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We are...
Our Vision Statement
Inspired by our Unitarian Universalist principles, we are a vibrant, intentionally diverse congregation that models and promotes both locally and globally: love, spiritual growth, service, right relations and sustainable living.
Our Congregational Covenant
May love be the spirit of this congregation;
May the quest for truth be its sacrament;
And service be its prayer;
To dwell together in peace,
To seek knowledge in freedom,
And to help one another in fellowship.
This is our covenant.
Our Purpose (From our By-Laws)
The purposes of the Fellowship are: to form a liberal religious association; to provide a place for religious gatherings and to maintain facilities for religious exploration by our youth; and to advocate and practice a religion of reason, community, and good will, enriched by the world’s great traditions of the past but captive to none. . . . UUFSD is a safe haven and community of inspiration creatively meeting the spiritual, social, educational and emotional needs of members and their families in ways consistent with our UU principles. Through this mutual support, we are empowered to transform the world, one person at a time.
Our Leadership
As a nonprofit organization in fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association, UUFSD runs on a shared governance structure that is supported by our Board of Directors and the Minister.
An LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation
Recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association as a Welcoming Congregation, we affirm and include people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer at every level of congregational life—in worship, in program, and in social occasions—welcoming them as whole people. We equally affirm displays of caring and affection without regard for sexual orientation, celebrate diversity by using inclusive language and content in worship, affirm marriage equality and conduct same-sex weddings, and advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, promoting justice, freedom, and equality in the larger society. Find out more about UUA Welcoming Congregations HERE.
FAQs
What do Unitarian Universalists believe?
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion — that is, a religion that keeps an open mind to the religious questions people have struggled with in all times and places. We believe that personal experience, conscience and reason should be the final authorities in religion, and that in the end religious authority lies not in a book or person or institution, but in ourselves. We are a “non-creedal” religion: we do not ask anyone to subscribe to a creed.
Unitarian Universalist congregations are committed to Eight Principles that include the worth of each person, the need for justice and compassion, and the right to choose one’s own beliefs. Our congregations and faith communities promote these principles through regular worship, learning and personal growth, shared connection and care, social justice and service, celebration of life’s transitions, and much more. Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values: equity, justice, transformation, pluralism, generosity, interdependence. More info can be found on the site of our parent organization: the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Do you have a sacred text?
We have six sources, in which we live out our eight principles within a “living tradition” of wisdom and spirituality, drawn from sources as diverse as science, poetry, scripture, and personal experience:
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Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
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Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
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Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
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Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
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Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;
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Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
What do your Sunday services look like?
During good weather, we hold our services in our beautiful outdoor amphitheater. In inclement weather, the services are held in Founders Hall. Our services are based on a wide variety of texts, traditions and experiences and services vary considerably, so plan on attending several to gain an appreciation of what takes place. Here is an example of a normal Order of Service. Visiting children are welcome in our Religious Education classes, whether it’s just a one-time attendance or several weeks of visitation. Visiting parents are also welcome to attend our RE classes with their children, for as long as it takes the child to feel comfortable in class without you. There is a Gathering Hour after each service, in the core area in front of Founders’ Hall. All members, friends, and visitors are welcome. Please come enjoy our hospitality and get to know our members!
Am I welcome if I come from a different religious tradition?
Yes! Some of our members were raised in Unitarian Universalist churches, but many more have come to us from other faith traditions. Many of our members grew up Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, many grew up (and may still remain) atheist or agnostic, and many members have had spiritual journeys that have led them to sample a wide range of religions throughout their lives. Unitarian Universalism draws messages from all of these, and more, and we welcome people from any and all theological backgrounds who are looking for a new, non-creedal spiritual home.
What is Religious Exploration?
We have a full program of Religious Exploration for children from age 3 through 10th grade. The RE program also sponsors social events and activities for children and families throughout the year, including a Summer Beach Bash, Holiday Party, Valentine's Day dinner, Camp De Benneville family weekend, social action activities, and more. There are special courses for teens in alternating years: Coming of Age Program for middle school in which participants explore their personal beliefs and Our Whole Lives (OWL), in which life issues of particular relevance to teens are explored.
Religious Exploration isn't only available to children. Adult RE includes workshops on sacred writing, exploring sacred texts, creating sermons, multireligious studies, and more. Come explore with us.
Our Members Say
"I consider the universe of Unitarian Universalists to be my community. And I consider UUFSD our home. I believe that if I ever needed help, I could contact UUFSD and someone would help me. I call this UU Care – like ObamaCare or Medicare, only better. I have seen UU Care at work – when someone had medical problems, when someone’s house burned in a wildfire, when a spouse died, when Thanksgiving came around and there was no other place to go for dinner, and more. I have worked in a lot of organizations, I have academic degrees from three different universities, and I have lived in a lot of places. My identity is more strongly tied to being a Unitarian Universalist than to any of these other identifiers. This is my community. You are my community. For this, and so much more, I am grateful."
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Lisa Shaffer
UUFSD Secretary, Worship Associate, Stewardship Committee
Lisa Shaffer
UUFSD Secretary, Capital Campaign Committee, Worship Associate