We all were new, at one time, and we remember what it's like. So we've provided the information below, knowing that it's easier to venture into a new place when you know what to expect.

About UUCLB (Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach)

We are religious liberals. We are women and men, families, single people, straight and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, young and old from many religous backgrounds and of different races and ethnicities. We are welcoming people with different beliefs, united by shared values, not by creed or dogma.

Sunday Mornings

You will find from 40 to 150 people attending services on Sunday mornings depending on which service you attend. During the summer, we have only one worship service at 10:00 am. During the rest of the year, we will have services at 9:00 a.m., which tends to be smaller and has contemporary music with our Wylder Spirits. The 11:00 a.m. service has a larger choir and a larger attendance. Religious Education for our children and youth is offered at both services. During the summer the children and youth participate in a special summer Religious Education curriculum during the 10:00 am service. Click here to find out what's going on in religious education for our children and youth this Sunday.

Parking—We have designated parking for visitors in our parking lot, East of the church building located on Atherton Street. If you visit and the parking lot is full, parking is also available on Atherton Street. Some of us bike, walk and take the bus.

Greeting—When you arrive at the gate from the parking lot before the service, someone will greet you. If you are coming for the first time, you may be guided to the welcome table for a name tag and to have a member answer any questions you may have.

If you enter from the Atherton Street side gate, go around to the main church entrance to meet someone from our welcoming table. The friendly people at the welcome table may be able to answer some of your questions. They will give you a name tag. If you have children, a volunteer will help you and your child become familiar with the Sunday morning routine.

What Do Adults Wear?—Some of us dress casually in blue jeans and t-shirts, some more formally. Some men wear dress shirts (rarely a tie); some women prefer skirts and heals. Wear what makes you feel comfortable.

Our Minister is in the pulpit three Sundays out of a month. Guest ministers and speakers lead the other Sunday worship services. 

During the Service—The service lasts about 1 hour with singing, music, readings and a sermon. When your enter, you will be handed an Order of Service, which will have the information you need for you to fully participate in the Worship Service. Other announcements are included in the Order of Service.

We often stand for hymns and some responsive readings. The minister or service leader will likely ask the congregation to stand and to be seated and with sensitivity that some of us may not be able to or choose to stand. You don't have to worry about knowing when to stand or sit. We don't genuflect. We don't kneel to pray.

At the beginning of worship, we may ask for visitors to introduce themselves. If you are comfortable, you may choose to introduce yourself and say where you are from.

Accessibility – We are wheel chair accessible, and have hearing assistance devices and large print Orders of Service on request.

After the Service—You are invited to have coffee and tea on the West patio outside of church. Come to the welcome table to meet some of our members. They can give you more information and answer any questions.

We hope you fin this information helpful, and that you will visit us soon. And we hope you find your church experience welcoming and meaningful.