I am very interested in Unitarian and Universalist history and was wondering if there are any good, well-researched podcasts or audiobooks that others would recommend?
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I am very interested in Unitarian and Universalist history and was wondering if there are any good, well-researched podcasts or audiobooks that others would recommend?
Hi everyone! My partner and I are thinking of checking out a UU church for the first time. We like the idea of being part of a spiritual community that puts more of an emphasis on shared values and social responsibility than your personal beliefs. We're in Central Mass so there are a lot of congregations to choose from. We're just a bit nervous about the social expectations. We want to dip our feet and explore at our own pace, but we're worried that as newbies, we’ll be love-bombed by well-meaning folks who are trying to make us feel welcome. We're queer/GNC and I have physical disabilities, so we tend to stand out in a crowd. It's not a bad thing, but we're kind of concerned that because you all are so inclusive, we might end up being the ones you want to make *extra* welcome. 😄
We’re autistic, so it takes us a bit longer to adjust to new situations. We'll have to get used to the physical environment, learn the liturgy, and figure out the norms of this new subculture. With all that going on, the prospect of being approached and chatted up by random strangers is a bit overwhelming. Don’t get me wrong, you all seem genuinely friendlier and more inclusive than any other religious group I’ve encountered, which is awesome, but also a bit intimidating. We watched a livestream where the Passing of the Peace took five whole minutes, and this one old lady went from pew to pew hugging as many people as she could. I've never seen anything like it! It was equal parts adorable and terrifying. 😂
I think it would really help if we could get some insight into the unwritten social rules of UU communities so we can be prepared. How do people typically interact with each other before, during, and after services? Ideally, we'd like to just hang back and observe during our first few visits. Is there a way we can politely defer socializing until we feel more comfortable without coming across as rude? We're not big on physical contact, so would it be possible to opt out of hugs during the Passing of the Peace? My partner has trouble sitting still, so would it be acceptable if they brought a sketchbook to keep their hands busy? We definitely don't want to be disrespectful, but it might help them stay focused. In terms of social demands, which would be less overwhelming, a small suburban church or a mid-size urban one (generally speaking, I know every congregation is different)?
Thanks in advance for any advice!
hi! i’ve been interested in unitarian universalism for a little over a year now and am looking into going to a service at my local congregation. i’m personally agnostic but i love hearing about other religions and grew up in a non denominational church and miss the community environment. i’ve also gone through a lot of trauma and loss and am looking for comfort from that, which i think being in that environment could help me with. i just want to know what to expect and how people in the congregation tend to react to new members?
Randomly enough, I heard of this for the first time on a random reddit post lol. So I decided to go Google it and honestly I really fell in love with it! I found a church near me that I might try out. But I'm definitely excited!
For background info, I was raised nondinominational Christian but I definitely feel disconnected from it/Christianity in general tbh, along with a disconnect with my old church (think people who are very conservative while I'm definitely liberal. It put a bad taste in my mouth). I definitely like some Christian beliefs, like 'love everyone' is definitely a motto of mine, but some things I've totally just rejected. I've definitely been 'lost' and questioning and like... religion searching. So it was crazy just happening upon this randomly, as I never heard of 'Unitarian Universalist' before, but it seems like it might be a good fit for me.
What else should I do besides just reading the website? Are there any other resources I should look at? Any books or other media I should look into?
Also sorry this was long. If anyone has any advice or tips or experiences they want to share, I'd definitely appreciate it!!!
UUs generally do not seek converts, but it seems so many are unaware of what we have to offer and are pleased to discover us. Can we have suggestions on how to appeal more to the public?
Hi! I’m new to UU but really love it Are there any discords I can join? Thanks!
Nearly two weeks ago, I nearly died. I have been homeless for over 6 months, and I'm barely coping with the end of a trauma- Bond relationship. I have been questioning my future, and seeing no light at the end of my tunnel for quite some time. After having stayed up a couple days on stimulants, having been unbearably depressed, and I had received yet another rejection from my unrequited love object, I was given a large amount of opiates; visibly, far more than my tolerance. I honestly can't remember if it was on purpose or not, but I just snorted the whole thing, and in hindsight I remember thinking oh my, that was a bit too much. 5 minutes later, it took effect and I was out.
I remember waking up on a hospital gurney, nurses and one cop all looking at me. I was, frankly, rather pissed to have woken up. I was told that I had not been breathing for nearly an hour, and it had taken a whopping of 17 of Narcan to revive me. This is an astronomical amount of the lifesaving drug, more than anyone had ever heard of being administered. But, nonetheless, my life had been saved and I was still on this planet. I went through a period of numbness, followed by some sort of epiphany, and flow-state of energies.
