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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some things to know if you are planning to visit the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax (UUCF). We suggest you plan to arrive about 15 minutes early--giving yourself enough time to familiarize yourself with our campus--especially if you are bringing children.
When are classes for Children and Youth?
What should I do when I arrive?
How large is the Congregation?
What if I have other questions?
From September through mid June we have 3 services, Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Mid–June through Labor Day Sunday, we continue the Saturday 4:30p.m. service and have one Sunday service at 10 a.m.
We are located on Hunter Mill Road in Oakton, about 1 mile from Hwy 123. When you come into the parking lot there are designated visitor parking spots up the driveway on your left. We have several handicapped parking spots in the traffic circle in front of our buildings. You may drive into the circle to drop off passengers.
We are casual here, so please dress comfortably. Children often go outside for their classes, so please make sure they are dressed for the current weather.
When are the classes for Children and Youth?
During the school year we have various Religious Exploration classes for ages two through high school at 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 9:15 and 11:15 a.m., on Sundays. Not all age classes are available at all services. Please check the RE page for more information. In the summer we have smaller, multi-age groups for preschoolers through sixth graders. Classes for children and youth are held in the Program Building. Infants and toddlers can go to the Nursery, located in the Sanctuary Building.
We don't have adult classes on Sunday mornings, but we do have classes and groups for adults at other times. Those classes will be announced under Adult Programs and sometimes under Events/Activities.
What should I do when I arrive?
Services are held in the Sanctuary Building--the large building on your right as you come in from the parking lot. Please stop inside the main entrance at our Welcome Table for a name tag and visitor information.
Most services, children and youth will spend their full time in Chapel worship and Religious Exploration classes in the Program Building. As visitors, your children are welcome to stay with you in the Sanctuary, or attend the appropriate class for their age. On the first Saturday/Sunday of each month, children aged kindergarten through sixth grade begin in the main Sanctuary with their parents and then go to their classes after about 15 minutes. On all other Sundays, this age group goes to a short worship service in the Chapel of the Program Building before their classes. Preschoolers and seventh through twelfth graders go straight to class every week. Several weekends each year, usually around holidays, there are no classes and children and youth attend the full service. You are welcome to sit in on your child(ren)’s class or the Chapel worship service anytime you would like to.
We have paid nursery staff to care for infants through age two. The nursery is located in the Sanctuary Building. You may bring your baby into the service with you or, if your baby is fussy, sit with him or her in the lounge and still be able to hear the service.
How large is the Congregation?
We have over 1,100 Congregants, including members, friends, children and youth.
Most of our services are professionally led by at least one of our ministers. We have music and readings and usually a sermon. Music is a key part of our service as we have many talented musicians in our congregation. We also usually have quiet time for reflection. Refreshment time follows each service in our Commons area adjacent to the Sanctuary. If you would like to identify yourself as a visitor so that Congregants can greet you, please take a green mug for your coffee of tea.
What if I have other questions?
Please contact Member Services Coordinator cjensen [at] uucf [dot] org (Carol Jensen), 703-281-4230, if you need more information before or after you visit.
