In answer to frequently asked questions, here's information for visitors and newcomers:

Who is welcome in your church?
You will find Unitarian Universalist congregations invite people of all ages, all religious persuasions, all ethnic backgrounds, and all sexual orientations to participate in our programs. We here in Grass Valley are a Welcoming Congregation -- and we mean that broadly as well as specifically!

What is the dress code at your church?
We are a casual community and for the most part dress in comfortable attire. Some members enjoy wearing "nice casual" clothes -- things we don't normally wear during the week. On the other hand, jeans are also quite acceptable. Children especially are encouraged to be dressed for comfort.

Is there child care or Sunday School?
Yes, we offer child care for younger children and a religious education program for school age children. Parents, you are welcome to stay with your children if you wish. We also have an active teen group.

When are your services, and what are the Sunday morning services like?
We gather for a regular Sunday morning service at 11 a.m. We usually follow a format of chalice lighting, sharing joys and concerns, readings, occasional meditation, singing of hymns, sermon, and closing circle. Sometimes this varies and unconventional programs are offered. While the services usually follow a format, the subjects are quite varied. It takes several visits to get the flavor of who and what we are. Upcoming services are listed here.

How many members do you have and how long have you been in Nevada County?
Currently we number close to 100 members and we are growing! We formed in 1995 and bought the Chapel in 2000.

Where are you located?
The Chapel's address is 246 S. Church Street, at the corner of Walsh, in downtown Grass Valley, across the street from the Episcopalians, next door to the Methodists, a block from the Catholics, and down the hill from the Jewish Community Center. Here is a map.

With the other churches in the area, isn't parking difficult on Sunday mornings?
It can be but there is a public parking lot one block to the north (at Church and Neil Streets) and there is always room there. Parking is also available behind Bell Hill School at 342 S. School Street, just two blocks from the UUCM Chapel. If you have special needs, let us know.

How may I receive your newsletter so I know what is coming up?
Send us an e-mail to membership-chair@uugrassvalley.org with your name and address, and we'll send you three months of our monthly newsletter, The Mountain Chalice. For a year's subscription, we ask for a $15 donation to cover our costs of printing and mailing. Members who would like to switch from the print edition to our e-mail version in PDF format, please write to the database manager.  Non-members who would like to receive our e-mail newsletter (no charge), please write to our database manager with your request

Are you and/or your members involved in anything in the community?
We are members of the Nevada County Interfaith Food Ministry. We collect nonperishable items on the last Sunday of each month, and several of our members work at the food ministry. In addition, many of our members are active in local organizations such as Hospitality House, Music in the Mountains, Hospice of the Foothills, Nevada County Citizens for Choice, Habitat for Humanity, Rural Quality Coalition, senior internet instruction at the library, Friends of the Library, AARP Driver Safety Program, Friends of the Foundry, PFLAG, AAUW, and Nevada County Land Trust. We also boast a renowned storyteller/folksinger and radio talk show hosts among our members. Yes! We are involved in our community.

Where can I learn more about Unitarian Universalism and this community?
Please pick up a Welcome Package and any of the pamphlets on the foyer table at the Chapel. Here's a brochure about our congregation. Also please talk with our minister, the Rev. Meghan Conrad Cefalu, or any Board Member, identified by name tag. Susan Rogers, our Membership Committee chair, will be happy to discuss membership. She can be reached at membership-chair@uugrassvalley.org; she'll be glad to call you if you will provide a local phone number. Also see this website's "contacts" and "feedback" pages.