Location and Time?

• Right in the center of town! Services each Sunday start at 9:45 and generally end around 11:00 am.

Where do I park?

• Parking is available at the church on the upper level, Northside, in front, at the town office located on Quaker Street just a short distance, and visible from the church.

What should I wear?  

• Some folks choose to wear their "Sunday best," and others keep it casual.  Come as you are and in what makes you comfortable.

How would you describe those that attend UCoL?

• Those who are part of UCoL strive to be a faith community welcoming of ALL people regardless of their faith background or traditions. A common expression used by those who are connected here is that UCoL is a "community church" that is accessible to everyone and looks to be involved in the lives of their neighbors. Those here come from all walks of life, be they lifelong Vermonters or beloved "flatlanders." Our congregation is made up of people of all ages and the word "family" can be seen in many unique ways. We recognize the imago dei, the image of God, in everyone and see the uniqueness of the individual, their stories, and experiences. In other words; we’re a messy beautifully made hodgepodge group of misfits attempting to do life together! 

What is worship like?

• Traditional / Blended Worship (see videos)

Do I need to be a member to attend service or receive communion? Do I need to be Baptist?

• The short answer is “no” and here’s why. UCoL is a community that shares heritage in a few forms of different Christian traditions and welcomes those from ALL backgrounds to join us fully in worship. 

• Our current polity, or how we express our faith in a collective sense, is tied most directly to the American Baptist denomination and its belief in local church autonomy. While we are affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA, and partner with Baptist Fellowship of the Northeast, we are free to decide what works best for our community in our context. 

• UCoL practices Communion (the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist) as an “open table” for any who feel moved to share in it. Likewise, we honor expressions of baptisms from other traditions.

What fellowship and learning opportunities are there for adults?

• There are several groups within the church that look to strengthen community. Groups such as Ladies Aid, Women's Circle (meets at 10:00 a.m. every Tuesday), Fun & Fellowship (Thursdays at 9:30), and Neighbor to Neighbor offer ways for deeper connectivity. Other opportunities include a weekly 10:30 a.m. spiritual formation/Bible study group named "Way Station" (meets Wednesdays) and a Men's Group, "Band of Brothers", that meets monthly on the second Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Old Hotel. We also offer 2nd Hour adult discussion every Sunday following our worship service where we discuss the sermon.

What about kids?

• We offer a safe and loving space for elementary and middle school aged kids to go during service to learn more about God with one of our devoted teachers. We provide nursery care every Sunday for toddlers to preschool aged kids, volunteer-run.

What accessibility accommodations do you provide?

• Currently, UCoL provides accessibility to both our lower and upper building space for those utilizing wheelchairs and other similar devices. We also offer portable assisting hearing devices that are integrated with our sanctuary sound system.  If you have specific needs that would enhance your time with us please reach out and let us know.

If I don't attend UCoL, will your pastor still perform certain services for me (wedding/funerals)?

• Our pastor is happy to serve those in the wider community. If you are interested please contact the church office at ucol@gmavt.net.

You mentioned COVID-19. How are you handling that?

• Safety for our congregation, and you, is important to us. Because of this, our Sunday morning worship looks different. Please check the Gathering Together page for our latest COVID-19 statement. In brief, as of January 2024: masks are not required but your decision is supported, and stay home if you have symptoms.