I had thought, "maybe there's a reason that I meant to be kept alive." Well, apparently there was.. well, maybe. I had learned that a fellow homeless man, also a long-term close friend of mine, had a painful infection. He is an IV drug user, and due to sensitive skin, had sores on his arms and legs. Apparently, has a left leg had gotten severely infected. Fate had it that I ran into him, while driving a friend's van. I told him please let me take you to the Urgent Care Clinic. Reluctantly, he went, and they told him to go directly to the ER, and that his leg may have to be amputated! So I insisted that we go half an hour south to a far better Hospital than the crap one in our city. The owner of the van was reluctant, but I insisted. He's been there for about 6 days now, and they're still pumping him with antibiotics. I was told today that he had gotten a Nasty form of encephalitis, and That I had saved his life.
By all means, I should not have survived that overdose. It's quite an anomaly. Is it possible that this is the universe at work, and that I was not meant to pass on yet, because I had a duty to selflessly save someone else's life? Either way, it's an emotional thing to hear, especially after devaluating my own life so much. I'm very glad he's alive...I have left the city, and when he is healthy enough to be discharged, is joining me for a new start in a much better area.
I’ve just started looking at new churches (leaving the lds/Mormon church after being in it for 11 years - and grew up Catholic). And I love the beliefs and principles this church has. Especially how there isn’t one set way to believe and how inclusive it is.
I’m thinking I might find a local church near me this Sunday to attend. But what are your services like?
Folks:
As a gay man, I would love to meet other gay men at our UU (Bellingham, Unitarian Fellowship in Bellingham, Washington).
I have been frustrated over the years that although there is a fair number of lesbians at BUF (short for Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship) as well as lesbian couples being formed here; there are virtually no gay men.
I had a vision late one night that a way to solve this problem is to advertise our being open and affirming; putting classified ads in the male gay publications.
Be aware that I am only thinking about this and getting feedback from folks like you; I have not purchased nor placed any advertising yet.
I would like to know if any of you have tried this and what kind of results are you seeing? It it worth it?
Since this is myself doing this with my own money and not that of the fellowship, I ccould only afford classified ads.
Any thoughts?
Thank you
Love
Mark Allyn
Bellingham, Washington
Our fellowship is about to have lots lay-led and younger adult led services. We ate looking to shake things up a bit and move away from the typical format where people listen to a sermon for 30 minutes. What have your churches and fellowships done that was different?
"Big Music Sunday"
Sunday, June 25, 10:50 am
Today we feature the Areté Singers, performing the live concert premiere of a new work called Mass for the Eighth Day with its award-winning composer, Luke Mayernik, sharing a reflection on it, as well as accompanying the work on organ. Several other choral gems will surround the musical centerpiece of the service. Some of the finest singers in the Bay Area will be performing, including a number that our regular congregants will recognize. The Chorus is made up of artists from all around the bay each a part of the Areté Singers Network — an organization that provides performers for concerts, operas, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, corporate, and other life events. More info at Aretesingers.com.
Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Areté Singers, Tim Salaver, conductor; Mark Sumner, songleader; Luke Mayernik, organist; Kassidy Mayernik, soprano; Leandra Ramm, mezzo soprano; Solo Quartet: Stephanie Collins; Leandra Ramm; Ben Rudiak-Gould; Asher Davison; Irene Cheng, conductor
Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Steven Kroeger, Sound, Sound; Gregory Stevens, Live Chat Moderator; Alicia Cover, Order of Service; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher; Jonathan Silk, AV Remixes
Why does the GA Sunday worship service always come off as cringeworthy? The last few GAs that they have held them, it reminds me more of something that I would experience in an Evangelical Christian church vs anything type of Sunday worship that I have experienced in a UU congregation over the last 20 years. What is with the dancing and various body movements that people are doing when they are singing hymns?
Granted, I only watched the service through a video feed at my local church so the actually being there might be a different experience. But these services need to be done better if they are a vehicle to attract people to UUism.
![]() | “You will kindly Remove Your Mask.” [link] [comments] |
Folks:
I am reading in horror about the Upstairs Lounge Fire in June 1973. The Upstairs Lounge was a gay bar; this fire resulted in 32 deaths; it was the 2nd worse attack on the LGBTQ community after the Pulse gay bar attack in June 2016.
What was very attrocious to me was the fact the no church would welcome a memorial service for the Upstairs Lounge Fire victims.
Several churches who refused to host a memorial were named, but no UU churches were named.
I wonder if the UU church in New Orleans was approached for hosting a memorial and if so, did the UU church refuse to do this like the others?
I have done much internet searching and could not come up with anything.
Are there members of the New Orleans UU Church here who could shed some light?
Thank you
Love
Mark Allyn
Bellingham, Washington
The young peoples Divestment protest was FIRE.
The music was lovely but a bit too hymn focused for me.
