Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

About

We, a caring, liberal religious community, encourage spiritual growth and seek justice for all.

Story

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition that was formed from the consolidation of two different religions: Unitarianism and Universalism. Both began in Europe hundreds of years ago. In America, the Universalist Church of America was founded in 1793, and the American Unitarian Association in 1825. After consolidating in 1961, these faiths became the new religion of Unitarian Universalism through the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).

Both religions have long histories and have contributed important theological concepts that remain central to Unitarian Universalism. Originally, all Unitarians were Christians who didn't believe in the Holy Trinity of God (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), but in the unity, or single aspect, of God. Later, Unitarian beliefs stressed the importance of rational thinking, a direct relationship with God, and the humanity of Jesus. Universalism emerged as a Christian denomination with a central belief in universal salvation; that is, that all people will eventually be reconciled with God.

Since the merger of the two denominations in 1961, Unitarian Universalism has nurtured its Unitarian and Universalist heritages to provide a strong voice for social justice and liberal religion.

Mission

What We Believe:

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion born of the Jewish and Christian traditions. We keep our minds open 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. In the end religious authority lies not in a book, person, or institution, but in ourselves. We put religious insights to the test of our hearts and minds.

We uphold the free search for truth. We will not be bound by a statement of belief. We do not ask anyone to subscribe to a creed. We say ours is a noncreedal religion. Ours is a free faith.

We believe that religious wisdom is ever changing. Human understanding of life and death, the world and its mysteries, is never final. Revelation is continuous. We celebrate unfolding truths known to teachers, prophets, and sages throughout the ages.

We affirm the worth of all women and men. We believe people should be encouraged to think for themselves. We know people differ in their opinions and lifestyles, and we believe these differences generally should be honored.

We seek to act as a moral force in the world, believing that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion. The here and now and the effects our actions will have on future generations deeply concern us. We know that our relationships with one another, with diverse peoples, races, and nations, should be governed by justice, equity, and compassion.

Products

Sunday Services at UUFVB


You will receive a warm welcome on Sunday morning at UUFVB.

Services begin at 10 a.m. year-round, with religious education classes for children and youth offered from September through May. Caring and competent child care is offered every Sunday for wee ones.

When you arrive, greeters will welcome you at the door. A friendly volunteer at our Welcome Table will help you feel comfortable, and direct you to the Sanctuary for the service. They can also point you to the Religious Education and child care areas if needed.

Our services last approximately one hour, and usually include the lighting of our chalice, readings from inspirational sources, instrumental and choral music, congregational singing, time for meditation and a sermon. Our minister speaks approximately three Sundays per month. On the remaining Sundays, lay members or guest speakers fill our pulpit, bringing us a diversity of voices throughout the year.
Upcoming Sermon Topics

Listen to recent Audio Sermons

Social Hour:
A very important part of every Sunday at UUFVB is the social hour that follows the service. We gather in Fellowship Hall for Fair Trade coffee and tea and stimulating conversation with members and friends. You may also enjoy visiting our Fair Trade store, which is open every Sunday offering coffee, chocolate and goods from around the world at very reasonable prices.