I went to a UU church last Sunday.

[Lisa0825]

I went to the UU church this weekend for the 1st time. It was nice. I wish it wasn't so small though... only about 40 people plus a small choir. It was really interesting. No Bible readings. There was a reading from the Tao Te Ching and a secular book passage about philanthropy and how we should consider the earth and everything in it as a gift to us all. There were a couple of Universalist hymns, and the main song was actually Seasons of Love from the Broadway show Rent. At several points, non-believers were acknowledged, along with people of all faiths.

I had a reaction that sort of surprised me, I have to admit. I was so moved at the inclusiveness of it all that at several points, I struggled to hold back tears. After so many years of most denominations vilifying people who believe differently or not at all, it was a bit overwhelming to be praised and welcomed.

Why did I decide to visit? Oh, I guess I was just feeling isolated. Most of my friends are so involved in family life, and I am single with no kids, and no close family nearby. My single friends live far from me, and I have been going through some difficult times. In years past, church, or just the feeling that some spirit were there, would comfort me. I guess I was just looking for a little support.

It was nice, and I might visit again, but I still felt like I didn't really belong there.

[JoeyT]

1. Thanks for sharing your experience.

I'd been wondering what UU churches were about, and it doesn't sound so bad. Maybe on your future visits you'll feel like you belong more.

Hope things look up for you in the future.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

2. I discovered UUs back in 1979.

It's a good place for atheists/agnostics/pagans/the confused to hang out and feel like members of a community. The congregations vary a lot.

There are Unitarian Christians but I have not met any.

I unfortunately live out in the country and they don't have UU churches in the country. I'm 60 miles from the nearest fellowship. I have been a summer piano player/Music Director at a UU fellowship and you have the same political struggles you have in regular churches.

The jokes are that they worship the Giver of Life -- the Coffeepot, and
that Unitarians pray To Whom It May Concern.

Good luck in your search!

[kdmorris]

3. Thanks for sharing your experience

I've often wondered what they are like, but was kind of afraid to try it. I feel isolated sometimes, too, but I think that having grandchildren helps that (they instantly make you feel like the center of the world).

[immoderate]

4. I get to my local UU church a couple of times a month...

But I haven't seen a UU service. I'll explain.

It started with a weekly drum circle meetup in a local park. I like to drum, and this type of get together allows all types of people to collaborate in rhythm, regardless of their level of ability. There's a lot going on physiologically and psychologically but mostly it's fun, and it accommodates all people of all ages and encourages friendly interaction, without the opportunity for disagreement. The drums supersede talking.

The leader of the drum group is a sweet lady (a self proclaimed Pagan-atheist(?)) who is prominent in the Wiccan faction of a group that meets at the UU church. And drummers are a typical part of their rituals, every month or two, which have people dancing around a bonfire, praising the elements and compass points, a shot of grape juice and a cookie, and of course, drumming with some nice people.

My impression of the Wiccans is that they will believe just about anything, and they do. In their house of course, I hold my tongue, and generally limit my opinions to, "That's nice!" but it gives me some material for another meetup I attend, run by James Randi. It used to be held at the JREF, which was moved to CA, but Randi still holds his monthly meetings, now at Broward College.

Anyway, I appreciate the presence of the UUs, who offer a non-judgmental service of providing a community for free thinkers and iconoclasts.

--imm

[Curmudgeoness]

5. I have also attended UU services,

or what they consider services. It isn't your typical church or your typical services. I have a friend who belongs to this church, and that was the only reason I went. I have only been there for one actual service, and the other times were for talks on environmental issues, a concert by a member who plays old blues guitar, or walks in the woods...although even the woods was treated as a spiritual place for them.

It is very inclusive of all people, but I still had the sense of it being too "spiritual" for me. I suppose that they have to have something to appeal to people so they will feel there is a reason to attend, but I have no desire for any moving experiences. I do like the people who are members, since it does take a special person to choose this fellowship. It is a great place to meet people who are nonjudgmental and open to all.