The Amendments to Article Ii were a mess, I was really disappointed that the study commission got to pick which got floor votes vs making it more based on delegate support. It ensured minimal changes. I do like the article 2 revison overall but the amendment process was rushed and seemed to be an afterthought. They were selling tote bags with the unamended graphic which tells you they never expected the vote to go anywhere.
I liked Pittsburgh and being down town and all the opportunities that the convention center had for outside space.
There are a lot of complaints about misgendering and poor access for disabled delegates which is a shame. The moderators apologized and said they would try harder next time, which felt like ... a very easy thing to say.
Overall it wasn't what I hoped it would be. I hope others had a better time .
Seems like they have a similar set of values as UU
A little over a year ago I felt a yearning to go back to church, having been raised Lutheran [ELCA] from infancy. I found my current U.U. church because they were holding services online due to concerns about COVID. I've been going to my new church in person as work permits (I work in retail). They still offer their services online for those who for whatever reason can't make it to church in person.
I just got done watching the General Assembly in Pittsburgh over YouTube.
I connect with the highest ideals of the U.U. church. I feel like I can be myself in a U.U. environment far more than I could in the church I was born/baptized and raised in.
Somehow, it seems as if the General Assembly's worship service was on the thin side. The reading was good, no problem in that department. But there were only a few songs, and towards the end seemed repetitive. For a service that's twice as long as my local church, they seemed to be doing less with the time they had. A lot less.
In the Lutheran church I grew up in, they accomplished a lot more in about an hour: a rich liturgy; more songs, both from the choir and the congregation; multiple readings from the Bible-- Old Testament and New Testament, including a reading from the Psalms; the ceremony of Communion; and a sermon from the pastor. And on top of that, announcements. Actually, sometimes it seems like there's too much ceremony, that it got tedious sometimes, when I was growing up.
I understand U.U. is a new religion, only a few generations old. It doesn't have a lot of experience under its belt-- they're still figuring out what U.U. ceremonies look like. Whereas Lutheranism was born out of the attempt to reform the Catholic Church of its day.
So maybe I'm comparing walnuts to maple syrup...................
In a way, I miss the richness of the church I grew up in.
Was asked to share this with a group at service today and this group seemed appropriate:)
Sorry for the oddly specific question, but I'm not sure where else to ask this - I've recently moved to Seattle and was excited to join the local UU contingent marching in the Pride parade, as I've done in the last few places I've lived. But looking at the websites of several nearby UU congregations, I'm not seeing anything about a UU presence at Pride here. I'm wondering if that's due to Pride coinciding with GA? Or if I'm just out of the loop, could someone please let me know how to get involved? Thanks!
By "k"
I don't like to think
About Pat Robertson going to hell.
That lets him off too easy.
I like to think about
Pat Robertson finding himself
In a heaven he never believed
Would exist.
Where Divine is reading in drag
To the children murdered at
Sandy Hook and Ulvalde.
While Edie Windsor
And Gertrude Stein drink coffee
In the breakfast nook
talking politics with Harvey Milk.
Where Matthew Shepard relaxes by
A stream, reading poetry to
A nameless young man whose family
Never claimed his body when he died
Of AIDS.
Where the music plays loudly
Welcoming dancers from the Pulse
And Club Q to the floor where they
Twirl and vogue with
All the murdered trans women of color
Whose names we never knew.
Where Jesus puts his arm around
Pat Robertson's shoulders and
Drapes them with a rainbow feather boa.
And, gesturing around him says
Come, meet my disciples.
"Our Authentic Selves"
Sunday, June 18, 10:50 am
To parent (officially or unofficially) we have to be our best selves, but also increasingly I realize the gift of being our authentic self -- as parents, more so perhaps than in any other role. That gift is not an easy one to offer, but we find ways to do it. And the world splits gorgeously open when we do.
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Richard Davis-Lowell, Worship Associate; Michele Kennedy, Soprano; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; Mark Sumner, Pianist
Eric Shackelford, Camera; Santana Gonzalez Gomez, Live Chat Moderator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
I’m 29, and it has been a long time since I went to church. I left on a spiritual journey in 2016 and I somehow found myself here. But I am worried that if I do go, it will be an older congregation and I will be out of place. What’s your experience with your congregations?
I am a trans woman, and I volunteered to represent trans persons at today's pride service. I had been mulling over what to say, but I knew I wanted to relate to this song. I could have been angry, but chose not to be. I finished writing this five minutes before the service began.
One of my touchstone songs was written by the great theologian and reluctant rock n roll hall of famer, Todd Rundgren. Change Myself, off his Second Wind album. Sorry I'm not going to sing it, but I have a few quotes.
I want to change the world I want to make it well How can I change the world When I can't change myself Try again tomorrow
Trans persons, as well as the rest of our community are the current low hanging fruit, to the media. Since my surgery, I've become a media consumer. I don't watch direct sources, as I don't want to give these commenters the clicks. But I've seen enough to know that they will misdirect, beg the question, be willfully ignorant and quote from faulty studies. When Todd sings about conquering your Citadel, it's about our intellectual honesty, and what we show the world. We have to be better than the forces raised against us. They may call our Pride a sin, but our Pride is the antithesis of shame. Feel good and confident, not boastful.
