Question 1

What is UU Wellesley Hills?

Accepted Answer

Our formal name is the Unitarian Universalist Society of Wellesley Hills.  We are a self-governing faith community which has been gathering since 1871.  We are a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Question 2

I’m new to Unitarian Universalism. What should I know?

Accepted Answer

Many of our members were new to UU-ism when they arrived, having been raised in another faith or with no religious affiliation at all. UU-ism has no prescribed beliefs and draws on many wisdom sources, centering love and the inherent worth of every person.  People often assume we are a Christian church, but UU theology considers Jesus a teacher, not part of a divine Trinity.

Question 3

What are the services like?

Accepted Answer

A typical service lasts 60 minutes and includes music, readings, candle lighting, and a sermon.  Plate collections are taken for not-for-profit organizations chosen by the Social Action Council. We also offer remote attendance, linked to on the homepage of this site.

Question 4

What happens after the worship service?

Accepted Answer

We leave the Sanctuary and move to our Parish Hall for Fellowship Hour. All are welcome to join for coffee, light refreshments, and conversation. An online Fellowship Hour is available for those who attend virtually.

Question 5

What are the worship spaces like?

Accepted Answer

We have two beautiful worship spaces.  Our Sanctuary combines modern and traditional features: a wall of windows, an organ loft, fixed pews, and a stained glass rose window .  The smaller Chapel in the stone wing can be set up for a variety of intimate services and gatherings.

Question 6

What happens during the summer?

Accepted Answer

We continue to gather on Sunday mornings during the summer, holding short, informal services in the Chapel.  Each lay-led gathering features readings, music, and discussion around a theme; fellowship hour follows, a time when visitors find it easy to meet people.  Our schedule is in collaboration with 1st Parish in Needham, with six mid-summer gatherings in Wellesley and five longer services (including over holiday weekends) in Needham.  All services begin at 10:30.

Question 7

Is space on your campus available for rental?

Accepted Answer

We have several spaces available for rent, including our large Sanctuary, more intimate Chapel, and a meeting room.  For more information, visit the Rentals page of this website or contact our Treasurer.

Question 8

How can I get to know people?

Accepted Answer

In addition to Sunday Fellowship hour, we have many opportunities to connect.  You can join a discussion group or social action team, sing in the choir, volunteer for the spring rummage sale or a committee, attend potlucks or a circle supper, usher or host fellowship hour, attend “Caring Kids” programs.  We are a busy and open community.

Question 9

What do you do to honor Indigenous People’s rights?

Accepted Answer

UU Wellesley Hills formed an Indigenous Peoples’ Task Force in 2022, following the Town of Wellesley’s vote to honor Indigenous Peoples on what was formerly Columbus Day. The congregation voted unanimously in June 2022 to adopt a Land Acknowledgment to recognize the ongoing erasure of Indigenous Peoples’ experience and culture into the present. The task force has promoted greater understanding of Indigenous concerns and contributions by leading worship services and community reads, publicizing educational opportunities, and sponsoring Sunday plate collections for Indigenous-led initiatives.

Question 10

What kind of help is available and how do I access help when I am struggling with a personal crisis?

Accepted Answer

A team of Caring & Companioning volunteers extends the pastoral reach of our ministerial staff by offering help to congregants who might benefit from concrete assistance or emotional support.  The Team can provide help to our members and friends with transportation, escort, and meals on an occasional basis.  They also provide ongoing emotional support through phone calls and in-person visits.  Team members regularly consult with ministerial staff to identify unmet needs and agree to respect confidentiality.

If you would like to be connected with our Minister or Caring & Companioning Team, please contact the UU Wellesley Hills office, or email Rev. Mark Robel.

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