Directions to church?
What do I wear?
Where do I park?
Handicap access?
Where do I go?
Where do my children go?
What are services like?
Inclement weather policy
Directions to the church
15 West Street, Leominster, MA 01453
Route 2 Westbound
Take Exit 33 "Route 190-Mechanic Street" off of Route 2. Stay straight off of the exit, continuing on Mechanic Street. Go straight through four sets of lights. After the third set of lights, the street name changes to West Street and it is the first church on the right.
Route 2 Eastbound
Take Exit 30 "Merriam Ave." off of Route 2. Take a left at the end of the ramp. Take a right at the first set of lights onto Maple Ave.; Maple Ave turns into West Street. The church is on the left in the center of Leominster. From Route 190 Northbound Take Exit 8B "Route 2 East." Merge onto the Mechanic Street Bypass via the exit on the left toward Leominster. Stay straight off of the exit, continuing on Mechanic Street. Go straight through four sets of lights. At the third set of lights, the street name changes to West Street
What do I wear?
No matter what your personal style, you'll be comfortable at First church UU Leominster. Sure, Sunday mornings are a time when many prefer to dress up a bit, but even if jeans are more your style, you'll be right at home with us. Preschoolers and children learn while they play. We encourage hands on play so that children are learning through all their senses. Painting and other "messy" activities are also encouraged, so use your own judgement about how dressed up your child is while at church.
Parking
Plenty of parking is available in the parking lot next to the church, directly off of West Street. If following the Rt 2 east or Rt 190 north directions, the parking lot in on your right after the church building. If following the Rt 2 west directions, the parking lot is on the left, between two churches. When you pull into the lot, First church is the church on your right with the entrance facing the parking lot. There are handicapped spaces facing West Street.
Accessibility
First Church Unitarian Universalist in early 2001 made a commitment to assure that the church is accessible to all persons regardless of ability. Hearing assistance devices are available through the Ushers for any church service. Large print sermons and or hymnals can be made available. Those with other needs, reading, sensitivity to scents, etc, are encouraged to make them known so that the community can be made fully inviting. An Accessibilities Committee is actively pursuing all avenues to continue making the church accessible to all. First Church is proud to announce the addition of an entranceway and lift during fall of 2005. First Church UU is now working to make its bathrooms fully accessible. If you wish to donate to this project, either by giving time or your financial support please contact someone on the Parish Committee.
Where do I go?
When you enter the building, turn left and go up the stairs. Before the Sunday morning service there will be greeters to hand you the Order of Services, and direct you to the sanctuary. They can answer any questions you might have upon entering. If you are new, please let the greeters know this is your first time and visit with us after the service for Fellowship where congregants attending the service gather for a snack and to visit with each other. If you are coming to the building at a time other than a Sunday morning service, enter and go straight down the stairs. Turn right and proceed a short way down the hallway. The entrance to the church office is on the right.
Where do my children go?
Child care is available in our tiny tots program providing care for babies and preschoolers. Sometimes, older children stay for the first part of the service and then go to a religious education class. If you prefer, your child is welcome to stay with you during the entire service. We do have space in back of the sanctuary so you can quietly engage your child while still listening comfortably should your child become fussy.
What are services like?
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion with Judeo-Christian roots. It has no creed. It affirms the worth of human beings, advocates freedom of belief and the search for advancing truth, and tries to provide a warm, open, supportive community for people who believe that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion. They usually follow the basic format of Protestant churches. Church services vary from week to week. The Unitarian Universalist churches are each independent. That is, they are a "congregational" type of church which allows each church to decide how they will spend their time. There is a lot of similarity in the order or services among different congregations but still there are many unique services Typically a First Church service begins with greetings and announcements followed by an opening hymn. Next we have a "chalice lighting" generally done with a short reading. After that, there will be a hymn. The morning talk/message/sermon is delivered by a speaker. The speaker will most probably be our minister, but could be an outside speaker or a lay speaker. After the talk/message/sermon, there is another hymn, sometimes followed by 'a time to share' or lighting of candles of joy and concern by congregants wishing to do so. The greeters will walk up and down the aisles with a basket for offerings while a hymn is played. While any offerings are appreciated, it is not required that you contribute. The service is wrapped up with a short closing hymn, extinguishing of chalice and benediction. After the service there is a fellowship hour.
Inclement Weather Policy
We will conduct Sunday morning activities unless weather conditions are extremely bad. Should conditions force the cancellation of Sunday activities, appropriate announcements will be provided on the FCUU email list and church answering machine message at 978-537-0310. Of course, members are urged to exercise their best judgment about going out in any kind of threatening weather. In the case of bad weather (snow or ice), all weekly activities (including rehearsals) shall follow the decision of the leader of the particular activity. For classes, speakers or other events, please contact the church office. In the case of committee meetings, participants are encouraged to contact leadership of the committee in question. Whenever possible, an announcement will be made on the FCUU website and participants will be notified by the Staff member or lay leaders responsible for the event.