Frequently Asked Questions

For Newcomers

How do I get there?

The address is 10804 119^th Street in Edmonton. Here’s a map–click on the map to zoom in and out.

There is bus service on Sundays from the #3 and #7 routes both of which travel along 107 Avenue. If you choose to use the BusLink service to plan your trip, the relevant bus stop numbers for both routes are #1644 (116 St.) And #1682 (120 St.) (westbound) and #1997 (117 St.) And #1836 (119 St.) (eastbound).

What do Unitarian Universalists believe?

Unitarian Universalists believe a wide variety of things. You will find UU Buddhists, Taoists, Christians, Agnostics, Atheists, as well as people who have trouble classifying their beliefs. What we have in common are our Principles and Sources which guide us, and the desire for a church community where we can be accepted regardless of what we believe.

Are the Seven Principles a creed or a set of required beliefs?

No. The Principles and Sources are a democratically developed document voted on by all Unitarian congregations in Canada. They are reviewed and updated from time to time. Mostly they are thoughtful guidelines that help us build our own answers for life’s questions.

Will I fit in?

The worth and dignity of every person is one of the Principles and Sources. We welcome people of all races, ages, gender, sexual orientation, and abilities.

What kind of people come to UCE?

You’ll find a wide variety of people at UCE. We talk about diversity a lot, and strive to welcome it. Many of our members are people who have attended another church and found the community valuable but weren’t able to accept the beliefs. There are older people, middle aged people and young children, young adults and youth. While most of our members fit under the umbrella ‘middle class’, we have members from all walks of life and economic backgrounds. There is a much stronger LGBT (lesbian, gay bisexual and transsexual) presence here than you will find in most congregations–same sex couples generally feel very comfortable in our community.

Acceptance is very important to our membership. People who feel that their way of life is right and are determined to save or convince others would probably feel uncomfortable here.

What provisions do you have for people with disabilities?

Our building is completely wheelchair accessible. We have headsets for people with hearing difficulties in the chapel and offer large print Orders of Service for those who need them.

What should I wear? What should my children wear?

You should wear whatever your are most comfortable in. Most people dress casually (jeans are fine), but some people dress up. The minister usually wears a suit, but then, it’s his job. Your children should wear something they can play in.

Is there childcare and/or Sunday School? What is taught?

We have a program for all ages–from our nursery to our youth group. We hire a half time Director of Religious Education, who oversees our children’s program. Se our RE Page for more details.

My child doesn’t separate well. Can he/she stay with me during the service?

Absolutely. Many parents, particularly of smaller children, keep their children with them in the service and we also have a glassed in Quiet Room just off the main foyer. It has toys and couches and a speaker to bring in the service audio. Many parents also choose to be in the nursery with their child, in order to help the child adjust and also to have a chance to chat with other parents. You are also welcome to breast feed anywhere in our building or at our events. You are encouraged to do whatever works for your family.

How do you worship together if you don’t all believe the same thing?

There are two strategies we use–flexibility and “taking turns”. Flexibility for us means choosing things that can mean different things to different people. A minute of silence can mean prayer, meditation, or reflection. Lighting a candle can be spiritual or social Our minister tries to welcome many points of view and works with the Worship Committee to provide a balance of services during the year. Some are more tailored to people with a stronger spiritual side, and some are more academic. This is worth remembering the first few times you come–what is said from the pulpit on any given Sunday may be quite different the following week.

What goes on during a worship service?

There are always exceptions, but the general format of a service involves beginning with announcements, some music, and some opening words. We then light the chalice and will often also have a chance for people who would like to light candles for the joys and concerns of their lives (and say a couple of words if they’d like).

There is almost always some kind of address–either a sermon from the minister or a talk by a member of the congregation or the wider community. We also take an offering (to which you can choose to donate or not). We tend to close with a few more words and some more music (which we also use liberally throughout the service).

Children begin with us in the chapel one Sunday per month, and on those Sundays we have a children’s story.

How about the offering? Is this church all about money?

No! How much or how little you have or choose to give has nothing to do with how you will be treated at UCE. Sure, we take an offering each week and once a year we have a Canvass or Pledge Sunday asking people to pledge their gifts for the next year. That helps us plan our budget. Each Unitarian congregation is a free-standing society responsible for its own facilities, operations and fundraising. Only a small portion of our budget goes to supporting the denomination. But we do pay our staff (minister, director of religious education, a dn administrator) a fair wage. The congregation responsibly pays its bills, maintenance costs and program related expenses. We have commercial renters to help pay the costs of our operations, but in the end, we have to raise money to keep the doors open. Our budget and financial reports are open and available to any member who wishes to see them.

Will I be pressured to join or be saved?

No. The right to a free and independent search for truth and meaning is one of the Principles and Sources. Expect people to be friendly–you will likely be greeted, offered a program and a name tag, and given an opportunity to sign our guest book. We are not oriented towards spreading our religion as much as we are towards making it available for people who are looking for it. Twice a year we offer a New U orientation course on two successive Sundays. It’s a small group session hosted by the Membership Committee and led by the minister. It’s a chance to get to know a few other people and learn about the history and operations of the church. At a time and choosing of their own, some people choose to become members of the church and complete a form at the Membership Table, but at no time will anyone be pressured to join.