First Unitarian Church of Rochester

I have been coming here for years, starting when I was college student, and skeptical about what a church could possibly offer world-​weary me (you know how college students can be?). I was always amazed at how the sermons directly spoke to me, and never left me feeling shamed or like I had to do X to get to heaven. In fact, I used to tell people that this is the church of life on earth, how we can help create a better world now with ourselves, just as we are. My appreciation for this community has only grown as I’ve gotten older, and the staff here continues to grow and change, and to continue to challenge us all to dig deep about who we are, where we are going and how we can help each other on the way.
The church has grown a lot in the last few years, but I think it’s wonderful to see so many new people of different stages of life coming through the doors. We all have something to offer, and we can all take our time listening to one another and learning from each other’s different spiritual journeys.
In case you’re wondering, you don’t have to be a particular «thing» to join us. I sit among atheists, Buddhists, Christians, and a lot of «not really sure“s every weekend. We’re about deeds, not creeds, so you’re welcome just as you are.

Are you ready for a faith community that fully engages your head and your heart? Some say being Unitarian is easy because you’re not obligated to attend, confess, our believe any dogma. But with freedom comes great responsibility: to own your journey and hold yourself accountable to your own values. This church will give you the tools and support to do just that. We encourage each other to «listen to our deepest selves, open to life’s gifts, and serve needs greater than our own.» If you can handle that, give it a try!

Love this church! I am very Spiritual but not comfortable with any dogmatic religion — this was the first congragation I felt comfortable with. I have to say the first time I attended a service here it was different than what I was use to. Now I hate to miss a sermon and I always sit near the front so I don’t miss a thing (something I never did in school or in any other church). Every week I am inspired to live a better life. The ministers are Fantastic and every weeks service is just a little different, to keep things interesting. I’m glad I found this place… perhaps you should check it out!

Yoga with Eileen saves my soul. Do it. Fridays at 6:00.

This church feels a bit like a megachurch for Unitarians, complete with always smiling megachurch co-​pastors that don’t know your name. Not my thing– but they do have interesting talks that sometimes piqué my interest.