For First-Time Visitors
We call our Sunday morning worship services our Celebrations of Life.
These are times when our entire congregation gathers to explore questions of the meaning of life, what has value, how shall we live, and more. Services start at 11:00 AM. See what is coming up this Sunday or in the future here.
We offer two viewing alternatives — in-person, and ZOOM (click on blue ZOOM for link.)
All visitors and members are welcome to use our online zoom option! This option is always available. Every aspect of the regular church service is fully available on Zoom, including the ability to “chat”, share Joys and Sorrows during the service, and to visit with other FirstU members and friends after the service. If you have trouble logging in to the service, send a message to our volunteer desk. (Please note that this email account is not monitored during the service.)
We do encourage precautions from a place of love, to protect each other, so if you wish to wear a mask we support your choice to do so.
Music is important to our congregational life, and on Sundays we join in joyful song as a congregation, with anthems by the choir, and occasionally we enjoy special musical guests. Do you have a musical talent you would like to share? Contact our choir director for information on how to get involved!
Our services generally last one hour. After service, join us in the social hall for coffee, snacks, and fellowship. On the first Sunday of the month, join us for our First Sunday Lunch! If it is your first time, please enjoy a meal on us! Check the events calendar to see the menu.
When are services?
Our services start at 11:00 AM and last for about an hour. We also have an adult Religious exploration class that starts at 10:00 AM, and post service refreshments in the social hall.
How do I find the church?
We are located in downtown Louisville on the corner of Fourth and York streets, across from the main Library. Directions to our church can be found here. Our address is 809 South 4th Street if you care to use Google Maps, Mapquest or another web mapping site.
We enter on the Library Lane entrance, which is really in the back of the Church. Accessible parking is available there along with a wheelchair ramp. Almost every part of First Unitarian Church is accessible to people in wheelchairs. We also have an elevator for those who need it to access the second floor where our religious exploration classrooms are located.
What do adults wear?
You are welcome to wear whatever you are comfortable in. Members often describe the dress code as “business casual,” but some people wear their “Sunday Best,” and many wear jeans. In the summer shorts and t-shirts are a common uniform, while in the winter, sweaters and boots are likely outfits.
What do children wear?
Children should wear comfortable clothes. They may spend time playing on the carpeted floor, or work with art supplies. Sometimes they may go outside.
What do children do during the worship service?
Children and youth are invited and encouraged to stay in the sanctuary and participate fully in our worship service, aka Celebration of Life. But we know that staying engaged during the entire service might be challenging for children in preschool through grade 3. If that is the case, your child may attend our Children’s Celebration upstairs. Child care is also available for infants and toddlers.
Do I have to check in?
No check in is required but be prepared to be be greeted at the door where you’ll be offered a visitor’s name tag.
Is First Unitarian Church accessible to people in wheelchairs?
Yes, almost every part of the church is accessible to people with mobility issues and who use wheelchairs. Our elevator provides access to the second floor and our restrooms are accessible as well.
Do you have services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing?
Listening assistance devices are available and may be used anywhere in the sanctuary. Please ask an usher if you’d like to use one.
Will I be welcome?
We welcome all persons to participate fully, openly, and equally, in all aspects of our congregational life, in ever widening circles of inclusion. We respect and affirm diversity and its gifts in
- race, ethnicity, national origin,
- affectional or sexual orientation, family or relationship structure,
- gender identity, gender expression, sex,
- abilities, neurodiversity,
- age, socioeconomic class, political views,
- religious belief, creed, or interpretation of religion.