At The First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, we strive to create an atmosphere in which each individual can find or form the faith which best fits their own thoughts, feelings and life experience. We want you to feel welcome here, and free to follow a path of your own choosing. Whether you choose to remain a friend of First Church or officially become a member, we offer a program to familiarize you with Unitarian Universalist principles, and to the workings of our congregation. But first, about membership. The work of the church is supported by pledges and contributions from both members and friends, but because Unitarian Universalist churches are autonomous, democratic organizations, important matters of church policy are decided by a vote of the members. Inasmuch as these decisions and operations affect you, we encourage your full participation in and contribution to the congregation through membership.
First Steps
After you’ve enjoyed a Sunday service, with one of Rev. Goldsmith’s outstanding sermons, you’re invited to Fellowship Hour in Eliot Hall. Help yourself to coffee, tea or juice, then stop at the Welcome Table and introduce yourself. Pick up literature about Unitarianism, ask questions, find out how you can get involved. Fill out a gray Welcome Card so that we may make you a name tag and send you copies of our newsletter, The Torch. You can also get information from our website, www.slcuu.org. Pertinent information about church operations and descriptions of our many diverse activities can be found in our Welcome Book. Take it home to use as a handy reference. Some of the activities described are purely social, a way to develop and cement the friendships that enrich our lives. Others keep the church running smoothly, for the benefit of all. Still others provide ways to stimulate learning and enlightenment. Of utmost importance to our congregation, however, are the ways in which we reach out to others, and in so doing, actualize our beliefs about peace and justice in the world. Hopefully, several will pique your interest, challenge your talents, or touch your heart. Extending yourself through these activities is the best way to find your place at First Church. The most popular ones have been: volunteering at Fellowship Hour and at the Welcome Table (a great way to learn about Unitarianism and First Church is to answer questions from other newcomers), or as an usher. Our course, The Nitty Gritty is designed specifically to acquaint you with Unitarian Universalism and to help you identify, clarify and design your personal belief system.
Continued Attendance
We believe that in order to feel at home at First Church, you should set your own pace, observe, question and comment, and join any activities that interest you. We hope you find Sunday services to be a time and place for contemplation, stimulation, understanding, laughter and song, and mutual trust and support, and that you’ll look forward to coming back again and again.
Religious Education
The education of both adults and children falls under the umbrella of “R.E.” If you are a parent, teaching Sunday School or chaperoning a field trip will prove to be rewarding and fun for you and your family. Our Director of Religious Education, LeeAnn Williams, ensures
Getting To Know Us Better
Three or four times a year, we have a gathering to introduce to you the principles of Unitarian Universalism, give you insight into the working of First Church, and meet Tom Goldsmith and LeeAnn Williams personally. We provide free childcare and refreshments. Dates and times will be announced in the Torch and the Sunday Order of Service.
Signing the Book
There may come a time when you feel compelled to commit yourself to First Church community. This commitment can be as personalized as the rest of your involvement. You can, in other words, demonstrate your loyalty by remaining an involved friend or you can take a formal step and sign the book. What is “The Book?” Does it look like something out of Diagon Alley, like something in an Apple store, or is it like a little hotel guest registry? What goes along with signing your name? A financial pledge? Your own pew?
