Visitor Info/Frequently Asked Questions
((Please note this is from before the pandemic. Our physical church is closed))
What goes on during the Sunday worship services?
We have a long church tradition of thought-provoking, integrated programs that typically last about one hour. The heart of each service is usually the readings and the sermon by the minister or guest speaker.
Music is integral to the service. In addition to hymns sung by the congregation, special music by our choir and/or guest artists reflects the theme for the service, and adds depth and beauty to our contemplations.
The totality of the morning’s service is intended to be an experience that inspires and encourages us to think and respond throughout the day and the week ahead.
After the service, everyone is invited to coffee hour in the Parish Hall for refreshments and conversation. The second Sunday of the month (Oct – May, with some exceptions) is Souper Sunday; join us for conversation over a lunch of delicious home made soups that meet all dietary needs and preferences. A small fee ($5) covers the cost; this is an activity put on by Religious Education, and staffed by our children, to help fund church programs.
Location and Parking
We are located at 695 Elmwood Avenue, at the corner of West Ferry Street in Buffalo, New York (see map). We do not have a parking lot, but parking is readily available on Elmwood, West Ferry, and nearby side streets on Sunday mornings. You will want to allow a bit of extra time for parking, especially in snowy weather.
Special Needs/Accessibility
PARKING
We have two reserved handicapped spaces on West Ferry Street in front of the church, and two spaces on the South, opposite, side of Ferry St. There is one space in our small staff parking lot off Elmwood, between the M&T bank and the church. A metered space has been added on Elmwood at the west side corner of Ferry, this is free on Sundays.
Additional parking can be found in a small lot on the SW corner of Elmwood and West Ferry (the Parish Common). This lot has several designated accessible parking spots.
ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE
The accessible entrance to the building is located through the garden, which brings you into the Parish Hall. On Sundays, greeters are available at the accessible entrance to assist you. The elevator is to the right once you enter the main building. The sanctuary is located on the second level. A directory listing room locations can be found inside the elevator.
Our Welcome Table is in our Parish Hall. If you enter through the Garden Entrance, the table will be facing you. Individuals at the table can assist you and answer any questions you may have.
RESTROOMS
At this time, we regret that the building’s restrooms are not fully accessible. Both restrooms have accessible stalls, but may be challenging for people who use wheelchairs or scooters due to limited space. All restroom doors are heavy, so do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
Men’s and Women’s Restrooms can be found through the doors to the left of the Welcome Table. The Men’s Restroom is to the left of the stairs, just before the Office. The Women’s Restroom is to the right of the stairs.
One unisex restroom is located in the basement.
SANCTUARY
There are several sets of Pews in the Sanctuary that are shorter so that anyone using a walker, wheelchair or scooter is able to comfortably participate and sit with their family and friends. These pews are open to everyone, however please consider others who may need them. Also, there are three comfortable chairs at the back of the pews near the doors to the Parish Hall. These seats are for people who need more comfortable seating due to various back injuries.
The church has installed a Tele-Coil System in the sanctuary. This system transmits directly from the sanctuary microphone to the hearing aids of people who have a tele-coil setting.
Large-Print Orders of Service are available upon request from our ushers.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
If you have a child with developmental or medical needs, please contact our Religious Education and Faith Development Director, Sarah Martin (phone: 885-2136) to discuss how we can most successfully include your child.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable – dress up or casual. On Sundays, adults wear everything from suits or dresses to jeans. We encourage children to wear clothes suitable for play.
What do the children do on Sunday?
We provide a comprehensive Religious Education program for Children and Teens.
How do I register my child for Religious Education?
At the Religious Education Table in the Parish Hall, you can speak to a Religious Education representative to answer your questions, help you check your child in for the day and register for the program. There is no fee for religious education, but it is expected that if you attend regularly, you will consider the worth of the program when determining your pledge of financial support to the congregation, whether or not you choose to formally join the congregation.
What do you teach in Religious Education?
Religious education at a UU church draws from our six sources. We have lessons on spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation, history lessons on figures from UU history and from other world religions and moral stories from around the world. We engage in worship and social justice activities, and challenge children to examine the diversity of religious thought and eventually to create a personal credo of their own beliefs. For more information, please see the Religious Education and Faith Development Section of this web site.
