FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- When are your services?
We meet weekly at 8:30 am in the Chapel and at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary and via Zoom. On certain Sundays, we also offer off site services, such as at Squaxin Park.
The 8:30 am is a Cafe service with lots of discussion and interaction in the round. The 10:30 a.m. service is a more traditional-style service held in the sanctuary featuring music with the pipe organ and piano.
- Are gay, lesbian, etc. individuals/couples/families welcome here?
Yes! “Open and affirming” is a fancy way of saying that we welcome all walks of life. We have many members who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Do you have a cry room?
No, we do not, and we never will. Children are a part of the church, even when they’re still little and tend to scream often. Nursing mothers and noisy children belong with their church community, just like everyone else.
- What denomination are you?
We are a blend of Presbyterian and United Church of Christ. What we are, truthfully, is a little Presbyterian, a little United Church of Christ, and a whole lot of what works best for our church community and spiritual practices.
- Will I feel welcome?
Oh, yes. Our church community is very welcoming, especially to new faces. All are welcome here, in all senses of the phrase.
- What would you recommend for introverts?
We are very familiar with introverts. The earlier service (8:30 am) involves discussion and connecting with members around the table. It builds strong bonds with other members in the church, while discussing important issues such as love, trust, loneliness, and many others. The second service (10:30 am) is a more traditional service. It’s held in the sanctuary, has a structured service, and only has a small amount of time set aside for socializing, with a small social ask of smiling and shaking hands or waving with those around you for about five minutes. Depending on your needs for that day, you can choose which service is better for you.
- I am looking for a community. Can United help?
Absolutely. One of the most beneficial roles the church serves is to create community for those who may have a hard time finding it elsewhere. The world can feel lonely without a community of people to smile at you, greet you, and genuinely show compassion for your well-being. To build that community, try going to the earlier service to meet more people on a more personal level, to learn what activities you can become involved in within the church.
- What nonprofits do you work with? How are you giving back to the community?
Many of our members volunteer their time to numerous nonprofits in the community. Additionally, United personally supports the Community Kitchen, Interfaith Works, Family Support Center and many more.
- How traditional is the traditional service?
The 10:30 am service is traditional in that it is structured, involves hymns from a hymnal, contains scripture readings, and an anthem from the choir, or special musical individuals. What’s a little different is that we love to have children involved, sometimes allowing them to wiggle wherever (and whenever) they feel necessary, we tend to lean a little left on the political scale, though we try not to be obnoxiously vocal about it, and we like to laugh – a lot.
- I have children. Will they have other children to play with at United?
Yes! We are very proud that many families with children attend United. Your child will have playmates to learn and grow with.
- Do you have youth programs, both during church and during the week?
Yes! During our second service we offer clubs for kids of all ages, with a special group for high schoolers. Additionally, youth group meets every Tuesday at 5:30 pm, alternating the location between United and Westminster Presbyterian.
- Are you evangelicals/extremists?
No. Our church believes in loving everyone as they are and helping them to feel loved.
- Will your church make me feel guilty or shamed?
No. We will love you as you are, help you if you need help, and do everything we can to remind you that you are a loved child of God.
- What is inclusive language?
Inclusive language allows the church to make all people feel welcome. Primarily, it means removing the assumption that God is a man when we praise and discuss them. A typical example is changing hymnal lyrics from, “he” to “God,” when God is referenced in them.
- Is this a good church for millennials?
Absolutely. We have a growing community of younger adults that enjoy worshipping and socializing together. We meet monthly if not more often and offer weekend retreats throughout the year. Our millenials participate in service as lay leaders, sing in the choir and serve on Church Council.
- Where can I ask a question that I don’t see listed here?
Please use our contact form and we will respond as soon as possible.