Unitarian Society of Germantown
Different People, Different Beliefs, One Faith.
Visitors and newcomers are always welcome at the Unitarian Society of Germantown. Most of us were newcomers and visitors ourselves at one time, and we want to offer to you the friendship as well as the "space" to explore our religious community. Whether you come to visit once or stay for a lifetime of religious growth and fellowship, we are glad you are here.
We are a family of people with diverse spiritual orientations, from many different backgrounds. We seek to share a journey of spiritual growth and work together to find ways to live our faith in the world, while respecting the right to freedom of individual beliefs. Please take time to explore this website to find out more about who we are and what we do. We welcome any and all questions you may have.
We hope that we will meet you in person soon and that you will join us as we create and grow a diverse, justice-seeking, spirit-growing community.
Your First Visit
Haven't attended a church in years? Not sure what to expect from a UU worship service? Here are some common questions newcomers ask before attending a Sunday service at our church:
What should I wear?
Please wear whatever makes you comfortable. Men generally wear casual pants and sometimes jeans. Ties are rarely seen. Women wear dresses/skirts or pants. Children should wear comfortable clothes, such as jeans and sneakers. After their religious education class, which sometimes involves "messy" crafts projects, children may want to enjoy our playground.
When does the service start?
From September through June, the service begins at 11am. In July and August, it starts at 10:30am. It usually lasts from 60 to 75 minutes.
Where do I park?
We have a large parking lot, accessible off Johnson Street between Greene and Wayne Avenues (view the map). There is also parking on Lincoln Drive, which runs in front of the church. On Sundays, courtyard parking at the Lincoln Drive entrance is reserved for handicapped parking.
The main entrance to the sanctuary is on Lincoln Drive. If coming from the parking lot, you will see a sidewalk path that leads you along the side of the church to the main entrance on Lincoln Drive. Members and regular friends frequently enter through the "back door," but this might be confusing for a new visitor.
What happens during the worship service?
You will be greeted by ushers who will give you an order of service and who can answer any questions you might have.
Each Sunday, families begin together in the Sanctuary. Some Sundays, there is a Story for All Ages related to the sermon topic, other weeks there is special music, a conversation with our minister, or a collection for a charitable organization in our community. About 15 minutes into the service, children are dismissed to their religious education programming. If you are not able to go to the Religious Education office before the service, you may choose to accompany your child to their classroom (classrooms and lesson topics are listed on the back of the Order of Service each week), so they know they are where they belong and you know where they are. Teacher, other parents or the Director of Faith Development can help you get them to their classes. One Sunday a month is dedicated to social action as a way to teach children ways to "live their faith." Children in preschool through grade 8 participate in projects that help our church and community. If they prefer to stay in the service with you, there are ideas for engaging youngsters during the service on cards in the pews.
On a few special Sundays, we have Intergenerational Worship during which children and their families attend for the entire hour. Activity packets are available from the ushers on these occasions.
Our Sanctuary, built in 1928, reflects our Protestant heritage. The chancel (altar) is at the front, and the congregation sits in pews, facing the pulpit. When you enter the sanctuary, you may find people singing various songs and hymns or talking to nearby friends. More information on the service can be found on the Sunday Services page.
What are the sermons like?
Our sermons may be unlike what you grew up with, since we don't try to tell anyone exactly what to think or do. They strive to offer personal and thought-provoking ideas on a topic so that you can determine your own beliefs about it. Sermons are offered by our minister, church members, or expert guests.
Can I bring my children?
Both you and your children are very welcome. Our religious education program is often why people first come to USG. Its goal is to "facilitate ethical and spiritual development in our children so that they will be empowered to become free-thinking individuals who know and respect themselves and others, contribute to their human and natural communities, and make informed decisions regarding their spiritual paths." If you would like your children to visit Church School, it is helpful to come a half-hour before the service and visit our Religious Education office. We provide childcare for children under three. Childcare is located in the Bristol Room at the rear of the Santuary, downstairs, below the Narthex. Should a problem arise, one of the childcare assistants will come to find you in the Sanctuary. If your children stay with you in the Sanctuary and they become restless, there is a small room off the foyer at the rear of the Sanctuary. There are rocking chairs and toys available, as well as a speaker so the parents can still hear the service.
What happens after the service?
Immediately after every Sunday Service, we host an hour for coffee, conversation, fellowship and information sharing in the Assembly Room (or in nice weather in the Grove). Opportunities abound for visitors to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and the role of our church in the local community. Visitors as well as new members have opportunities to interact with Committee chairs (for example: religious education, social action, ending racism) in order to become more aware of the stimulating array of activities available at our church.