We can break barriers, with our friends and allies and being the better people.
If I want more peace in the world Then I must make peace with myself If I want more trust in the world Then I've got to trust in myself If I want more love in the world I must show more love to myself
I view the song as a wish to be a better person, and also realizing that we will fall short.
Who were/are the self-professed Christians or Christian groups that led you to atheism/UU ideals? Mine: five iron frenzy, Derek Webb, Rob Bell.
Hi!
I'm thinking of joining my local UU church. I visited once, and saw only one other BIPOC person besides me. I didn't have a chance to talk to them, unfortunately, before they left.
My question is for the BIPOC members of this forum: Do you feel accepted and welcome at your UU church? Any racist encounters or overtones? Anything you can share would be helpful. This is the only thing keeping me from joining so far.
Thanks so much!
I've been going to a UU church for about a year and a half. It's a small congregation. In this whole time, I've said about 5 sentences to the minister. The minister is a lovely person. Kind, intelligent, sensitive, etc. Very open to new people. But, as the song says, it's me, hi, I'm the problem. Religious leaders intimidate me badly. I was raised Catholic. We were pretty sporadic in attendance but I have no memory of talking to the priest in any casual manner. I'm a very friendly, confident, and outgoing person but, when I last tried talking with the reverend, I had actual tears in my eyes from embarrassment. Any advice? Any similar experiences? I would love to get past this. Thanks!
Since relocating a few years ago, I have considered seeking out a U/U congregation (there are a couple in my area) to consider joining because I’d like to have more social contacts in my (older) age group who have generally progressive views. I don’t have spiritual yearnings and am not particularly earnest in outlook although I can and will always act respectfully and cooperatively in my surroundings if I choose to be someplace.
"Life is Pure Jazz"
Sunday, June 11, 10:50 am
There are so many metaphors for life: a journey, an unfolding (like a flower), a cycle (like the cycle of the seasons), a drama ("Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player/That struts and frets his hour upon the stage"). And there are just as many metaphors about how to approach life so you weather it with grace, find some joy, meaning and come out on the other side having made something of it. How about life as jazz, pure jazz?!
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Wonder Dave, Worship Associate; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Jon Silk, Drummer; Wm. García Ganz, Pianist; Richard Saunders, Bassist; Lambert Moss, Soloist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Asani Seawell, Live Chat Moderator; Matias Salazar, Sexton; Tony Miller, Sexton; Kelvin Jones, Sexton; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
I heard there were some issues in the last few years about an anti-trans UU pastor that has since been removed. I didn't find much about it with my weak-sauce google-fu. Anyone around here hear about that individual? thanks
Spiritual But Not Religious (SBNR) participants needed for research study examining the benefits of spirituality for mental health in non-religious millennials.
Hi! My name is Lauren, and I am a doctoral candidate at the University of St. Thomas Graduate School of Professional Psychology. I am conducting this study for my dissertation with the aim of helping mental health professionals better support clients who identify as SBNR.
Eligible participants:
- Self-identify as spiritual but not religious, and/or feel this is an accurate description of their beliefs.
- Believe their spirituality has had a positive impact on their mental health.
- Are between 27-42 years of age.
You will be asked to:
- Participate in a 60-minute interview via Zoom
- Provide feedback via email after reviewing themes identified from your interview (optional)
If you are interested in participating or have further questions, please contact me via email at hick5278@stthomas.edu. Participation is voluntary and can be revoked at any time without penalty. Thank you!
![]() | Do you guys feel she would make a great UU superhero? Censor spoilers for Across the Spider-Verse, please. [link] [comments] |
I’m am getting more and more involved in my local UU fellowships. We’ve come up with a good number of internal fundraisers, but the community can only give so much. What successful fundraising ideas have you come up with that your congregation runs to help with a little bit of cash flow from outside of your attendees?
I'm in a low point in my life. I'm seeking to belong to a compassionate community. There's a UU church 4 miles away that I want to go to. I want to try to go to Sunday service, but I'm worried. I'm worried I'll be out of place somehow. I'm a 32 year old woman and I'll be going by myself. I recently escaped an abusive relationship. I'm very alone, and suffering from PTSD. I'm just scared that people won't be welcoming. I don't know. I'm going to try going.
Hey folks. As the title says, what are some fictional characters you imagine as Unitarian-Universalist? I ask as I was inspired by reading articles of superheroes of different religious backgrounds as well as how I believe there is not a lot of UU representation out there so, what fictional characters you guys imagine would make great UUs?
