VISITOR FAQs
We are confident you will find yourself in the midst of people committed to living with integrity and joy.
AN INVITATION TO VISITORS
Whether you’ve been going to religious services all your life or never imagined yourself checking out a church, you are always welcome at UU of Ventura. As you explore our website, feel free to contact us with your questions. We look forward to meeting you and helping you find what you need. Here are some questions people often ask:
WHAT DO UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS BELIEVE?
We are a community that welcomes a diversity of thought and belief, but there are a few principles and purposes that unite us. READ MORE HERE
WHERE ARE YOU? WHERE DO I PARK?
Our address is 5654 Ralston Street in Ventura, CA, near Victoria Avenue. Most often there is plenty of parking in front of our building and on Sundays we have access to the parking lot adjacent to ours.
WHEN ARE YOUR SERVICES, AND WHAT ARE THEY LIKE?
We hold services each Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. Our services usually include music, readings, reflections, and a sermon – although from time to time services may be very different and creative in form! Our minister leads most services, and we often a service hosted by members of the congregation or an invited speaker.
After service everyone gathers in our Berg Hall for coffee, bagels and some good conversation.
CAN I BRING MY KIDS?
Yes! Religious education for children and youth is an important part of our community. Children’s programs are age-appropriate, lively, and sometimes messy, so our kids usually come to services in their play clothes. Babies and toddlers have professional caregivers, and teams of trained volunteers lead older children’s programs. You are welcome to observe classes at any time in order to feel comfortable before joining the main service. If your kids would prefer to stay with you, they are welcome to sit with you in the main service.
If your children have special needs, contact our office during the week before, to help us make their experience a good one.
DO YOU WELCOME PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS?
Absolutely. Unitarian Universalists believe that truth can be found in many places. Our services include wisdom drawn from many religions as well as from secular sources.
WILL YOU TAKE UP A COLLECTION?
Every Sunday, we take an offering as a part of our service which goes toward our Outreach Offering to support a partner organization or special project. You may place a contribution in the basket if you like, but you are not expected to do so!
IS ANYONE GOING TO PRESSURE ME?
Absolutely not! Many people prefer to visit quietly a few times before they get more involved. When you are ready, stop by our welcome table where we can answer your questions or help you find out what programs or events you might be interested in. Greeters, coffee hosts, and staff can also be of assistance. We all enjoy meeting our visitors.
If you sign our guest book, we will send you our monthly newsletter, “On Common Ground” by email. We will not give out your contact information to anyone.
IS YOUR CHURCH WELCOMING OF LGBTQ+, GENDER NON-BINARY, AD GENDER NON-CONFORMING PEOPLE?
Yes, we are a welcoming congregation and affirm and celebrate people who are LGBTQ+, gender non-binary, and gender non-conforming.
IS YOUR BUILDING AND WORSHIP SERVICE ACCESSIBLE?
Most of our location is wheelchair accessible. We have a ramp into the main sanctuary from the parking lot, and to our back entrance into Berg Hall. If you have concerns about accessibility, please contact our office with any questions.
WHAT’S THE FLAMING CHALICE?
The flaming chalice is the symbol of Unitarian Universalism, and it usually lit at the start of every service. Find out more about the history of the flaming chalice.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS CONGREGATION IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Come for a visit! We are confident that you will find yourselves in the midst of a vibrant and loving community, among people committed to living their values with integrity and joy. You can look over the large variety of adult programs, activities and support groups that we offer. Attending one or more of these will provide an opportunity to get to know some of our members. Then just trust your feelings. We hope you enjoy the community we have created.
