What time is Union’s worship?
We have two Sunday services: a short and quiet communion service in the chapel (8:30 to 9:00 a.m.) and our main service in the sanctuary (10 to 11:15a.m.) Professional Childcare is provided for the 10 o’clock service.

The major service is an hour and 15 minutes?
The time will go quickly, we promise! Since the children join us for the first half an hour, the next 45 minutes is the minimum time for their learning experience. The adults appreciate an unhurried sermon and we celebrate communion, baptisms (4th Sundays), and new members (2nd Sundays) in the extra time. The talkbacks on the 3rd and 5th Sundays are favorites as members of the congregation engage in a discussion on the sermon just preached.

What is "Congregational" or "United Church of Christ"?
We are the heirs of the Protestant reformers that broke from the Roman Catholic Church in the mid 1500’s. The Congregationalists were among the first to come to America (the Pilgrims!). The United Church of Christ is one of the most recently formed denominations, a merger of previous churches that had Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Christian roots as well as Congregational ones. Union was originally intended to be the church for this geographic region. We blend lots of traditions. We tend to be liberal theologically, conservative economically, all over the map sociologically – and we hate labels! See link for more info.

When does Union have communion?
Communion is shared every week at the 8:30 service and the first Sunday of the Month, plus special days (Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Easter, Pentecost, the first Sundays of Lent and Advent). Protestants tend to have communion less frequently than Catholics since the reformers were concerned that it would become too commonplace.

Can children receive communion?
Yes! They are members of the community of faith and should not be excluded from the Lord’s Table. We have periodic "teaching Eucharist’s" so that they know how special the meal is.

We’d like to be married at Union. How do we go about that?
If you are a member of the church, make an appointment with a member of the ministerial staff. If you are not a member of the church, you are asked to attend worship before such an appointment. We want to make sure that we are a good faith match for you. In either case, request a "Preparing for Your Marriage at Union Cong." It will answer most of your questions.

We’re interested in baptism for our child, must we be members?
In our tradition, baptism of infants and children mark their inclusion into the community of faith. Therefore, it is important that their parents be a part of the congregation (or a congregation that we represent in the case of family or travel constraints). Both the parents and the congregation make promises to one another. It is important that we be in relationship so that we can keep them. Please call the church office so that one of the pastors may speak with you.

Is membership a pre-requisite for or help in being admitted to Union Congregational Weekday Nursery School?
The Nursery School is a part of the church’s ministry. While it is non-sectarian in its current curriculum and honors many faith traditions, it is organizationally and inherently part of the congregation. Membership does not guarantee admission but it is one of the factors that is considered, along with previous family involvement and the demographics of classes that is considered.

Many churches are having difficult discussions about homosexuality. Where does Union stand?
In 2000, the congregation determined by consensus that we are "open and affirming," the term the United Church of Christ uses to say that one’s sexual orientation is best received as a gift from God. As our understanding of sexuality evolves along with so many other understandings, we are glad that God is still speaking to and through us, urging us to welcome all people as fellow pilgrims on the journey of faith.

May I rent your facilities?
We understand ourselves to be a community resource and are happy to share our facilities with others. However, we have non-profit status and according to town ordinances, organized groups that use our facilities must be as well. Those using the building must fill out an application and agree to outlined responsibilities. If the group has funds, we request a re-imbursement for some of our expenses.

Can we take pictures of your facilities?
Anyone wishing to take photographs of the church must submit to the office, name, address phone number and purpose of taking the photographs. The Governing board must approve all publications of the photographs.

Are we having a White elephant/tag sale?
Sadly no. Due to the current programming and required volunteer staff we have not been able have the sale for several years.