Welcome to MHCUCC
Where reflection meets response and affirmation becomes advocacy
What does welcome mean here?
Welcome means we’re glad you’re here, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or any other characteristic that makes us unique. We believe that diversity is a strength and we celebrate the many different ways that people express their faith and spirituality.
In our community, we strive to create a safe space where everyone feels valued and respected. We are committed to promoting equality and justice, and we actively work to dismantle any form of discrimination or oppression.
We believe that our differences bring us closer together and help us to better understand the many ways that God works in our lives. Together, we can build a more loving and compassionate world where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
Thank you for checking out our inclusive and progressive community. We look forward to sharing in your journey of faith and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is worship like?
We’ve got the stained glass windows, the pews, and the music of a traditional church, but the progressive values of a church earnestly seeking to be more like Jesus. Expect an engaging message that might be uplifting, challenging, informative, or meditative – or all of the above! You’ll also find us truly warm and friendly.
Online: We livestream via Zoom, and we are working on ways to make that online experience just as welcoming as our onsite one. But other than not being able to hug or shake hands, we think you’ll find the online worship experience pretty close to an onsite one.
I have children. How does worship work for us?
Onsite: For our youngest attendees, infant through preschool, we have a bright and lively nursery staffed with a professional caregiver.
For children K-5, we have interactive programming for them each Sunday during the school year with volunteers invested in their whole well-being. Children are dismissed after the Children’s Message toward the beginning of the service.
Youth in grades 6-12 are encouraged to stay in the sanctuary to worship with their families. We have programming for them scheduled at other times throughout the week, month, and year.
Online: Our livestreamed worship experience includes a specific children’s message, called Message for the Young at Heart, during the service.
How should we dress for worship?
Onsite: Folks dress in the ways they feel most comfortable in which to worship. The most common style of outfit is probably business casual – slacks/skirt and sweater, button-down shirt, or polo – but jeans, dresses, suits, and even leggings and T-shirts are frequently worn.
Online: Anything goes, especially if your camera is turned off!
During Communion what should I do?
Communion is taken on the 1st Sunday of the month, and often during special worship services like Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, and Easter Sunday. We have a gluten free option, and we use grape juice, not wine, for communion.
Onsite: Come and participate! Instructions are given every time, but you simply come down the middle aisle, take the bread and cup, partake, and dispose of it in a basket as you walk down the far aisle on the other side of your pew to return to it. Or, if you have mobility issues, we can bring communion to you. We believe all people of faith are welcome at Christ’s table.
Online: We invite you to prepare a small cup of juice and a piece of bread or cracker ahead of the sacrament so you may participate along with us.
Do we need to give an offering? How does that work?
You are never obligated to give, especially as a new or newer guest. We do encourage our members and regular attenders to recognize the value of giving as a spiritual practice that supports the church in all of its work. How you give and what you give are completely at your discretion!
Onsite: As we move increasingly toward online giving, you’ll probably notice the plate passed a lot before someone has an offering. You’re free to write a check or put cash in an envelope (in the pew pockets in front of you), or you can give online via our donation portal (upper right corner of our website). When we do communion, we usually bring our gifts up with us to drop them off in a basket just before taking the bread and cup.
Online: Mailing in checks, or dropping them or cash off during open office hours, is one way. But we figure if you’re going to give and you’re online already, our donation portal at the top right of our website is likely more convenient.
How do people follow along with worship? Will I be able to keep up?
Onsite: We no longer do printed bulletins. Instead, you can find an Order of Worship on our Online Worship page. You’ll be able to see what’s going on via the screen on either side of the cross at the front of the sanctuary. Hymnals will be in pew pockets in front of you, if you enjoy reading music. The slides will let you know which hymnal (black or red) to use. Otherwise, the words will be on the slides as you sing. Responsive readings are also on the screens.
Online: A PDF of the Order of Worship can be found on our Online Worship page. As we livestream via Zoom, the majority of your screen will be the slides whenever there is congregational singing or responsive reading. We encourage you to display your name while worshipping online, and to put your prayer concerns or joys into the chat.
Where should I park? How do I get to the worship area?
We have ample parking available, with plenty of handicap spaces. Sunday guests, there are spots just for you near our entrance! Just look for the signs near the fence and garage. Greeters are available to direct you to the Sanctuary, but it’s a right from the lobby down the hall all the way, then a left away from Fellowship Hall and through the parlor to the wooden double doors. Please do sit anywhere you feel comfortable.
I'm nervous in new social situations. Will I have to talk to people?
Onsite: Yeah, we’re friendly. But we also have greeters trained to notice if someone prefers to be left alone. So if you don’t want to spend your social energy making small talk with strangers, just nod and keep walking. We’ll take the hint. Do know that we would love to connect with you – and we have a gift for guests – so please consider at least filling out a connect card.
Online: We don’t get terribly chatty in Zoom, but we might message you to say hi (or introduce ourselves if we don’t recognize the name). Feel free to let us know that you’d like to focus on the service and you might connect with us another time.
I have a disability. Can I still participate in worship?
Onsite: From the handicap spaces in our parking lot all the way into our sanctuary (with shorter pews toward the front to accommodate wheelchairs), it’s smooth sailing – no stairs to navigate. We also have a ramp from the pew level up to the chancel platform located on the right side of the sanctuary, if needed. Our main bathrooms are fully ADA-compliant and available for families as well. An elevator to access the second floor classrooms is located in the front hallway, just past the Nursery.
For the hearing impaired community, assistive listening devices are available (an usher can help you get one).
Online: At this time, our livestream is not close captioned. We are looking into ways to make this experience more accessible.
People like me aren't welcome at every church. What about yours?
“You are welcome here as you are” has no exceptions. You are not limited to sitting in a pew or giving your resources. All of you is welcome at every level in the life of this community. There is no bait and switch.
Are there ways we could be even more welcoming? Yes! And we are learning and implementing what we can all the time, with plans on doing more any time we are able. We welcome critical feedback to help us improve!