May my child stay with me during the service?
Children are always welcome in the Sanctuary with their families. If your child needs more freedom of movement or voice, we also provide areas where you may stay with her, but still hear the service. The Parish Hall, and the Women's Society Lounge located behind the kitchen, are spaces where your child can move about and you can still hear the service. Just ask one of our helpful ushers for directions.
Is nursery care available?
Our nursery is open from 9:30-12:30 on Sunday mornings, and is staffed with a highly qualified childcare provider, as well as parent volunteers. It accommodates children of various ages prior to the worship service, but is restricted to babies and toddlers beginning at 10:30. The nursery is located upstairs; ushers and greeters are happy to show you where to find it.
What is the music like at the worship service?
The UUCB choir is renowned throughout Western New York. The choir provides the music in the Sunday and holiday services with musical offerings from Bach and Handel to Jazz, African-American spirituals to Native American chants, from medieval motets to contemporary Broadway musical numbers. The choir continually surprises and enchants the congregation while enhancing and inspiring the Sunday morning worship experience. In addition to organ, piano and harpsichord, other instruments are frequently heard. For two Music Sundays each year, the choir is joined by members of the Buffalo music community, including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, to provide a special seasonal music experience.
Do you pray in your church?
Our services include a time for prayer or meditation, and we know that the definition of prayer varies widely from person to person.
What do Unitarian Universalists believe? Are you Christian?
Unitarian Universalists identify with a wide variety of beliefs. Although Unitarianism grew out of the Protestant Reformation in sixteenth-century Europe, it began as a Christian heresy, when Unitarian thinkers began to question the authority of creeds and dogmas. The name Unitarian comes from their argument that the canonical doctrine of the trinity did not accord with human reason, nor with their interpretation of scripture. One might say that Unitarians strive to follow the example of Jesus' life rather than the various belief structures that were created by men long after his death.
Similarly, the Universalist heresy was a Christian divergence from the Calvinist doctrine of damnation, and the name refers to a belief in universal salvation – that a loving God would not send his children to eternal punishment.
Other traditions have influenced Unitarian Universalist perspectives: Transcendentalism entered Unitarian theology in the early 19th century, and Religious Humanism emerged within Unitarian theological circles in the early 20th century. Buddhism has a strong influence in Unitarian Universalist culture, as do the earth-centered and neo-pagan traditions.
What makes your church different from other churches?
Our members identify with a wide variety of beliefs, and come from many faith traditions. There is no test of creed to join, because we agree that "we need not think alike to love alike,” an idea expressed over 400 years ago by Francis David, one of the first Unitarians. Our church school and adult education programs guide, support and encourage participants to develop personal credos grounded in the basic core value of our Seven Principles and Six Sources. These principles challenge us to be responsible, compassionate people who put our faith into action. Credos are individualized expressions of faith, based on our own explorations of the world of religious thought, tempered with rational consideration.
What religious holidays does the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo observe?
Each Unitarian Universalist congregation develops its own patterns in observing special dates, ranging from traditional celebrations of Jewish and Christian holidays to those of many cultures and earth-centered traditions, and a few that are all our own. In this church, celebrations vary from year to year, and explore a wide range of religious expression.
How large is your congregation?
We have about 400 members. Approximately 150 children and youth are enrolled in the religious education classes, which meet at the same time as the worship service.
Is there a place for me in your congregation?
Yes! Everyone is welcome, whatever your age, ethnicity, race, sex, sexual orientation, physical-cognitive-emotional challenge, religion, or political affiliation. Since 1995 we have been a Welcoming Congregation, for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Trans-Gender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) individuals (check out https://www.uua.org/lgbtq/welcoming/program).
How do I meet other people at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo?
Come to the Welcome Table after the Service where you can meet some of our members who can help you find ways to be involved here. If you sign a Visitor form with your e-mail address we will send you our monthly newsletter, so you can learn more about the commitments and activities in the church. You can also sign up for a digital version from the Homepage. You're bound to find some activities that you'd like to participate in -- a class, a special interest group or one of our social responsibility projects. Once you discover something that's especially interesting to you, you can contact the person who's coordinating it or you can simply show up and join in.
Have we answered your questions?
If we haven’t answered your particular question in the FAQ page, please contact the church office at 885-2136 or office@buffalouu.org for more information.
