Welcome from Glen Johnson,
President of the Free Congregation:
I am delighted that you are considering a visit to more than just our website! I look forward to meeting you at Park Hall, home of the Free Congregation since 1884. There you will find friendly, interesting people who will extend a very warm welcome; and you may be surprised by the beauty, grace, and charm of our meeting house and the two-acre oak opening in which it resides.
I hope the following information is helpful to you. If you have any questions, please feel free to phone me at 608-524-6369 or send an email to: free_congregation@verizon.net.
Come As You Are
Please feel free to come as you are most comfortable. Most of us dress very casually. This “come as you are” invitation extends beyond dress, as we welcome everyone who is intellectually curious and spiritually adventurous, and who enjoys the company and camaraderie of both likeminded and, occasionally, un-likeminded people.
Parking
Park Hall occupies its own block, so feel free to park in front of the building, on Polk Street, or along either of the side streets, John Adams and Jefferson. There are no insidious tow zones or permit parking areas, but the neighbors do appreciate your leaving room on either side of a driveway or alley. There is a drop-off area right in front of the building for anyone who prefers the short and direct walk into the Hall, or wishes to use our elevator.
Accessibility
We have an enclosed elevator attached to the west side of the building, just 10 yards along a paved walk from the front steps. Please feel free to ask for assistance in operating it; every now and then it can be a little mischievous. Elevator access occurs on three levels: street level, the main meeting hall (above) and the community hall (below), which is where the kitchen, restrooms, and the R.E. class areas are located. We have a few large-print hymnals available. Although we do “mike” our meetings, at present we do not have assistive listening devices. We should have those, together with a new sound system, by September, 2009.
Prior to the Sunday Program
If you are visiting for the first time – and especially if you are bringing children – we suggest that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled 10:00 a.m. start. This way we can greet you, let you know where things are, introduce you and your children to the child care provider or the appropriate Religious Education teacher, and answer any questions you might have. (R.E. and child care are available only on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of the month.)
You may fill out a name badge (we use plastic holders with pin backs) and sign the guest book if you wish. We will invite you to take our Welcome Packet home with you. It provides basic information about the congregation, its history, governance, finances, membership, and opportunities to become more involved.
We have no separate lobby or socializing area; this takes place at the back of the meeting hall, where complimentary beverages and refreshments are available. No later than 10:10 everyone will be gently “called” – usually by means of piano music, sometimes by chimes; if necessary, by cowbell and cattle prod! – to take their seats. You are welcome to bring your beverage into the Main Hall for the service.
Children’s Religious Education and Care
(see Religious Education)
Our congregation offers religious education for children in Kindergarten through 10th grade on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of the month, September through May. Children who are visiting for the first time are welcome to join in the appropriate class or group. On these same Sundays, child care is offered for pre-kindergarten ages, beginning at 9:50 a.m. At present we are not able to offer nursery care. Child care and R.E. classes, with the exception of the Coming of Age class (grades 7-10), take place in the lower level of the Hall.
R.E. youth begin with their parents in the main hall. (Those children in child care, however, may begin downstairs.) After the opening and the first hymn, there is a Story for All Ages, after which teachers are free to leave with their classes, though some (usually the older classes) may choose to stay for Joys and Concerns.
The Sunday Program – Several Styles, One Aim
(see Who We Are)
The most important thing to know about our Sunday programs is that, regardless of which format we employ, each and every program has the potential to inspire and expand us as human beings, and to provide nourishment and light for each individual’s spiritual, humanist, or enlightenment path. We meet together because we believe the individual journey, wherever it leads, is greatly enriched by sharing ideas, conversations, feelings, music, and song with others.
Exactly what happens after everyone sits down depends on which Sunday it is. For more about how each Sunday works, see Sunday Programs on the navigation menu bar and visit the items in the submenu.
After the Program
We encourage visitors to meet and mingle with congregation members and friends immediately following the program. Board members, who are identified during the pre-program announcements, are available to talk to you. Rest assured, no one will prod you toward membership, unless you drop lots of big hints… or decide to visit us frequently!
