Visitors and guests are always welcome! This section answers frequently asked questions about visiting the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Waynesboro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you meet, and what time does service start?

We hold Sunday services in our Fellowship Hall at 10:30 a.m. Our address is 565 Pine Avenue in Waynesboro, VA.

Where should I park?

Plenty of on-street parking is available around the fellowship building on Pine Street and 14th Street. We have a small parking lot behind the Fellowship Hall as well. Both entrances are wheelchair accessible, and handicapped parking is available.

Do you offer a nursery or religious education classes for children?

We provide engaging religious education programs for both children and adults. Programs for children are provided during our Sunday services. Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers in our Religious Education building, located right next door to our fellowship hall. Parents should contact Laura Riggan, team leader of Religious Education, in advance to let her know if any children will be joining religious education classes.

What if my children want to stay with me during service?

Children are welcome to stay in the adult service, and we have a special “wiggle zone” for families who prefer to be close to the entrance. Activity and coloring bags are available on the table in the back of the fellowship hall.

What should I wear?

Most members and visitors dress casually for Sunday services. Some of us wear suits and ties while others prefer nice blouses and jeans. You can wear what makes you feel comfortable. Our Fellowship Hall is air conditioned.

What happens when I arrive?

When you enter the Fellowship Hall, one of our greeters will offer you a service program. Name tags are available for both visitors and members to help us get to know each other. Feel free to sit anywhere in the Fellowship Hall. During the service, you will have the opportunity to introduce yourself and be welcomed by the congregation.

What are the services like?

Elements of our typical Sunday services include:

  • Words of welcome and congregational announcements
  • Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith
  • A multigenerational segment, such as a “story for all ages”
  • Music – instrumental, choral, and congregational
  • A time for lifting up the joys and concerns of the congregation
  • A prayer / meditation / affirmation
  • Readings—ancient or contemporary
  • A sermon given by our minister, Rev. Paul Oakley
  • A closing song
  • A benediction or blessing

About ten Sundays a year we have a lay-led service, which means that members of our congregation leadership guide the service and share inspirational messages or gifts. Occasionally, we will have a guest minister.

What happens after service?

You are welcome to stay after service for our usual fellowship hour, with coffee, hot tea, and in hot weather, ice tea or lemonade, an opportunity to get to know members of our Fellowship and ask questions you may have about Unitarian Universalism and the liberal tradition.

Do you take up a collection during service?

We do pass a plate during services, and we will sometimes have a special offering for a particular social action activity. If you wish to make a donation, you may also leave it in the wooden box near the entrance.

How do I find out about other fellowship events?

Visit our Events listings for upcoming activity information. Our events range from fun activities like movie nights and potlucks to educational meetings and discussions, including our Adult RE programs. You can sign up to receive more information by completing a visitor form.

What types of Social Action and Social Justice activities can I get involved with?

A number of opportunities are available to help our community. ;

Adopt-A-Highway (twice a year)
…………… highway@uufw.org
CROP Walk (once in the fall)
…………… cropwalk@uufw.org
Disciples Kitchen (every other month)
…………… discipleskitchen@uufw.org
First Presbyterian Food Pantry (first Sundays and ongoing)
…………… firstpres-pantry@uufw.org
Red Cross Blood Drive (twice a year)
…………… blooddrive@uufw.org
Verona Food Pantry (4 or 5 times a year)
…………… verona-pantry@uufw.org

Our Social Justice Team also aims to structure education and action opportunities aimed at changing our world, our nation, our state, and our community into systems of greater justice and equity.

Social Justice Team
…………… sj-team-leader@uufw.org