Information tables are available to provide handout material concerning programs and activities, such as Social Action, Green Sanctuary, Ending Racism, Peace Vigil, Community Outreach, Circle Dinners, and Youth Activities. In addition, information is available regarding the pathways to membership at the Unitarian Society of Germantown.
Will I be welcome?
Yes, absolutely. We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person and in acceptance of one another and encouragement to the spiritual growth of all. We have members who are rich and poor, black and white, young and old, heterosexual, gay and transgender. Our members come from many different occupations, cultural heritages, and religious backgrounds.
What if I'm part of an interfaith family?
Many USG families embrace more than one religion and specifically choose our church because we honor and celebrate many religious traditions.
Will I be welcome if I'm agnostic or atheist?
You are welcome. Within our membership are agnostics, atheists, humanists, theists, Buddhists, people who follow the earth-based religions and scientists. We give people a safe place to explore and grow spiritually, wherever they start from and wherever they journey. We provide religious education for their children, teaching them how to make informed and ethical choices. We provide a larger forum for making a difference in the world through social action. And we provide a vibrant social community.
Will I be pressured to join or convert?
We do try to be friendly. We do not ask visitors to join our church right away. We believe that you should take the time to see whether we are a good fit and to consider our covenant. Membership conveys certain privileges, such as voting rights, and responsibilities, such as involvement and financial support, but there are a number of congregants who are very active in the life of our community but who have never signed the membership book.
What holidays are celebrated?
We celebrate many of the great religious holidays in some way that speaks to the UU faith, including Easter, Passover, Summer and Winter Solstices, Day of the Dead, Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.
How do I get there?
The Unitarian Society of Germantown is located at
6511 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19119
(Parking in rear of church on Johnson Street
between Wayne Avenue and Greene Street)
(215) 844-1157
1. From Washington and Points South:
Take I-95 North to Philadelphia. Follow signs for I-676 West (Exit 17). Take I-676 to I-76 West (towards Valley Forge). Take I-76 West to Exit 340A for (Lincoln Drive). Follow Lincoln Drive to Johnson Street (about 2 miles). Turn right on Johnson Street, which is the third traffic light. Go up Johnson Street and across the next light (Wayne Avenue). Look for open driveway (Unitarian Society of Germantown sign) on the left. Turn left into driveway and go all the way down to large open parking lot, which is the rear of the church.
2. From New Jersey and Points East:
Cross Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Follow signs for I-676 West. Take I-676 to I-76 West (towards Valley Forge). Take I-76 West to Exit 340A for (Lincoln Drive). (This exit is on the LEFT). Follow Lincoln Drive to Johnson Street and church, as described in bold above under #1).
3. From New York and North Jersey:
Take New Jersey Turnpike to Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276) (Exit 6). Take PA Turnpike west to I-476 South (Exit 20 to Philadelphia and Chester). Take I-476 South to I-76 East to Philadelphia (Exit 16A). Take I-76 West to Exit 340A for (Lincoln Drive). (This exit is on the LEFT). Follow Lincoln Drive to Johnson Street and church, as described in bold above under #1).
4. From Northern and Western Pennsylvania:
From North: Take Northeast extension of Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476) straight down, through toll plaza, to Exit 16A (I-76 East). Take I-76 East to Exit 340A, Lincoln Drive (this exit is on the LEFT). Take Lincoln Drive to Johnson Street and church, as described in bold above under #1). From West: Take Pennsylvania Turnpike to Exit 326 (Valley Forge and I-76). Follow I-76 East to Exit 340A for (Lincoln Drive). (This exit is on the LEFT). Follow Lincoln Drive to Johnson Street and church, as described in bold above under #1).
5. From East-Germantown/Mt. Airy:
Take Johnson Street and travel towards Lincoln Drive. Go across Greene Street. Go over small bridge and immediately look for driveway to your right (Unitarian Society of Germantown sign). Pull into driveway and go all the way down to large open parking lot, which is the rear of the church.
6. Public Transportation:
Accessible by Regional Rail Line (R8 - Chestnut Hill West - Upsal Train Station) just two blocks North of the Church. Also, accessible by the bus Route "53" (Wayne Avenue and Lincoln Drive) and bus Route "H" (Lincoln Drive and Hortter Street) buses.
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© 2012 Created by Unitarian Society of Germantown.
