Frequently Asked Questions
I've heard about a really cool concert that's supposed to be happening at some Church, is this the Church, and how can I get more information about these concerts? Yes, this is undoubtedly the church you are looking for; however, information about these venues would be more complete from the R5 Productions website ( www.r5productions.com ).
How do I get to the church? We are located in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood towards the western edge of Center City. Follow this link to Google Maps for a detailed map. You can also prompt it for personalized driving directions. We are located on SEPTA routes 7, 12, 21, and 42. Suburban Station, 30th Street Station, and the PATCO line are all located within a 10 minute walk.
If I need to drive to church, where can I park? Permits are available from the Ushers which allow you to park FREE on 22nd St. from Walnut to Market between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Sundays. We have also made arrangements with the Central Parking System Ambassador Garage, northwest corner of Chestnut and 21st Street: $5 all day Sunday; and $5 for 4 hours after 5 pm Monday to Friday. Please request a validation sticker from an Usher or the church office.
We must request that you DO NOT park in the smaller, eight-spot lot on Van Pelt Street, which belongs to the neighboring College of Physcians. However, the large parking lot across from it is available free of charge most Sundays of the year. Access via 21st Street is the best bet--From Market Street, turn south onto 21st St., and enter--as the Van Pelt Street exit is frequently chained. This lot is owned by the College of Physicians who have graciously given us access to it on Sundays.
What should I wear? What should my children wear? The short answer is to wear whatever is comfortable for you (or your children). At a typical service, you'll find people dressed in a variety of ways that reflects the diversity of our congregation. Everything from men's & women's business suits to slacks or skirts to jeans to shorts. In the summer months we tend to lean more towards the casual side, but just be yourself.
Is there childcare or a children's program during church? Not to worry - we offer a range of childcare and Children's Religious Education during services. From infants through high school, we have an age-appropriate class. We also have separate children's services designed specifically for them. But rest assured that if your child doesn't separate well, or maybe you don't separate well, they're welcome to stay with you in the sanctuary.
Is the congregation welcome to people of color? Yes! Unitarians were founders of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and have historically at the forefront of civil rights initiatives. We have an active racial justice ministry and we are collectively committed to be an anti-oppression, multi-cultural, multi-racial congregation. Read more about our history: Harper-Furness.
Are there any gay/lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered people in the congregation? Yes, and we have a formal chapter of the national Unitarian-Universalist gay/lesbian/bisexual group called at First Church. Both individuals and couples are members of our congregation, and this church, like the denomination of which we are a part, supports the full equality of gay and lesbian people.
What is a worship service like at First Church? Our services have evolved based on our judeo-christian beginnings. We have Orders of Service printed each week that are available at the door. Musical preludes, doxologies, greetings, offertories, sermons, hymns and benedictions are what provide our structure.
I'm not sure what I believe- are there any people like me in the congregation? Absolutely. We're a non-creedal denomination, which means we don't hand you a checklist of things to believe- rather, we all seek to help each other find our own answers. That's one of the commonalities that binds us together as a group. Some of us are certain in what we believe (whether we're drawing on Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Wicca, Humanism, or some combination) and others are still exploring the path of their beliefs.
OK, I've come this far, but I haven't walked into any kind of church in years, and it makes me a little nervous- what happens when I walk in the door for the first time? I won't know anyone, or what to do. Don't worry - our building may be imposing, but we're not. :-) In addition to Ushers who can guide you to a seat if you'd like, we also have multiple Greeters on hand. They're at the entrance just to say hello, answer questions, and generally make sure no one feels too overwhelmed. You might want to browse the rest of our website and see if there are any groups you'd be interested in- we've got e-mail links for almost everything- feel free to send a quick note. We'll be happy to chat with you about any questions or concerns you might have before you even need to walk in the door.
We've also got a Welcome Table every Sunday for visitors- just stop by after services for coffee, cookies, and lots of conversation. As a rule, we're a pretty chatty bunch if someone wants to talk (but if you'd rather not, that's OK too).
Just know that you're always welcome to stop by and visit!
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