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How is the church
structured and its bylaws? |
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What are the UU articles of faith? |
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Who can take part? |
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How can I see a
listing of programs, committees, and other opportunities? How
can I take part? |
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structure
How is the church structured?
The church is a representative democracy. Ultimate administrative authority
resides in the congregation, who establish bylaws
(click to see the bylaws) and elect Trustees and committee chairs
to help run the church.
To ensure that members of the congregation are in "right relations" with each other, the congregation has adopted a Safe Congregations Policy(click to see the document). Everyone needs to feel comfortable within the spiritual framework of the church, and no one should be abused, harrassed, exploited, molested, or belittled. The concept of "right relations" applies to all interactions between all members of the congregation, both adults and children. The policy specifies the procedures for handling possible violations.
The congregation is the sole determining body for "calling"
its Minister to the pulpit. Likewise, the congregation has sole
power to decide whom it may ordain as a minister of the faith. The church
is a voluntary member and supporter of both the
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations and the
Clara Barton District.
What are the UU articles of faith?
The Unitarian Universalist movement is purposely without
creed. It does not require a profession of faith or any catechism. The
movement respects the truth contained in every religion and urges knowledge
and tolerance of all religions. Each Unitarian Universalist is encouraged
to build and be responsible for his or her own understanding of faith,
fact, and the universe.
Periodically, Adult Religious Education classes, such as "Building
Your Own Theology," are offered for anyone who wishes to learn
new approaches to forming or re-examining and refining a personal belief
system.
When the Unitarians and Universalists joined, in 1961, they entered
into a covenant of seven principles.
These principles are taught as guidelines to the UU movement, but they
do not constitute a creed.
(For more on the UU movement, including its 200-year history
in the United States, see
The
Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance or
The Unitarian Universalist
Association.)
(For an account of how the UU symbol came to be, see
"The History of the Flaming Chalice")
(For information on the church's relationship to the movement, see Our
Denomination)
Who can take part?
Anyone is welcome to take part in the church's non-administrative
activities. But individuals must have been members of the church for
at least one year before they can serve in elected office.
Do I have to be a member of the church
to be active?
No. In fact, this congregation has many friends who
attend religious services regularly or who take part regularly in our
activities but who have not chosen to become UUs.
Do I have to be active to be a member of
the church?
No. This church is not just a learning and doing place
but a haven: a source of comfort and fellowship. People may attend for
any reason and may interact as much or as little as makes them happy
and comfortable. Many of our most beloved and valued friends and members
do not seek to take part in church administration or any organized church
programs.
Who can join the church?
Anyone over 18 years of age may join the church at
any time, simply by signing the membership book. And anyone may, as
simply, dissolve membership in the church.
A decision to join any religious body, though, should come only after
careful thought, for it has a tendency to redefine you, to yourself
and to others. The church Fellowship Committee, together with our Minister,
periodically offers optional seminars, called NewU classes, that cover
topics of interest and importance to newcomers, including church operation
and UU philosophy and history.
Click here
for an introduction to our many programs, committees, and opportunities
for growth, learning, fellowship, and just plain fun.
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Welcome
Where to Find Us
phone, mail, visit
Schedule of Services
weekly worship
Activities
open to all
Where'd U's Come From?
1778
The first formal association of American Universalist societies takes place; members reject belief in eternal damnation.
1779
The first Universalist church is gathered; its membership is formed without regard to gender or so-called race.
1785
The Universalist Church of America is formed.
1790
The Universalist denomination is the first in America to call formally for the abolition of slavery.
1791
Universalist Dr. Benjamin Rush organizes the first non-sectarian Sunday school in America.
1794
The first Unitarian church in America is formed by Joseph Priestly, cleric and scientist.
1802
The oldest Puritan church in America, in Plymouth, MA, becomes Unitarian by vote of its congregation.
1805
Universalist Hosea Ballou argues that the base of Christian fellowship lies not in creeds but in mutual faith and good will.
1825
Unitarian churches organize into a formal association.
1841
A Universalist church, now known as the UU Church of Greater Bridgeport, is organized in Bridgeport, CT.
1935
Universalism rejects Biblical literalism and avows "faith in the authority of truth, known or unknown."
1942
The Universalist charter is amended to read: "to promote harmony among adherents of all religious faiths, whether Christian or otherwise."
1961
The Unitarian and Universalist churches join in a single association; at their union, they affirm seven shared principles of Unitarian Universalism.
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