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The Sunday Service
A sacred time we make together...
We invite you to join us in our Great Hall for worship. Ushers and Welcome Team members (with pink name tags) are there to answer your questions. During the school year we normally have two worship services, at 9:15 and 11 AM. Social time takes place in the parlor between the two services. Approximately once a month, we worship as one community, adults and children, at 10 a.m.
Coffee Hour
Please join us between our two Sunday services, or immediately after the service if there is only one on that day, for coffee, tea, and conversation in the Parlor, located through the doors on either side of the pulpit. Volunteering to serve coffee is an easy way to meet many people who will be grateful to you.
Keeping in Touch/Name Tags
Members, friends, and visitors here have a long tradition of wearing name tags so that we may better get to know each other. If you are visiting, please make a name tag. If you want a permanent name tag please see an usher or sign your name in the nametag notebook in the foyer. You may hang your nametag in the foyer.
Accessibility
You can reach our elevator through the side door (off the driveway shared with Memorial Hall to the north). The elevator provides access to the first floor (Great Hall, Parlor, and office) and the basement (restrooms, classrooms, RE office). Ask an usher if you need an audio-enhancing device or a LARGE PRINT Order of Meeting or Hymnal.
Printed news and information
Keep informed about news and events with our monthly newsletter The Pioneer, The Sunday Times attached to the Order of Meeting, Sunday Times Online, and our web site, www.uunorthampton.org. You may receive our monthly newsletter, The Pioneer, by signing the guest book in the foyer.
Becoming an active part of the community
Members of the Newcomer Connections Team are available to provide more information about the Society. Many of us have started to find our real place in this community by joining a Small Group Ministry section, singing in the choir, helping in the office, or volunteering for a committee. You are welcome to call committee chairs listed in the membership directory (copies available in the Parlor) to learn more.
A tradition of shared leadership
In keeping with the Unitarian tradition of congregational polity, the members of our Unitarian Society own the building, approve and contribute funds to our budget, call our own minister, and elect a Board of Trustees to govern on our behalf. Trustees oversee policy, plans, finances, and represent the congregation as employers. Our small, dedicated staff manages our daily operations. A Coordinating Council of committees oversees programs and communications. An Executive Team of Trustee officers and Council moderators assures communication among our lay leaders.
Our Historic Building
The original building that stood in this place was built in 1825 and burned in 1903. This current, Greek revival building was built on the original stone foundation and dedicated in 1905. Notice our four memorial windows. At the front right, the Shepherd memorial depicts cheerful service, in this case, the instruction of a child. Front left is the Huggerford Sterling window depicting "Charity" as a graceful woman with the river of life flowing behind her. Middle right is the Lyman window, depicting the autumn of life, and opposite, a window invoking those who have gone before us. These two are original Tiffany windows.
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