Your First Visit
.New To First Unitarian? Read our Welcome Book.
Welcome to the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn, a Unitarian Universalist Congregation! We are an inclusive religious community committed to helping one another grow spiritually while working for justice within our congregation and in the wider community. This page will help you to get to know us better. We hope you find our congregation friendly and welcoming, as well as spiritually fulfilling. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tyrone Davis, Jr., our Membership Coordinator at Tyrone@firstubrooklyn.org.
What is Unitarian Universalism?
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal, creedless religion. UU’s are as unique as our faith. Many come from Christian or Jewish traditions and incorporate those teachings into their daily lives. Other UU’s are attracted to Eastern or Pagan practices and still others are atheist or humanist. Regardless of our personal beliefs, we all agree that the search for truth and meaning is a journey that is best accomplished in community. There are over 1000 UU congregations nationwide. First Unitarian in Brooklyn is one of 5 in New York City. (More information on Unitarian-Universalism can be found at www.uua.org)
Your First Visit
Sunday worship services start at 11:00 AM and end at about 12:15 PM. From the first Sunday after Labor Day through the second Sunday in June, we meet in our beautiful Gothic Revival Sanctuary on Pierrepont Street (corner of Monroe Place) in Brooklyn Heights. Worship services consist of several elements. There is congregational singing and performed music, a sermon, prayer or meditation, readings, and an opportunity for candle lighting. Additional components may be added by the worship leader, depending on the morning’s theme. Music is led by our music director, Adam Podd, and the choir, and may be accompanied by a range of instruments, including organ, piano, and percussion. On any given Sunday, we may sing or hear music from many different traditions, including world music, spirituals, sacred music, art songs, and, on the second Sunday of the month (Oct-June), jazz. Our interim senior minister will usually deliver the sermon. Rev. Micah C. Ma. Rev. Micah is away one Sunday each month. On those occasions, our assistant minister, Rev. Meagan Henry, or a guest may preach. Most people dress casually, but you may certainly choose to “dress up” if that is more comfortable for you.
Travel
Street parking is generally available in the neighborhood. You do not need to feed the meters on Sundays. If you drive, plan to arrive early to secure parking. There is a commercial parking lot on Clinton Street between Pierrepont and Cadman Plaza. First Unitarian is located quite close to the Borough Hall subway hub. We are walking distance from the 2/3—4/5, and the R train at Borough Hall, and the A train at High Street.
Accessibility
Our historic building is not ADA-compliant. We have a wheelchair lift to the Sanctuary, but bathrooms are accessible only by leaving the building and entering through another entrance. There are people on site to assist with the lift every Sunday morning, but it is always helpful to let them know you intend to use it. Contact info@firstubrooklyn.org.
Are you a visitor who wants to sing with us on a Sunday morning?
If you read music, at least a little, and have sung in choirs before, you’re welcome to pop in and join our choir while you’re in town! On some Sundays, we’ll all be looking at that day’s choir piece together for the first time, but on other weeks, our choir will have already spent time with it. If you’re willing to give it a shot and go with the flow, come on by. A heads up would be nice, but not essential to participate. Email Adam Podd (adam@firstubrooklyn.org).
Fellowship Hour
After worship, we gather in the “undercroft, a large meeting space below the Sanctuary, for coffee, tea, and conversation. On many Sundays, homemade soup will be available for sale at a nominal price. Members of our Connections Committee will be happy to speak with you about your experiences and answer any questions you may have. You may complete a welcome card to help us get to know you better.
Children and Youth at First Unitarian
We offer a comprehensive Religious Education program for children and youth, currently led by our Interim RE Coordinator, Becky Huffman. If you arrive with children, please arrive a few minutes early. A greeter will be happy to introduce you to a member of our religious education council, who can help you accommodate your children. Children generally attend the first 20-30 minutes of the worship service, then leave under our rainbow arch for their classes or other programming explicitly designed for them. Of course, if you’d prefer to keep your children with you for the entire worship service, that is perfectly fine. Children under two are welcome to stay with our professional nursery caregivers. Please ask a greeter to direct you.
Summer Services
During the summer, we meet in the air-conditioned McKinney Chapel, a smaller worship space next to the Sanctuary. These services are lay-led and incorporate a wide range of worship styles. Summer is a wonderful time to visit. The services are smaller and more intimate, and many newcomers find them to be a perfect introduction to Unitarian Universalism. During the summer, our Sunday school is in recess. However, we do offer a children’s program for all ages. Cold refreshments are served following the service.
Programs for Newcomers
Young Adult Ministry – Young adults (roughly 18-34) meet monthly for a casual brunch in a local diner and once a month for a spiritual discussion. Both meetings happen after the worship service, and everyone who identifies as a young adult is welcome to attend.
Men’s Group – All who identify as a man are welcome to join our monthly men’s discussion group. Topics vary and are often selected by group members. Meetings are generally on the second Sunday of the month following the worship service.
Newcomer Orientation – Tyrone Davis, Jr, our Membership Coordinator, offers classes throughout the year for newcomers. These include sessions on UU theology and history. Classes are generally held after the worship service, with time for coffee or tea, on the first Sunday of every month from October through June and once or twice in the summer.
Adult Spiritual Development – First Unitarian is a busy place. Throughout the year, we offer single classes and series on a range of subjects. Class descriptions are available in the weekly e-news. To subscribe, contact Rev. Micah C. Ma (micah@firstubrooklyn.org).
An important part of the life of any religious community is caring for people in need. Our ministers provide pastoral counseling to members experiencing life transitions and losses. We also perform life-cycle ceremonies for all rites of passage, most often weddings and memorial services held in the church. Our lay Pastoral Associates reach out to provide practical assistance to those in crisis, struggling with health or physical challenges. Note: pastoral care and counseling are not a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment.
Justice Work
Our congregation has a long history of working for justice. Most recently, we have worked together to promote marriage equality and fair treatment for immigrants. Please visit our Social Justice page for more information.
Please join us for worship. Whoever you are, Whomever you love, Wherever you are on your life journey, whatever the color of your skin, or your country of origin, you are welcome here!
