Frequently Asked Questions

1. What exactly do you believe?

Unitarian Universalism has its origins in a variety of faith traditions, including Judaism and Christianity. However, UUism is a non-creedal religion; instead, Unitarian Universalists align themselves with seven “Principles and Purposes” that reflect their values and beliefs. The first principle of UUism is a belief in the “inherent worth and dignity of each person.” This principle has many logical extensions—one is that UUism is a liberal religion with a history of social activism, and another is the belief that every person has the right to search for his/her own truth and to pursue the Divine, Spirit, God, Ultimate, or Sacred in whatever way he/she feels is right for him/her. We are a Welcoming Congregation and seek to be a sanctuary for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, as well as for people of all races, genders, ages, and backgrounds.


2. But do you believe in God?

Some UUs do believe in a god who might look a lot like the traditional Christian or Jewish god. There are Christian UUs, pagan UUs, atheist UUs, humanist UUs, polytheist UUs, Mystic UUs, Buddhist UUs, and many more combinations thereof.


3. How does all that plurality work?

Because we believe in supporting everyone’s “free and responsible search for truth and meaning,” UUs show respect for differing views of the sacred. Worship services tend to be pluralistic, with openings for varied views of what is sacred. There is not always agreement (UUs are notorious for disagreeing!). However, there should always be respect shown for each person’s beliefs and a curiosity and interest in dialogue about the beliefs of others.


4. What happens at a Sunday service?


There are three services on Sunday morning. The 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. services are approximately one hour long. In the beginning of each service we light the Chalice, which is a primary symbol of our faith. (See “The Flaming Chalice” brochure for more details.) Elements of worship include singing, music, readings, an offering, time for silent meditation and prayer, a sermon (with topics ranging from explorations of UUism, to the politics of food, to the quality of resiliency), and benediction.

Spirited Worship! (All Ages) is our middle service and lasts from 10:15 to 10:45am. It is worship for the whole community. The topic differs from that of the 9 & 11am services, but many of the same elements remain: singing, chalice lighting, offering, and stories and messages appropriate for all ages. The 10:15am service is upbeat and interactive, designed to engage everyone.


5. I have kids. Is there “Sunday School”?

Yes, we have a Religious Exploration (RE) program for children and youth (as well as one for adults – see #6).

Weekdays, RE Assistant Leonie Pickett can be reached at 753-2581 x104 or re@uudavis.org.

What happens in Children’s RE? Children and youth gather in small groups according to grade level and meet with a teacher or teachers. RE has many aspects; there is a time for centering/worshipful gathering, stories, engaging activities and play, social activism projects, and lessons about UUism, history, living our UU values, and other world religions. Groups meet for an hour at 9 & 11am.

Sunday Religious Exploration Classes:

Nursery/ Infant Care (under 4 years of age) – Bridgehouse, 9 & 11 am
Children’s Religious Exploration – Bridgehouse, 9 & 11 am
Rainbows (Preschool)
Explorers (grades K-3)
Chalice Council (grades 4-6)

Youth Religious Exploration – 11am only
YUUth (grades 7-8) – Cottage
YRUU (grades 9-12) – Library

What is the philosophy of your RE program?
Our congregation considers religious exploration to be a lifelong process by which we become intimate with ourselves, others, the Earth, and all that is sacred. This involves living mindfully, developing practices which support our spiritual and ethical growth and that of others, and exploring life’s “abiding questions.” These questions include “How did the world begin?,” “Who are we?,” “What is our purpose on Earth?,” “What happens when we die?,” and many others. We do not provide a single set of answers to these questions, though we do examine how people in different times and places—including our own—have answered them. We focus instead on helping people live the questions and craft their own responses within the context of this religious community.

How do I register?
When you visit the church, please ask a teacher or Renee Zastrow for a registration packet which contains helpful information about our program. Please fill out the forms so we can ensure your child is well cared-for while your family is at church. You can also find these forms at www.uudavis.org. Just click on “Programs,” then “Children and Youth Religious Exploration,” and then click on and fill out each form and return them online to office@uudavis.org

Is it the same every week?
While the structure will remain the same to give children a sense of continuity, projects and content differ from week to week. Each year we focus on one of four interrelated themes: 1. UU Values & History, 2. World Religions (including humanist teachings & science), 3. Spiritual Practices: Connecting with the Holy, 4. Living our UU Values in the World: Peace and Justice-Making.

Can I come with my child?
Yes! We encourage parents to accompany their children to RE groups.

For more information, please pick-up the booklet, “A Parent’s Guide to Religious Exploration Children & Youth."


6. Do you have any open Adult Religious Exploration Classes, Groups or Spirituality Groups?

Yes! We have a variety of adult religious exploration opportunities that range from social activities and Adult RE courses to spiritual practice groups. Click on the "Religious Exploration" link to the left for information on classes and the "Guide to Involvement," which lists ongoing groups.


7. What kind of social activities do you have?

We have parties, group meetings, and more! See “Guide to Involvement,” monthly UUniverse Newsletter or contact the office for more details. 753-2581 x100 or office@uudavis.org


8. Can I talk to the minister?

Yes, if you have a pastoral emergency, please contact Senior Minister, Rev. Elizabeth O. Banks, 530-753-2581 x105.


9. What is "The Path to Membership?"

The Path to Membership is a great place for newcomers as well as those who have been part of our congregation for years. We come together to share thoughts about our own spiritual paths and to grow in our knowledge about our church. Clergy and lay leaders discuss the structure of our congregation, our worship, religious exploration, and outreach programs. We discuss the UU Principles and Purposes and briefly review the history of the UU movement.

Full participation in The Path to Membership is a required step on the path to church membership! Please sign up at the Welcome Desk as the number of participants is limited to 20. We’re happy to welcome parents with young children and will provide child care at no charge if you sign up in advance. Lunch is provided. For more info., please contact the office.


10. How is this church different from others in Davis?

Our congregation expresses a diverse range of theologies, and all are welcome. This faith is for those whose sense of what is sacred chafes at a creed. We choose to worship sharing our commonly held beliefs expressed in the Principles and Purposes. We offer both the freedom and the responsibility to create a theology that has roots in history, yet is vibrantly alive in our everyday interactions. This approach to theology is offered to all ages in ways that are developmentally appropriate.


If, after reading this, you have more questions or wish to sign-up for The Path to Membership, please contact Mandy Dawn in the church office: 530-753-2581 x100 or office@uudavis.org