Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here. Below you’ll find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions. If you don’t find an answer to your question or would like to talk further, please don’t hesitate to reach out at 970-493-5906 or hello@foothillsuu.org. We’re here to help!
Questions about Foothills Unitarian and Unitarian Universalism:
What is Foothills Unitarian?
What do Unitarian Universalists believe?
How big is Foothills Unitarian?
Who goes to Foothills Unitarian?
Who are your ministers?
What kind of adult education/spiritual growth opportunities do you offer?
What kind of justice and service work is Foothills Unitarian involved in?
How did Foothills Unitarian Start?
How can I give to Foothills Unitarian?
Do you have gender neutral/all gender bathroom?
Questions about Sunday services:
What time is your Sunday service?
Can I watch past services online?
Do I already have to be Unitarian Universalist to attend?
Do you have to dress up to attend your worship service?
What kind of things do you do in your Sunday service?
Questions about babies, kids, and youth:
What do you offer for children on Sunday morning?
What do you offer for High School students?
What do you offer for babies and toddlers?
Do you offer camps?
Questions about Foothills Unitarian and Unitarian Universalism:
What is Foothills Unitarian?
Foothills Unitarian is a Unitarian Universalist congregation with an in-person campus in Fort Collins, Colorado, and an online campus available worldwide. In our church of — Atheists, Buddhists, Scientists, Humanists, Christians, Pagans, Jews, Muslims, and Agnostics — love unites us all. We don’t follow a dogma or creed. We have a covenant, a collection of promises we make to each other about how we will live aligned with shared values. People from all walks of life journey together to find more connection, meaning, joy, and fulfillment. For more information about Foothills Unitarian and Unitarian Universalism, visit foothillsuu.org/about.
What do Unitarian Universalists believe?
Unitarian Universalism is a covenantal faith rather than a creedal faith, meaning that we are not united by a set of shared beliefs but rather by how we treat one another. Covenant is what it means to love alike. Covenant is people making promises to themselves, each other, and the spirit of life (what some call and experience as God, though you need not name it that). Learn more at foothillsuu.org/beliefs.
How big is Foothills Unitarian?
Our church, founded in 1898, has grown into a healthy and vibrant congregation. We currently have more than 500 members and regular attendees. We average over 200 attendees at each service every Sunday.
Who goes to Foothills Unitarian?
Our congregation is made up of every type of person, from newborns to folks in their 90s – married, single, divorced, widowed – students, workers, and retirees – lifelong Coloradoans and folks brand new to the area.
Who are your ministers?
Our ministers are Rev. Gretchen Haley, Rev. Sean Neil-Barron, and Rev. Elaine Aron-Tenbrink. Please visit the staff page on our website to learn more about our ministers and our entire amazing staff team.
What kind of adult education/spiritual growth opportunities do you offer?
Foothills Unitarian offers a variety of small groups and spiritual practices where adults can spiritually deepen in community. Visit our Connect and Deepen page to learn more.
What kind of justice and service work is Foothills Unitarian involved in?
At Foothills Unitarian, we believe are no other hands or hearts to do the work of justice. It is through community action that we bend the arc of history towards justice. Together, we elevate progressive values, work toward building a sustainable world, support human rights, and protect the most vulnerable among us. From reproductive justice to LGBT+ rights to housing and food security, Foothills Unitarian has numerous justice and service teams that strive to create a world where everyone can thrive. Visit foothillsuu.org/justice to learn more about our justice teams, or click here to find your place to serve.
How did Foothills Unitarian start?
Click here to learn all about the story of Foothills Unitarian since 1898.
How can I give to Foothills Unitarian?
Thank you for considering making a gift to Foothills Unitarian. You can learn more about ways to give at foothillsuu.org/give.
Do you have gender neutral / all gender bathrooms?
Yes! Foothills Unitarian has an all-gender bathroom located near the Sanctuary and social hall. Tips for using an all-gender bathroom.
Questions about Sunday services:
What time is your Sunday service?
We offer both in-person and online services. From mid-May to mid-August, we invite you to join us at 9 or 11 AM for a 75 minute multi-generational service in person or online. Our children’s programs and high school youth group are offered in person during these times as well. Explore all the ways to join us for Sunday service.Â
Can I watch past services online?
Yes! You can watch past services on our website. You can also listen to sermons on our podcast, The Foothills Deeper Pod.
Do I already have to be Unitarian Universalist to attend?
Not at all! In our church of — Atheists, Buddhist, Scientists, Humanists, Christians, Pagans, Jews, Muslims, and Agnostics — we welcome all who welcome all.Â
Do you have to dress up to attend your worship service?
No! Dressing up is not required to attend Foothills Unitarian. Most folks attend services in casual clothes, including t-shirts and jeans. We believe the most important part about Sunday morning is showing up.
What kind of things do you do in your Sunday service?
We strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at Foothills Unitarian. We receive a message from our ministers. We take time to reflect and meditate together. We greet each other so everyone feels welcomed. We share announcements and church news. We sing and listen to our choir perform beautiful music. We share the congregation’s joys and concerns. Services are followed by social hour to connect with others over coffee and snacks.
Questions about babies, kids, and youth:
What do you offer for children on Sunday morning?
Sunday Kids’ Groups, for ages nursery through Middle School, meet during our 9 and 11 am Sunday Church Service. Sunday Kids’ Groups provide a spiritually grounding touch point for kids, anchored in relationship, fun, and free exploration. Our Kids’ Groups will closely follow our church sermon themes – this will allow your family to grow together as we explore themes as a whole church. Learn more about our programs for elementary-aged kids at foothillsuu.org/elementary. Learn more about our programs for middle school-aged kids at foothillsuu.org/middleschool.
What do you offer for High School students?
The Foothills Unitarian Church High School Youth Group is a welcoming and inclusive community of youth (grades 9-12) and adult allies. This group provides a sense of belonging in the Unitarian Universalist community, encourages spiritual growth and helps youth develop leadership and engage in actions aligned with Unitarian Universalist values. Being in Youth Group offers a chance to feel what it’s like to live out your principles in a supportive, creative, and welcoming environment. It’s a chance to spread your wings and stretch. Learn more at foothillsuu.org/highschool.
What do you offer for babies and toddlers?
Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers (to age 3). Infants and toddlers can stay with their parents during the service, or use our family lounge, where we have toys, comfy seating and access to view the service on a large TV.
The nursery is located in the Chalice Wing on the south side of the church building. Trained and background-checked caregivers staff our nursery. Learn more at foothillsuu.org/earlychildhood.
Do you offer camps?
Yes! Learn more about our camps at foothillsuu.org/camps.