To me, I can picture three: Hiccup Haddock from How to Train your Dragon for his compassion and love towards dragons, as how he's willing to do anything for them to be safe, along with him challenging his beliefs and, in a more recent example, Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy for how liberal-minded the kids are while literally fighting to make sure their people are safe (as they are superheroes).
Anyone else have any picks?
![]() | Wishing community and peace to all- [link] [comments] |
Hello!
My question for UUs is about blending faiths. I feel like I see a lot of UUs who come together that each have their own single faith (or nonfaith) that they adhere to and they come together in unity. But I am wondering about people who try to blend faiths in as respectful a way as possible. Is this accepted in the UU? How common is it? Any personal experiences?
For myself, I was raised partially Catholic and Protestant. I do not truly believe in the supernatural aspects of the Bible anymore. But I still have such respect and admiration for the poetic nature of the Bible (which I feel I still find so much personal spiritual growth through) and the cultural traditions (e.g. Lent). However, I feel like I connect to nature-centered pagan beliefs. Additionally, I've found so much spiritual enlightenment from Buddhism.
So I'm wondering if UU is an accepting path for kind of "meshing" beliefs and traditions like this? Any insight would be helpful!
Hello all!
I'm currently in the process of researching UU with the desire to return to my pursuit of spiritual growth and personal peace. I was hoping that by posting here, I could get some questions that myself and my partner have, and perhaps find the courage to actually reach out to my local congregation.
So first off, I would like to say that UU seems like THE option for us, partly because my partner and I do identify as LGBTQ+. But our marriage is typically seen by outsiders as heterosexual because we both identify as our AAB genders and we do not pursue our other sexual interests because we are happy with our marriage. Many will recognize this as "you can't be pan/bi, you're married to (opposite cis-gender category)," or "you can't be poly if you haven't had another partner in (insert time period)." Frankly, we're fine with that. We gave up the poly lifestyle quite a few years ago, and we have no problem being perceived as a fully heterosexual couple (known by intolerant society as "normal").
But these particular facts of our lives, among others such as the variances in our beliefs from the norm, the popularity contests of church work quotas, the cliques, the bigotry, and the hatred both given and received by our previous Christian churches led us to shutter ourselves away from religion. We, as people, were not respected or accepted by our previous churches for living lives of "sin." We have always worshipped in our own way, and we have always remained spiritual, but we never felt like we fit into a normal church.
So here are our questions:
1.) Do we have to pay to be members? We've read on our local congregations site that they depend on "member pledges" to function. We have no problem donating when we can to specific functions or needs, but we don't think it's right to have to pay a fee to attend church. We're barely scraping by as it is, and we don't want to feel like our church is a subscription service that will be cut off without payment.
2.) What does "whoever you are, whoever you love" ultimately allow? Of course, we have no issue with LGBTQ+. But we absolutely do not support abusive behavior of ANY kind. So we want no part of a community that allows spousal or child abuse, or allows sexual abuse (especially of minors). Being blunt here, if UU accepts or even tolerates p*dophiles, or calls them "MAP"s or anything like that, it's an automatic no for us. Please forgive me if this seems offensive, I swear my only intent is to be informed, as my partner and I have survived both of those horrible abuses and thus have suspicions and anxieties.
3.) What kind of interactions can we expect in regards to our personal beliefs? For example, we don't believe in the Bible because it was written by men, not God. And we believe that it's entirely possible that even if God dictated it to these men, that they could have misunderstood or purposefully manipulated his words. We really don't see any other explanation for things like "God" saying to force a woman to marry her rapist or to sell a child into slavery for disappointing their father. Because honestly, what loving and benevolent diety would demand that? HOWEVER, we do believe in the good lessons, such as loving thy neighbor, do not steal, kill, etc. How would we be perceived?
I will probably come up with more questions over time, but these three are the most imperative to our decision. I apologize for the post being so long, but I am sincerely seeking a reconnect with a community that I can feel safe and respected in. Thank you to anyone who has gotten this far and responds! I appreciate you!
I’ve been eyeing up my local UU church for many years now. I grew up going to Christian school at first and went to church with my grandma and later a friend, but not within a religious family. There were always things about Christianity that I didn’t agree with even as a young child and things that I believed in that didn’t align. I fully rejected organized religion as a teenager but was still open-minded to certain aspects of paganism and new age spirituality. That kind of stuff was appealing to me as a little nature-loving hippie.
I then spent a few years active in AA and found a home there as a young adult. I became much more open-minded to seeing universal truth in various religions including Christianity (still was not Christian, just found value in the teachings of some Christian mystics due to early influence on AA texts and certain authors’ popularity among members). I enjoyed service commitments and felt spiritually fulfilled. It’s a long sad story, but it’s not really my home anymore and I feel like I’ve been missing that sense of community with other seekers for the last 5 or so years that I haven’t participated. I’ve been sort of trying to seek a sense of spirituality again on my own but it’s lacking. I have since explored paganism more than ever, but still have beliefs rooted elsewhere. I usually just say I’m agnostic lol.
