• Is there really a UU congregation in Merced?
• What do adults wear?
• What about children?
• Is your meeting place accessible to people in wheelchairs?
• Will I be welcome?
• Will I be welcome if I'm gay or lesbian?
• Are you "the church that doesn't believe in anything"?
• Are you related to the Unity or Universal Life churches?

Is there really a UU congregation in Merced?
Yes, although it is quite small. Right now there are just two dozen members, and we meet in rented space. We're growing. Davis, another farming town of 60,000 with a UC Campus, has a UU Church with over 200 members.

What do adults wear?
You are welcome to come in whatever makes you comfortable. If you are a gentleman who feels most comfortable when he looks like the rest of the guys, then navy blue Dockers and a dress shirt (no tie) will put you right in the middle of the crowd.

What about children?
Children are welcome, but we are so small that we do not have a nursery or a special program for older children, yet. No one will think it rude if your child brings a chapter book, sits next to you and reads. Our services usually last about an hour, with a social half hour afterward.

Is your meeting place accessible to people in wheelchairs?
The Unity church is. They have an accessible restroom as well. When we meet in private homes or backyards someone may have to help you.

Will I be welcome?
Yes. We mean that welcoming statement on the Home page. Over the years Unitarian Universalists have welcomed people who were rich, poor, and middle-class; black, white, and brown; young, old, and middle-aged; walking and wheeling; straight, lesbian and gay. We welcomed them all. We will welcome you.

Will I be welcome if I'm gay or lesbian?
Yes. Our denomination is famous for welcoming people of different sexual orientations.

Are you "the church that doesn't believe in anything"?
No. We believe in many things, among them the worth and dignity of every person. We don't all believe the same thing about the nature of God. This annoys, amuses and confuses Protestants, Catholics and Jews alike. We have a page about our beliefs.

Are you related to the Unity or Universal Life churches?
No, other than the fact our names all start with "Uni". Unity is a liberal Christian church. We are liberal too, but few of us are Christian. Universal Life is the one that ordains people instantly. Their International Headquarters is in Modesto, 40 miles north of us. UU ministers study for four years. (UU of Merced is lay led for now.)

For information about Unitarian Universalists of Merced, write to Mark and Claire Osborne,
For comments, compliments or complaints about the web site, write to Ted Pack,

We are a liberal church and the only UU congregation in Merced county. We serve Atwater, Chowchilla, Livingston, Merced, and Winton. We welcome Agnostics, Atheists, Buddhists, Christians, Deists, Free-thinkers, Humanists, Jews, Theists, Wiccans, and those who seek their own spiritual path. We welcome people without regard to size, shape, color or sexual orientation.