[Lisa0825]

6. Yeah, that is exactly it... it felt too spiritual.

Even though I found it moving to see all people accepted there, I just couldn't relate to the spiritual part of it.

I think part of it is also that I am looking for something to replace the political club I used to participate in... I just got so tired of the negativity that seems to be so inherent in politics now. So I was remembering to back when I was involved in church activities. I enjoyed it and met a lot of good people. But now going there when I don't feel spiritual feels fake on my part.

If it were a larger church, I think I could get away with participating in their social ministries with no one noticing I wasn't attending, but this is a small, close knit group.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

7. they are very big on social activism.

They started as the abolition of slavery movement in the 19th century.

There are two UU Seminaries: Starr King in Berkeley and Meadville Lombard in Chicago. Some UU ministers also go to theology school at Harvard.

More information: www.uua.org

It is the only non-creedal religion I know of. You do not have to stand up and say that you believe a certain doctrine.

I know that if I stood up and said The Apostles' Creed, which I used to do as a Christian, I would feel like an idiot and I would be a liar.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

8. they are into a lot of social activism.

The Congregationalists (United Church of Christ),the pilgrims who have New England Meeting Houses, are about as far left wing as you can go and be Christian. They are the jumping off point. You go to the left of them and you got UUs who are explicitly not Christian. The ministers sometimes do guest preaching in each other's pulpits.

Jeremiah Wright's church is UCC.

[Curmudgeoness]

9. I think that you could join in on social activities

without joining in the services part----and they will enjoy having you there. Especially if you are willing to help out at the social events. You should try a few times before you decide that the services are more than you want, because it may be that one week is different than the other. And if anyone wants to know why you don't attend services (I doubt they will), you can at least feel free to be truthful. I don't mind the times when they do things like relaxation exercises, based on yoga or other spiritual things---but I could always use relaxation in my life. Stick with it for a while. I know just what you mean about looking for a group to fit in with....I have done book clubs, League of Women Voters, a watershed group, Friends of the Library.....think of things you enjoy and there is usually a group for it.

[JNelson6563]

13. That is a good idea!

[GliderGuider]

11. UU fellowships have different levels of "spiritual" content.

It can depend a lot on the minister's orientation and the cultural background of the membership. The fellowship I'm most familiar with was utterly secular, with no spiritual content at all, from its founding in 1952 until the mid 1980s. The members were almost all university faculty and students, with a high representation from the hard sciences.

In the 1980s the fellowship became better known, and bean drawing more members from the general community. They also had three ministers in a row who had a more overt spiritual orientation. That combination caused the shift in the tone of the fellowship, to the extent that some of the original founding members left.

The spirituality of UUs tends to be more of the "wonders of the universe" and the "inherent unity of mankind" variety than anything particularly supernatural. Instead they worship coffeepots and panel discussion moderators.

[Merlot]

12. "Seasons of Love" always makes me tear up

Watching the original cast film makes is about as close to a spiritual moment as I care for.

I'm glad you shared this because I've wondered about UU. It sounds like people would be nice, but the UU near me seems very family oriented - lots of kids activities etc. Still nice to know there are open-minded people out there.

[Odin2005]

10. I go to a UU church here in Fargo.

Los of good, open-minded people there.

[Taverner]

14. UU churches are OK - I still don't like waking up before noon on Sunday

[Lisa0825]

15. LOL! Yeah, I am like that too! This one isn't too bad though...

because it starts at 11:30, whereas most start at 11am. That last 30 minutes can be a deal breaker for me! LOL

[Taverner]

17. Find me one that:

- Let's me show up in my underwear
- Has a kitchen I can go to when the sermon gets boring
- Stock it with good coffee and cookies
- Starts at 1pm and ends at 1:15

[Paulie]

16. How was the coffee? :-)

I don't have easy access to a UU congregation, so I instead get the podcasts from "Unity Temple" in Oak Park Illinois and "the Unitarian church of Los Alamos new Mexico". Both ministers are awesome, the latter makes sci-fi references, he former is more spiritual but his voice pulls me in.

[laconicsax]

18. kick