Unitarian Universalists of Merced Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there really a UU congregation in Merced?
• Where and when do you meet?
• What do adults wear?
• What about children?
• Is your meeting place accessible to people in wheelchairs?
• What goes on at your services?
• Will I be welcome?
• Will I be welcome if I'm gay or lesbian?
• How do I become a member?
• Are you "the church that doesn't believe in anything"?
• Are you related to the Unity or Universal Life churches?
• What is a satellite congregation?

Is there really a UU congregation in Merced?
Yes, although it is small. Right now we have just two dozen members, and we meet in rented space. We're growing. Davis, another farming town of 60,000 with a UC Campus, has a UU Church with over 200 members.

Where and when do you meet?
We worship on the second and fourth Sunday of the month at 4 pm, in the Unity Church of Merced, 305 West 26th Street. Our Map page will show you how to get there. Our Meetings page will tell you the sermon topic, sometimes, and about other meetings.

What do adults wear?
You are welcome to come in whatever makes you comfortable. If you are a gentleman who feels most comfortable when he looks like the rest of the guys, then navy blue Dockers and a dress shirt (no tie) will put you right in the middle of the crowd.

What about children?
They will be fine in sneakers and jeans. We have a children's program. Call or write for details.

Is your meeting place accessible to people in wheelchairs?
The Unity church is. They have an accessible restroom as well. When we meet in private homes or backyards someone will help you.

What goes on at your services?
We have hymns, readings, and a sermon or homily, much like a liberal mainline protestant service. Read More.

Will I be welcome?
Yes. We mean that welcoming statement on the Home page. Over the years Unitarian Universalists have welcomed people who were rich, poor, and middle-class; black, white, and brown; young, old, and middle-aged; walking and wheeling; straight, lesbian and gay. We welcomed them all. We will welcome you.

Will I be welcome if I'm gay or lesbian?
Yes. Our denomination is famous for welcoming people of different sexual orientations.

How do I become a member?
[NOT a question people ask on a first visit, but this seemed to be the best place to put this question.]
We strongly suggest you visit for three to six months, and either attend a 2-hour orientation meeting at our parent congregation in Modesto, or have a long conference with our minister, again in Modesto. The 3 - 6 months gives you a chance to see us in good times and bad. If you find yourself at home with us, you sign the membership book. It's as simple as that; and as difficult as living up to the four expectations we have of our members -- regular attendance, financial support, volunteering at church and a commitment to ongoing spiritual growth. Read More.

Are you "the church that doesn't believe in anything"?
No. We believe in many things, among them the worth and dignity of every person. We don't all believe the same thing about the nature of God. This annoys, amuses and confuses Protestants, Catholics and Jews alike. We have a page about our beliefs.

Are you related to the Unity or Universal Life churches?
No, other than the fact our names all start with "Uni". Unity is a liberal Christian church. We are liberal too, but few of us are Christian. Universal Life is the one that ordains people instantly. They have "Universal" in their name, just like we do. UU ministers study for four years. (UU of Merced is lay led for now.)

What is a satellite congregation?
We are! We're a satellite of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County in Modesto, 40 miles north of us. Think of it as one congregation with two meeting places and two groups of members, although some of us drive to Modesto, sometimes, and some of them come here, sometimes. They give us a bit of guidance, we are on their insurance, and they give us web space. That is why they come up first in Google for "Unitarian Merced". When we are big enough, we will become an independent congregation.

Questions about UUs of Merced? Ask the Osbornes,
Questions about the web site? Ask Ted Pack,

We are a liberal church and the only UU congregation in Merced county. We serve Atwater, Chowchilla, Livingston, Merced, and Winton. We welcome Agnostics, Atheists, Buddhists, Christians, Deists, Free-thinkers, Humanists, Jews, Theists, Wiccans, and those who seek their own spiritual path. We welcome people without regard to race, ethnic origin, physical ability or sexual orientation.