How big is Outlaw's Bridge?
Typical Sunday attendance around 25. The congregation is small and intimate. While we are growing, we have no plans to become a "megachurch".
When are the services?
From 11 am - noon on Sundays. We have coffee and goodies afterward, so plan on staying until 12:30 or so.
What do children do during the service?
Children usually stay for the first part of the service, then go outside to play with adult or teen supervision.
What do adults wear?
You are welcome to come in whatever makes you comfortable. If you are a gentleman who feels most comfortable when he looks like the rest of the guys, then a pair of khakis and a dress shirt (no tie) will put you right in the middle of the crowd. Most, not all, of our ladies wear a dress or dressy pants and a nice blouse. On any given Sunday you may find someone in jeans and a polo shirt or a sundress. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable and you'll fit right in.
What do children wear?
Children will be fine in sneakers and jeans. They will probably spend part of the Religious Education class sitting down, and another working with paste, glue, paint or crayons. They play in our back yard, on the swing set and tree house, for an hour during church service.
Is your church accessible to people in wheelchairs?
Kind of. You can get in and around the majority of the building. Our Buildings & Grounds Committee is currently working to make the church as handicapped friendly as possible.
May our child stay with us during the service?
Of course. We have a basket of soft children's toys so the small people can amuse themselves quietly while the big people talk. One of the ushers should be able to find it for you.
Is there a central organization?
Yes. Outlaw's Bridge Universalist Church is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We govern ourselves, however. We hire our own minister, create our own services, design our own education programs, and so on. The UUA is a support organization, not a governing body.
Are you "the church that doesn't believe in anything"?
No. We believe in many things, among them the worth and dignity of every person. We don't all believe the same thing about the nature of God. This annoys, amuses and confuses Protestants, Catholics and Jews alike. You can read about our beliefs.
Will I be welcome?
Yes. We mean that welcoming statement on the Home page. One of our central beliefs is respect for everyone. Whether black, white, gay, straight, Christian, atheist ... it doesn't matter. The only people who find it difficult to fit in are those who are certain that their way is the right way, and demand that others follow suit.
Will I be welcome even if I'm gay or lesbian?
Yes. Our denomination is famous for welcoming people of different sexual orientation.
Will I be pressured to join or to be saved?
No. Our way of thinking is about free choice. In fact, the right to personal conscience is one of our basic principles. We'll welcome you at the door. We'll send you our newsletter for a while, if you ask for it. We'd be happy to have you join us, but we won't try to push ourselves onto you. We won't pressure you to be saved, either. We don't believe in salvation by grace. That is where the "Universalist" part of "Unitarian Universalist" comes in. You can read more about our beliefs.
What goes on during the worship services?
We usually have hymns, readings and a sermon, much like a liberal protestant church. Here is a typical item-by-item Order of Service, if you are still curious.
Does your denomination have diverse beliefs?
We have some mild differences of opinion. Some of us were raised in Universalism right here in this church. Some are "recovering catholics". Some came from the Church of God. Some of us are agnostics or atheists. Some of us have experimented in several religions. Some of us believe in an earth-based spirituality. Some of us are Buddhists. We all believe in the search for truth and a deeper meaning in life.
Is Unitarian Universalism a cult?
No. Cults have three hallmarks, according to the dictionary; they are relatively new, they have a single, charismatic leader, and they share a single mindset. We have been around for 200 years. President John Adams and his son, President John Quincy Adams, were Unitarians. We elect our leader every four years. Sometimes we elect a person with charisma, sometimes we don't. Some of us believe in God, some don't. That isn't a "single mindset". We are not a mainline protestant denomination, but we are not a cult.