Any UUs here?
Find a Conversation
| Sat, 09-09-2006 - 11:31am |
I've been reading up on UUs and read other posters on other boards, and their experiences. I would like some "community" on my spiritual path, but I have my own individual beliefs and I do not want to have to "choose one" religion to find a spiritual "community." The UU philosophy and combination and respect for all beliefs and celebrating them, sounds like something I might like.
There is a UU in my area whose web site I like. They have a Pagan Circle, also, that celebrates the Sabbats, as well as the UU services on Sundays. They are also gay friendly and welcoming, another good sign they are truly UU in their philosophy, and respectful and open to all without bias or prejudice. :)
I already have web sites I'm reading, but would be interested in hearing more of a personal response of personal experience. How did you come to go to a service, etc.
Thanks,
Gypsy

Pages
I've never visited one; the nearest to me is Santa Cruz, an hour and a half away.
Thanks for your response! I'm sorry you are interested but there isn't one closer to you. :( I read the national organization's info and then I went hunting for a local UU church. I found one near me! Actually, several within easy driving distance of under 25 miles one way... I liked what I saw on one particular web site, and have been in contact by email with the Reverend of the church. She invited me to their service tomorrow, with a short information meeting afterwards. I saw on their church calendar they have a Pagan Circle, with an upcoming celebration of the Fall Equinox. I was so very pleased to see this! :)) I am free to attend and check things out.
From the Reverend's web site statement about herself and her beliefs: "As a Unitarian Universalist, I believe that no one particular religion or philosophy has a monopoly on wisdom. This is stated in our first principle as we covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. While it doesn't mean that I have to accept the belief system of every individual, it does remove my truth from the one with a capital "T." I believe revelation is not sealed but open to ever-changing truth. Both our Unitarian and Universalist beginnings come from the Jewish-Christian traditions, but we seek as a source of inspiration "wisdom from the world's religions" in our quest for a more ethical and spiritual life."
I sometimes feel that I want to attend a gathering that is spiritually universal and incorporates my beliefs, also. I do not know if this "nudge" through the discussions here is one for me to take up involved membership in a spiritual community. But when my Goddess nudges me, I listen. :D
So, for those who attend or have attended, what exactly can I expect in a service? I know each church will have it's own aura and character, but just some general impressions/experiences of your first time going, would be helpful. I will be going alone. My only experience is with Christian churches who had Communion, the Epistle/Gospel readings, a sermon, prayers, hymns. I do not want to be swamped or eagerly surrounded as a potential "new blood" convert (BTDT -- and I ran for the hills, LOL!), and I worry about my hearing loss and being able to hear well enough, and am just plain nervous because I live a Solitary existence and have for some time, especially in my spiritual path. I'm nervous, folks, LOL! :P Any words of wisdom?
Gypsy
Blessings,
Gypsy
)O(
Gypsy,
A UU congregation recently organized in my city, but I haven't had the chance to go yet.
Powered by CGISpy.com
My Adventures
Hey, not a dumb question at all! ;)) How would we learn, if we don't ask, right? :D
You may have heard of the full name -- Unitarian Universalist, maybe? Here are a couple of links:
http://www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html
http://www.religioustolerance.org/u-u.htm
I enjoyed the service today and stayed for an informal group info meeting with the Reverend. I'll post more about my experience later. I'm still absorbing. :P
Gypsy
Blessings,
Gypsy
)O(
Thanks Gypsy,
It was very informative, I don't think there is such a thing in India though I think I saw an "all religion church" somewhere in Bangalore I don't think it was UU I would have remembered.
Powered by CGISpy.com
My Adventures
I enjoyed my visit and participating in the UU service yesterday. I really like the atmosphere of people of many spiritual paths. Coming together in peace, to worship Spirit together as each individual sees it. To work together out in the community for human rights and to help the poor. To study various religions of the world. To share a journey together with the acknowledgment we are all Spirit, and no one path is better than another, but that all paths followed with integrity are valid. That we CAN worship together, many different beliefs, in PEACE. My dream for the human species! :P
For more detailed info on my experience, I've written something more lengthy on my web page:
http://gypsywolfwoman.tripod.com/id19.html
Gypsy
Edited 9/11/2006 3:09 pm ET by gypsywolfwoman
Blessings,
Gypsy
)O(
I'm really glad you liked it!
When I moved to the city I'm in now, our UU church was going through some scandal with their pastor. Nonsense, really, but then they got an interim. An extremely obese woman (not trying to judge, really, but personally I feel that 'glutteny' is not becoming of a person 'of the clothe'), who droned on about her health problems instead of delivering any type of message.
So, fast forward to now...They have a long-term pastor now, and I haven't had the chance to be back!! I tried last Sunday, but DH wouldn't have it. Well, he eventually said that I could go (without him) in a spiteful way... *rolling my eyes*
The UU here, though, has all that you mentioned...yoga classes, etc... And I really want to get into it!!! DH just can't believe that there is a church that excepts EVERYONE. He has been burned (and I mean burned) by the church over and over again. I think it will be some time before he's ready to open up to it again.
My DH was badly burned, also. So much so he considers himself a solitary Christian. He doesn't have an issue with my being Pagan, or checking out this UU church. He just wants left out of it. :D He wants me to share my journey, IOW, but is not interested in walking it with me.
I hope you DO check out your UU again, now that is has different leadership. My understanding from the informational meeting yesterday, each church is completely independent. The congregation chooses their religious leader, and runs the place. And I have seen the downside of the wrong leadership for the wrong congregation. Has to be a good match, IMO, for the church to be a nurturing spiritual space.
Gypsy
Blessings,
Gypsy
)O(
Pages