chalice

Our services are coordinated by our minister, the Rev. Craig M. Nowak and our Worship Associates.. Some of our lay led services feature talks on a variety of topics by members of our congregation, outside speakers and UU ministers.

What do children do during the service?

During the regular church year (September through June) we provide childcare for small children, beginning 15 minutes before services begin, allowing parents to get their children settled before the service starts. During the service, the children from K-8 join us for about fifteen minutes before the leave for their classes.. Each year, several worship services are fully intergenerational.

Summer Worship for Families with Children

Families are welcomed into our worship service with their children or children may enjoy being with our childcare provider and Summer Fun & Games Coordinator(s) who organize a wonderful variety of fun activities each week.

What do adults and children wear?

We encourage you to “come as you are.” You will see adults wearing t-shirts and jeans and sports coats and ties, pants and dresses, sandals and shorts. Children should wear whatever makes them comfortable: play clothes and sneakers are just fine. Projects for some classes may involve markers, paint, and clay, or cooking, and in nice weather the children sometimes go outside.

How do I go about becoming a member of SUUS?

Membership is a commitment to the long-term spiritual and fiscal life of Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society. You can learn more about becoming a member by clicking here.

How can I contact you?

For more information, please call the church office and we will be happy to speak with you and answer any questions. Our phone is (203) 245-8720. You can also email us for more information.

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