We’re so glad that you discovered us!

Whoever you are and wherever you are on your own spiritual and religious journey, you are welcome here.

We know that getting to know and getting involved in a congregation can be a confusing challenge, but at UUFSB we try to make things as clear and easy for visitors as possible.

If you are interested in getting to know more about UUFSB and becoming more involved in UUFSB, below is a list of steps we recommend. You don’t have to do them in any order and you don’t have to do every one. None are required! But you may find each of them helpful.

1. Learn more about our shared beliefs and values.

UUFSB is a Unitarian Universalist congregation, and Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition, but what does that mean? Find out here.

2. Watch a recent worship service on YouTube.

You can watch recent worship service on YouTube to see what they’re like before you visit in person. If you only want to watch the “Message of the Morning” (the sermon) that part usually starts about 30 minutes after the beginning of the service.

3. Fill out our online visitor form.

Fill out our online visitor form. Once you do this, you’ll start to receive our weekly e-newsletter that lets you know about everything that’s happening at UUFSB every day of the week. Or, if you visit in person on a Sunday morning, you can fill out a printed form at the Welcome Table in the foyer.

4. Contact us with any questions you may have.

We’re happy to talk with you if you have questions before your first visit.  Call us at 631-751-0297 or email us at info@uufsb.org .

5. Visit us on a Sunday morning.

You can visit either online or in-person. You can find the link for any upcoming Sunday service on the front page of our website.

If you come in person, feel free to dress comfortably. Most people dress casually. If you bring any children with you, they are welcome to stay with you during the entire worship service or participate in programming for children and youth.

It’s also always fine to participate in one of our other activities during the week before ever visiting on a Sunday morning.

6. Attend a Newcomer Gathering.

These are usually held on the second Sunday of every month at about 11:40 a.m. in our Green Room. These are a chance to meet with Rev. James, learn more about Unitarian Universalism and UUFSB, and ask any questions you may have. They usually last for about 30 minutes.

7. Learn even more about Unitarian Universalism.

Rev. James teaches an “Introduction to Unitarian Universalism” class every fall. It is based on his book A Liberal Religious Path: A Short, Personal Introduction to Unitarian Universalism. However, if you can’t wait to sign up for the next class, the book is available to order and read as a paperback, e-book, or audiobook at any time.

8. Find your niche.

As wonderful as we hope our Sunday morning worship services are, we know many people come to UUFSB seeking both opportunities to explore their own spirituality on a deeper level and to make connections with other people on a deeper level. This most often happens at UUFSB in one of our many small groups. You can learn more about our many small groups at UUFSB as well as other events and activities in our Newcomers Guide to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook. Printed copies are also available at the Welcome Table in the foyer on Sunday mornings.

9. Explore membership.

After getting to know us, you may decide you would like to become a member. We encourage you to take your time in deciding whether to become a member. Most people who become members of UUFSB do so after a few months or even a year of visiting us. If you are interested in learning more about membership, contact Rev. James.

We also hold a UUFR 101 class on a Saturday morning once a year, usually in January, that explores UUFR’s governance, organizational structures, finances and other topics for individuals who are recent new members or are considering membership and want to know more about those topics.

People can become members of UUFR at any time, but new members, if they wish, are recognized in a New Member Recognition Ceremony once a year, usually at the beginning of February.

10. Find a way to serve.

Life is busier than ever these days, and we know for some people, managing to show up on a Sunday morning wearing matching clean socks is an accomplishment worth celebrating, but we also know that people who find their participation in UUFSB most meaningful often have found a way to be of service to others, either by volunteering in simple ways around UUFSB,  by participating one of our ministry teams, or even by serving on our board or one of its committees. To find out more about possibilities for volunteering, contact Rev. James or any board member.