I’m now pregnant and starting to feel like this is the time to finally explore UU. I want my child to grow up in a like-minded community and to have fun and meaningful opportunities like I did from participating in church. I wish I had grown up learning about all sorts of religions and been encouraged to explore my own beliefs. I also won’t be working much for the next few years (or so it seems like it’ll go that way) and I think it’ll be good for me to have somewhere to be. I want a more accessible avenue for volunteering and activism. My husband is just curious and would like to tag along. He very much likes the idea of our child being involved in something like this though.
Anyway, I don’t know why I’m typing this out. I guess I feel like most of my friends and family won’t understand this sort of thing and I tend to analyze my decisions into exhaustion. I’m excited though and can’t stop reading the local church’s website. They have a pagan group, a drum circle, a writers group, mindfulness group, a large vegetable garden, and many “teams” for various issues including food security. All things that are particularly appealing/familiar to me! But I’m looking forward to exploring anything they have to offer. I just really hope I like it. Thanks for reading if you made it this far.
Is it a group with ties to any specific religion? Does it exclude people for reasons of race, ethnicity, gender, sex, or sexual/romantic orientation? Are only certain religions welcome? Like, could someone be a Heathen or Rodnover or Dionysian or Wiccan, and still be a UU?
Are there rules or control systems? Are there certain political views associated?
Does it require Church attendance to be a UU?
Is it more like an ideology? Is it a religion?
Is criticism welcome when an issue is noticed?
I’m worried to join this subreddit because I (no offense) am worried it may be an abusive, anti-LGBT, anti-BIPOC, or generally anti-progressive cult. I have no knowledge of it, except for that it was founded by someone who left the Bahá’í faith because of the issues with Bahá’í. But I’m also confused because if I remember correctly, they describe it as conservative. Conservative, from what I know, has a lot of implications like being capitalist, pro-hierarchy, anti-progressive, anti-minority, against seeing animals as people, etc.
Apologies if I have worded anything badly, or misunderstood anything, or have made this too long, or have asked too many questions. Thank you to anyone who answers, and have a wonderful day/night!
"Extravaganza!"
Sunday, June 4, 10:50 am
Join us for this multigenerational celebration of the end of our year together. Bring a flower to be part of our celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Flower Communion introduced by Unitarian minister Norbert Čapek of Prague, Czechoslovaki and hear the story of Čapek and the ritual. Let's sing, hear the bells, enjoy the choir and tell stories. Service will be followed by our Annual Meeting! Please bring a flower from your garden to be part of this Sunday's Flower Communion ritual!
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; UUSF Bell Choir led by Organist Reiko Oda Lane; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist
Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Gregory Stevens, Live Chat Moderator; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Matias Salazar, Sexton; Dan Barnard, Facilities Manager; Linda Messner, Head Usher
Many UU churches in New England merged with UCC churches and I kind of love it. Knowing that two distinct associations of churches can seamlessly merge with each other is truly a work of God. Federated churches aren’t uncommon either but it seems that UUA/[insert denomination here] is uncommon. Many times it’s UCC/American Baptist or UCC/Presbyterian (rather expected), UCC/UMC/American Baptist (as is the case in Brookline, MA). Does anybody know any federated congregations that are associated with the UUA and another denomination? It can be any denomination but the congregation needs to have one membership (so I’m really asking about merged churches, federated churches don’t necessarily have to one entity, just a single building). Thanks! It fascinates me and brings me great joy seeing diverse traditions coming together.
Who’s heading to Pittsburgh? Any delegates? It’d be fun to have a Redditor meetup!
I’m bisexual and genderqueer using They/them pronouns ———————————— Hello I just wanted to introduce myself to the group. Though my congregation is Christian (it’s a UUA/UCC community in Orleans, MA) and emphasizes UU values, my beliefs are still unequivocally Trinitarian and more traditional but I’m more than happy to attend worship at a UUA congregation if that’s what God is calling me to do. Officially, I’m a member of Cathedral of Hope in Houston and haven’t looked back. Each week, I worship with them and an Episcopal Church in Philadelphia (virtually of course) . Both churches have made me a better person and have shown that no matter what, we’re all God’s children. Thank you for having me and I look forward to engaging in thoughtful and respectful conversations with you! I don’t currently drive so physically attending any church is difficult.
Hello all!I posted about Trinitarian Universalism yesterday, without giving much context. Being imperfect and rather slow, I failed to realize that my congregation does in fact welcome Universalists (it’s a UUA/UCC community in Orleans, MA). My beliefs are still unequivocally Trinitarian and more traditional but I’m more than happy to attend worship at a UUA congregation if that’s what God is calling me to do. Officially, I’m a member of Cathedral of Hope in Houston and haven’t looked back. Each week, I worship with them and an Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. Both churches have made me a better person and have shown that no matter what, we’re all God’s children. Thank you for having me and I look forward to engaging in thoughtful and respectful conversations with you!
