First Time Visitor?

Welcome! 

Whether you’re just curious, visiting for the first time, or looking for a spiritual home, you are welcome here exactly as you are. We are the Fourth Universalist Society in the City of New York. We are so glad you have found our community.

What to Expect at a Service

If you have participated in religious services at other denominations, our Unitarian Universalist Sunday Service will feel familiar. Each service is focused on a particular theme with a regular set of events. Each part of the service is detailed in that day’s order of service pamphlet. Here is an example of the elements of a service:

  • Opening words and lighting the chalice, the symbol of our UU faith
  • “Time for All Ages” – a short time for children and youth to gather in the front of the congregation and engage in a teaching moment with religious educators before heading to Religious Education classes
  • Readings — from spiritual, literary, or philosophical sources
  • Music — multiple times during the service: classical, contemporary, popular music, or hymns performed by our Music Director, professional vocalists and musicians; often including the participation of our choir and the congregation
  • Minister’s sermon
  • Greeting your neighbors
  • Collecting an offering (“Sharing Our Gifts”) — half of the money collected goes to to a different charity or values-driven organization every month
  • “Celebration of Community” – a moment of reflection and connection when joys and hardships may be submitted with your name or anonymously, to be read aloud. You may also light a candle silently or drop a stone into a bowl.
  • Closing Words
  • Extinguishing the chalice

Here are more details on services. 

Join Us for Sunday Service

Service starts at 11 a.m. and runs roughly until 12 p.m.

📍 160 Central Park West at 76th Street, New York City

💻 Join us on Zoom if you can’t or aren’t ready to attend in person.

About Unitarian Universalism

Unlike many faith traditions that are defined by adherence to a single text or set of beliefs, Unitarian Universalism is grounded in six shared values  — Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, and Generosity — that are centered in Love. Because of our focus on values, we maintain a “living tradition” of wisdom and spirituality, drawn from sources as diverse as scriptures from Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths, philosophy, science, and personal experience. Our members come from many different kinds of religious or non-religious backgrounds, including humanism and atheism, and some still practice them. Each of us is at liberty to follow our own spiritual path. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning is one of our founding principles. We do this together in community and in friendship.

Ways to Get Involved

Connect With Us

As you explore our website and learn about our location, feel free to contact our ministers and staff with questions. We look forward to meeting and welcoming you!