Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you?
We are in Bank Street, Bury, BL9 0DN: our door is at the back of the building. To find us, either cross the road from Bury Central Library or look for the Victoria Wood statue, which stands in our garden.
Where can I park?
On Saturdays, Sundays, and in the evening during the week we have use of the parking spaces by the railway wall: please ask for further details of where it’s okay to park.
Can I reach you by Public Transport?
We are a couple of minutes’ walk from buses and trams.
Are you accessible to people with mobility issues?
We try to be as accessible as we can: please click here for our accessiblity statement. If there are any needs we haven’t covered, please do let us know. We want to do everything we can to make our space and our community welcoming to everyone.
Are you LGBTQIA+ friendly?
Absolutely. Unitarians have been at the forefront of LGBTQIA+ progress since at least the early 1970’s. Here at Bury we’ve been offering same-sex marriage for several years, and we’re active in local Pride events. Some of our members – including our minister – define as Queer or as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Can I bring my children?
Yes: we love having children at our services, and we enjoy their contributions to our worship, whether those contributions are planned or not. We don’t currently have specific children’s sessions, but there is a welcoming children’s area at the back of the sanctuary, and there are always books and toys available in the church lounge if children aren’t enjoying the service. There is always a story (for everyone, but aimed towards children) in the service, and children are very welcome to help with various aspects of the service: we find a lot of children enjoy lighting candles (real or electric, depending on what their grown ups indicate is safest!), and helping to receive the collection during the service.
How will I know what to do in the service?
We produce an Order of Service, which lays out how things will happen, and everything is announced. You’re not expected to know when to sit or stand (and we always want you to do what’s most comfortable, anyway).
What if I don’t know the hymns?
That’s okay. Singing is important to us, but not everyone joins in.
What if I disagree with something the minister has said?
We relish friendly respectful disagreement: in Unitarianism no one ‘lays down the law’, and we definitely don’t all believe the same things. No one will tell you what to do, here: you might hear about things that work for whoever’s leading the worship, but they won’t expect you to agree!
What do you believe?
Please see these links to various leaflets produced by us and by our denomination.