On dynamic that I have noticed in our UU congregation is that when young adults attend or become members, most only stay for a few months to at most a few years. This seems to be more true of young adults who don’t have children. What is even more sad and frustrating is that some even get heavily involved in congregational life before they leave. I understand that people move and have life changes, but this seems to mostly be the case (it also happens in other community organizations). I wonder if this happens in UU communities elsewhere and what we can do to change this cultural dynamic in our congregations?
I’m by no means a Universalist but am being moved by the Spirit to check it out. Besides First Universalist in Providence (which doesn’t stream unfortunately), are there any explicitly (or implicitly) Trinitarian Universalist congregations in the UUA? There’s plenty of traditional Unitarian UU congregations but I’m not a Unitarian. Thanks! Links to streams/past services are a must
Is there anyone in this thread that participates in regular worship/programs/events in another spiritual community other than your UU congregation? I go back and forth between UU and the local Episcopal Church regularly. I love the stimulating and intellectual sermons and programs that the UU church offers, not to mention a like minded liberal community. On the other hand enjoy the liturgy and especially the music that the Episcopal Church offers. I especially love their services at Christmas and Easter. Also the local UU church mastered virtual worships, programs and social events much better during the pandemic than the Episcopalians did.
It could be a Christian or Muslim that left a homophobic church/religious setting but still holds onto their views or a racist agnostic because they only heard what their own race told them and rarely interacted with other races?
Since we are about accepting those who are different from us and respecting their opinions, but at the same time, giving room to debate their ideas and accept the possibility we could be wrong, what would be a ideal way a Unitarian Universalist would approach the person about their views?
Hey everyone!
I was raised UU, but haven't been back to regular service since before high school. My partner is Hindu, and because I am not spiritually religeous, I celebrate hindu holidays and we eat by his religeous dietary restrictions. Hinduism is an open practice, but we have no temples specific to Hinduism in our area, and he worries as a non-indian practitioner coming in with a white partner, he might be judged. I had suggested maybe we could check out some of the UU's in the area, see if maybe there are individuals there he can connect with that he might find a spiritual community where he can go to a regular weekly service, and he's very interested.
He specifically really wants to be able to wear traditional temple wear and is concerned about the public perception of this in a congregation. In support of his beliefs, I've become more of a philosophical hindu that an spiritual one, and I dress in a saree with him when we celebrate holidays, and I put on Tilak with him. He's asked if this would be odd or shunned in a UU setting if we were to show up dressed like we were going to Temple. I wanted to turn to our greater community here to see if anyone has had experience with their UU on this, and maybe some suggestions of UU congregations in New Jersey that would be open to us.
I'm looking to see if this is gonna be a comfy place for someone like me? I left the church due to the fact that for me a loving God cannot exist in the same place as a hell. I also have a hard time accepting that a loving God would allow so much suffering.
However I miss the community that comes with church, and I do believe in a Power. I subscribe to animism, and I think that Power is the Spirit of the Universe.
Are there any Filianyi or Deanics here? I just found out about Filianism the other day and it’s tickled my religious studies curiosity. If there are any what do you believe and where are some good communities to find more information?
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"Nap Ministry"
Sunday, May 21, 10:50 am
Tricia Hersey, ordained and tired, got drawn to the idea of a ministry around rest, nap-in-happenings but also the larger idea of rest as revolution. Tied deeply to undoing some of the patterns of a culture that has made models of extraction more than colonial models abroad, Hersey unpacks what virtue around rest and work and justice embodied ask of us. It is all very fun and deeply powerful to consider. Note: This Sunday is the Sunday of the Bay to Breakers run so if you come to church in person (please do, if you are inclined!) just check your route against the route of the race!
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; The Bernal Hill Players: Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, flute; Leah di Tullio, clarinet; Jennifer Peringer, piano; Richard Fey songleader; Wm. García Ganz, pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Tom Brookshire, Live Chat Moderator; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
The other day I was chatting with my partner. We’re in our 40s, have a 9 y/o daughter, small three bedroom place, couple cars: life is really good.
We came around to some other family that is in a higher tax bracket than we are. They already have a massive house in an expensive area. Apparently no locals use the public beaches where they’re at, they become members at a private beach where the only requirement is money. Maybe $5k to join? We love (and like!) this family; they are totally reasonable people.
I have things like this beach in my life too! I just bought a pair of $700 headphones that I love. Yessssss (insert Jack Nicholson crazy town yes-face gif) there are $1k headphones I’d also love!
