Questions frequently
asked by glbt newcomers:
-
Am
I welcome if I am gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, trans-gendered?
|
Yes! Eastrose's
membership includes gays and lesbians, both couples and singles. Eastrose is an official Welcoming Congregation. The Unitarian
Universalist Association provides an extensive process for a congregation
to become an official Welcoming Congration. Eastrose received formal
UUA
certification
as a Welcoming Congregation in 1998. If you have children, your children are welcome in our UUniverse
religious education program. |
|
Eastrose is a member of the Community of
Welcoming Congregations, an association
of religious congregations begun in the Portland metropolitan area that
welcomes and affirms people of all sexual orientations. |
 This is a banner provided by the Unitarian Universalist Association. Eastrosarians
supported and worked in the Oregon "No on 36" campaign in
2004. A number of same-gendered couple couples were
married at Eastrose in 2004. Commitment ceremonies were held at
Eastrose before that, and have been held there since.
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Other Questions, in the order in which they are usually asked:
- What
should my children and I wear to this church?
We are
an informal group of people. Wear what feels comfortable to you.
The children's programs often involve crafts or hands-on activities, so
casual, comfortable and washable is best.
-
Is
there childcare / Sunday school during church?
There
is childcare for the worship service throughout the year. Sunday
school begins at 10:30. Often the children and their teachers attend
the first part of the worship service and then leave for their own activities.
See Religious Education.
-
If
my child doesn't separate well, can my child stay with me during the service?
Your child
is always welcome to stay with you during the worship service.
-
Are
there people in the congregation who hold diverse beliefs?
Yes, very
much so. Unitarian Universalists believe it is natural to be interested
in ideas from many faith traditions and encourage people to develop their
own theology without fear of censure or reprisal. Most of us started
out as Jewish, Catholic or Protestant. Some of us are still Christian
or Jewish. Some of us are agnostics or atheists. Some of us believe in
an earth-based spirituality. Some of us are Buddhists. We all believe in
the search for truth and a deeper meaning in life.
-
How
can an agnostic go to church?
By automobile,
bicycle, or on foot. The Max stops at Burnside and 181st.
Eastrose has plenty of free parking.
OK
- seriously now -- People who identify themselves as "agnostics"
are just as likely to be searching for meaning in life and in spiritual
issues as are people self-identified as "searchers" or "religious" people.
Some Unitarian-Universalists even say "the search IS the answer." Others
define it quite differently. Whatever your definition, you are welcome
at Eastrose.
-
What
goes on during the worship services?
No two
services are exactly alike, yet familiar patterns are present. Services
typically include
-
Music
-
Words for children
-
Readings
-
Lighting the chalice
-
Sharing by those who wish to
tell of joys or sorrows.
-
Singing
-
Choir -- see Music
at Eastrose
-
Offertory
-
Sermon or lecture
-
More music or singing
-
Inspirational words
-
Further thoughts about the sermon
may be offered by the congregation - adding valuable depth to the subject
of the day
-
Music
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-
How
do I meet other people? How do I get involved?
Attend
a service. You will be greeted at the door and invited to sign the guest
book. As a guest, you will receive the newsletter for a few months.
During the service, you will have an opportunity to introduce yourself
(if you wish). Stay for coffee and conversation following the service.
Tell people about yourself and your interests. Attend
some Eastrose social events. Speak up and join a committee!
-
Will
I be pressured to join Eastrose or be "saved"?
No, not
at all. If anything, Unitarian Universalists may come across as rather
too
reserved about urging people to join their group. This is a UU tradition
stemming from resistance to religious persecution. Don't mistake
this for lack of interest in you and your potential worth to the group!
Eastrose is eager for new friends and members, and eager to hear new voices
and thoughts. Speak up and you will be listened to. Join an
committee, and you will help run things!
-
Are
there any concerns or issues to consider before I attend Eastrose?
We have
recently begun to consider problems concerning fragrance sensitivity.
A few members and friends are painfully sensitive to perfumes and colognes.
We warmly welcome all visitors to Eastrose and request that you be aware
of those members' needs when planning your visit to our fellowship.
We appreciate your consideration! |