What goes on during the Sunday worship services?
We have a long church tradition of thought-provoking, integrated programs that typically last about one hour. The heart of each service is usually the readings and the sermon by the minister or guest speaker.
Music is integral to the service. In addition to hymns sung by the congregation, special music by our choir and/or guest artists reflects the theme for the service, and adds depth and beauty to our contemplations.
The totality of the morning’s service is intended to be an experience that inspires and encourages us to think and respond throughout the day and the week ahead.
After the service, everyone is invited to coffee hour in the Parish Hall for refreshments and conversation. The second Sunday of the month (Oct – May, with some exceptions) is Souper Sunday; join us for conversation over a lunch of delicious home made soups that meet all dietary needs and preferences. A small fee ($5) covers the cost; this is an activity put on by Religious Education, and staffed by our children, to help fund church programs.
Location and Parking
We are located at 695 Elmwood Avenue, at the corner of West Ferry Street in Buffalo, New York (see map). We do not have a parking lot, but parking is readily available on Elmwood, West Ferry, and nearby side streets on Sunday mornings. You will want to allow a bit of extra time for parking, especially in snowy weather.
Special Needs/Accessibility
PARKING
We have two reserved handicapped spaces on West Ferry Street in front of the church, and two spaces on the South, opposite, side of Ferry St. There is one space in our small staff parking lot off Elmwood, between the M&T bank and the church. A metered space has been added on Elmwood at the west side corner of Ferry, this is free on Sundays.
Additional parking can be found in a small lot on the SW corner of Elmwood and West Ferry (the Parish Common). This lot has several designated accessible parking spots.
ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE
The accessible entrance to the building is located through the garden, which brings you into the Parish Hall. On Sundays, greeters are available at the accessible entrance to assist you. The elevator is to the right once you enter the main building. The sanctuary is located on the second level. A directory listing room locations can be found inside the elevator.
Our Welcome Table is in our Parish Hall. If you enter through the Garden Entrance, the table will be facing you. Individuals at the table can assist you and answer any questions you may have.
RESTROOMS
At this time, we regret that the building’s restrooms are not fully accessible. Both restrooms have accessible stalls, but may be challenging for people who use wheelchairs or scooters due to limited space. All restroom doors are heavy, so do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
Men’s and Women’s Restrooms can be found through the doors to the left of the Welcome Table. The Men’s Restroom is to the left of the stairs, just before the Office. The Women’s Restroom is to the right of the stairs.
One unisex restroom is located in the basement.
SANCTUARY
There are several sets of Pews in the Sanctuary that are shorter so that anyone using a walker, wheelchair or scooter is able to comfortably participate and sit with their family and friends. These pews are open to everyone, however please consider others who may need them. Also, there are three comfortable chairs at the back of the pews near the doors to the Parish Hall. These seats are for people who need more comfortable seating due to various back injuries.
The church has installed a Tele-Coil System in the sanctuary. This system transmits directly from the sanctuary microphone to the hearing aids of people who have a tele-coil setting.
Large-Print Orders of Service are available upon request from our ushers.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
If you have a child with developmental or medical needs, please contact our Religious Education and Faith Development Director, Sarah Martin (phone: 885-2136) to discuss how we can most successfully include your child.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable – dress up or casual. On Sundays, adults wear everything from suits or dresses to jeans. We encourage children to wear clothes suitable for play.
What do the children do on Sunday?
We provide a comprehensive Religious Education program for Children and Teens.
How do I register my child for Religious Education?
At the Religious Education Table in the Parish Hall, you can speak to a Religious Education representative to answer your questions, help you check your child in for the day and register for the program. There is no fee for religious education, but it is expected that if you attend regularly, you will consider the worth of the program when determining your pledge of financial support to the congregation, whether or not you choose to formally join the congregation.
What do you teach in Religious Education?
Religious education at a UU church draws from our six sources. We have lessons on spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation, history lessons on figures from UU history and from other world religions and moral stories from around the world. We engage in worship and social justice activities, and challenge children to examine the diversity of religious thought and eventually to create a personal credo of their own beliefs. For more information, please see the Religious Education and Faith Development Section of this web site.
May my child stay with me during the service?