So, there is a philosophical question here: how much is enough? Why do I live and feel the way I do about all this stuff? I think the answer is straight forward enough (consumerism, rat race, keep up with Jones, capitalism): but for me, it’s gonna be a journey of unlearning. Like all journeys begins with a step, I’ll start with a Reddit post.
What do you think? Do you struggle with living in the moment? What about Buddhism? Read any good books about this?
Sure letmegooglethatforyou.com lmgtfu, but I usually find some excellent minds and community right here in subreddits and my algorithms are different than yours.
Thanks!
My spouse and I are looking to attend a service soon (our first). We have a 4 month old that will have to come with us. Of course if she’s fussy one of us will step out with her, but are UU services generally accepting of infants? Probably my religious trauma, but I’m terrified of getting looks from people if she starts fussing.
I'm hoping you can share some of your favorite readings, prayers or poems that brought you some comfort and/or closure after a loss.
I'm not one that really relates much to bible verses or the traditional catholic church preachings, but after suffering a loss in my family, my heart feels like it's craving some spirituality.
Hey guys and gals.
As the title says, anyone here a religious "refugee", as in someone who came to the UU Church after escaping from another religion they desperately wanted to leave? I remember reading stories of UUs who used to be Jehovah's Witnesses but got tired of the cults repressive practices, as well as how they got shunned by their family and friends for going their own ways instead of being obedient and thus, found shelter in the UU Church and converted. Same thing with evangelical Christians who got tired of the fire-and-brimstone stuff, like being gay and abortion are "evil" chose to be a Unitarian-Universalist instead. Anyone had stories like this where you guys converted to UUism after escaping from religions, or even cults, you guys wanted to leave?
Hello, I am 35 years old and I have diabetic neuropathy and have not been able to work because of it. I singed up on my disability but have been denied, but keep applying. I do not want to do this, but I lost my dad in Sept. and I stayed and took care of him. When I lost him, I lost everything. He didn't have any insirance and left behind a lot of medical bills. I am asking if someone can please help me with anything? My cashapp is $rcb5167 and my paypal is the same if you can help. He was an elderly man and caught covid and it set up on his lungs and killed him. I have no food or money and my rent is coming due and I have no way to pay for any of it, I know I shouldnt beg online, and It looks suspsicious, but I swear to you it's the truth. I miss that man so much I cannot stand it sometimes. What is a way I can miss him less? Also, I have been cast out by the rest of my family because I am gay. Anyways, please just send me good vibes and help if you can, I have also contacted churches and ministries but that did no good. Sorry for the long post, I just needed to rant I guess. I just dont get how my family can hate me so bad for just being me. I know there are other who have it rough, but this is pretty rough. Please send good vibes also.
Who leads it? A pastor??
Whats the content?? What do they talk about? (if everyone believes something different and follows a different book, what do they do?)
Is it interactive? (Or is one person speaking to the rest)?
Is it kinda like AA where you can come and stand in the back corner and no one will acknowledge you or speak to you, or are people super friendly and try to get everyone to engage?
I like: -community gatherings -doing stuff together like gardening or cleaning up trash -making and eating meals together sometimes -basically cult behavior but just once a week max.
I believe: -no “God”. -i am open to the consideration there may be a higher power. I will never have faith in one or be convinced of it. -And I don’t believe in “Jesus” whatsoever. -I like psychedelics and -believing we’re all connected -I think humans are alike to nature with no greater purpose than to live similar to the trees and ants have no greater purpose.
I’m thinking maybe Unitarian Universalists (?) And I do like the values of Taoism and Buddhism but they lack a “church” community. Whatcha think?
"A Sacred Choice: Reproductive Justice"
Sunday, May 14, 10:50 am
On this day honoring mothers, what does it mean to truly support the choice to become a mother or not? What does the upcoming resolution call us as a congregation to do to support this choice?
Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Bree Shennum, Worship Associate; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Peg Lisi, Soloist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
Hello everyone, I’m 15 and I have autism and I believe that dolls/action figures have souls and that marriage is eternal. I want to establish an independent Unitarian Universalist church for my action figures that is just for them and I want to become the Minister of my congregation. I was wondering if there are any Unitarian Universalist minister in this sub who could virtually ordain (by saying a blessing for me in a comment here) me as the minister of my congregation of my action figures.
I asked the new Google Artificial Intelligence named “Bard” about Unitarian Universalism and I love it’s response!
Bard Unitarian Universalism Description
“Unitarian Universalism is a religion that emphasizes freedom of thought, tolerance, and social justice. Unitarian Universalists believe that all people are created equal and that we are all responsible for making the world a better place. They are committed to exploring the meaning of life and to finding ways to live in harmony with one another and with the planet. Unitarian Universalism is a growing religion, and it is attracting people from all walks of life. If you are looking for a religion that is open and welcoming, that encourages you to think for yourself, and that is committed to making the world a better place, then Unitarian Universalism may be the right choice for you.”