Children are always welcome in the Sanctuary with their families. If your child needs more freedom of movement or voice, we also provide areas where you may stay with her, but still hear the service. The Parish Hall, and the Women's Society Lounge located behind the kitchen, are spaces where your child can move about and you can still hear the service. Just ask one of our helpful ushers for directions.
Is nursery care available?
Our nursery is open from 9:30-12:30 on Sunday mornings, and is staffed with a highly qualified childcare provider, as well as parent volunteers. It accommodates children of various ages prior to the worship service, but is restricted to babies and toddlers beginning at 10:30. The nursery is located upstairs; ushers and greeters are happy to show you where to find it.
What is the music like at the worship service?
The UUCB choir is renowned throughout Western New York. The choir provides the music in the Sunday and holiday services with musical offerings from Bach and Handel to Jazz, African-American spirituals to Native American chants, from medieval motets to contemporary Broadway musical numbers. The choir continually surprises and enchants the congregation while enhancing and inspiring the Sunday morning worship experience. In addition to organ, piano and harpsichord, other instruments are frequently heard. For two Music Sundays each year, the choir is joined by members of the Buffalo music community, including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, to provide a special seasonal music experience.
Do you pray in your church?
Our services include a time for prayer or meditation, and we know that the definition of prayer varies widely from person to person.
What do Unitarian Universalists believe? Are you Christian?
Unitarian Universalists identify with a wide variety of beliefs. Although Unitarianism grew out of the Protestant Reformation in sixteenth-century Europe, it began as a Christian heresy, when Unitarian thinkers began to question the authority of creeds and dogmas. The name Unitarian comes from their argument that the canonical doctrine of the trinity did not accord with human reason, nor with their interpretation of scripture. One might say that Unitarians strive to follow the example of Jesus' life rather than the various belief structures that were created by men long after his death.
Similarly, the Universalist heresy was a Christian divergence from the Calvinist doctrine of damnation, and the name refers to a belief in universal salvation – that a loving God would not send his children to eternal punishment.
Other traditions have influenced Unitarian Universalist perspectives: Transcendentalism entered Unitarian theology in the early 19th century, and Religious Humanism emerged within Unitarian theological circles in the early 20th century. Buddhism has a strong influence in Unitarian Universalist culture, as do the earth-centered and neo-pagan traditions.
What makes your church different from other churches?
Our members identify with a wide variety of beliefs, and come from many faith traditions. There is no test of creed to join, because we agree that "we need not think alike to love alike,” an idea expressed over 400 years ago by Francis David, one of the first Unitarians. Our church school and adult education programs guide, support and encourage participants to develop personal credos grounded in the basic core value of our Seven Principles and Six Sources. These principles challenge us to be responsible, compassionate people who put our faith into action. Credos are individualized expressions of faith, based on our own explorations of the world of religious thought, tempered with rational consideration.
What religious holidays does the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo observe?
Each Unitarian Universalist congregation develops its own patterns in observing special dates, ranging from traditional celebrations of Jewish and Christian holidays to those of many cultures and earth-centered traditions, and a few that are all our own. In this church, celebrations vary from year to year, and explore a wide range of religious expression.
How large is your congregation?
We have about 400 members. Approximately 150 children and youth are enrolled in the religious education classes, which meet at the same time as the worship service.
Is there a place for me in your congregation?
Yes! Everyone is welcome, whatever your age, ethnicity, race, sex, sexual orientation, physical-cognitive-emotional challenge, religion, or political affiliation. Since 1995 we have been a Welcoming Congregation, for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Trans-Gender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) individuals (check out https://www.uua.org/lgbtq/welcoming/program).
How do I meet other people at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo?
Come to the Welcome Table after the Service where you can meet some of our members who can help you find ways to be involved here. If you sign a Visitor form with your e-mail address we will send you our monthly newsletter, so you can learn more about the commitments and activities in the church. You can also sign up for a digital version from the Homepage. You're bound to find some activities that you'd like to participate in -- a class, a special interest group or one of our social responsibility projects. Once you discover something that's especially interesting to you, you can contact the person who's coordinating it or you can simply show up and join in.
Have we answered your questions?
If we haven’t answered your particular question in the FAQ page, please contact the church office at 885-2136 or office@buffalouu.org for more information.