Any UUs here?
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| 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

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I agree, that sounds like it would be very interesting. I'm sorry you couldn't make it. :(
Gypsy
Blessings,
Gypsy
)O(
I was favorably impressed, as my web site posting indicates! :P I also met privately with the Reverend yesterday and learned a bit more. I thought of you, your interest, and your distance from any nearby UU church. I mentioned it to her. She says there is an on-line organization which puts out newsletters and other information for those too far from any UU church location. They sometimes have occasional services in different geographical areas, periodically, so that people can at least come together, albeit rarely. There are also on-line email rings and groups to talk with others on similar paths, focusing on UU values, and educational courses. Here is the web site address, in case you want to check it out:
http://www.uua.org/clf/
Gypsy
Blessings,
Gypsy
)O(
Wow... thanks for thinking of me Gypsy!
Thank you so much for posting this information!! This will help me 'plug in' without going, which is what I need in my current situation with DH being so closed.
My weekends are my time with my husband, and he doesn't want to share right now, esp with his feelings toward any organized religion and the god behind it.
I really appreciate it!! I've signed up for a class and am ordering my course
That's terrific! I am doubly glad I posted the link!
Hugs,
Gypsy
Blessings,
Gypsy
)O(
I went to the local UU church this morning.
Glad you got a chance to try it out. :))
At the church here, today was the welcoming service & ceremony for new members who became full members of the church. The minister talked about why we seek a church community. The theme was that we come seeking to give and receive love, to find spiritual space together, to empower each other, to help us change and grow, each in our own way and own beliefs. An opportunity for change. I liked that! :)
The minister read a quote from one of the board members back in the 50s of a big church back East. The board and congregation were in conflict about desegration of their church. And this strong leader was fighting this change. They were arguing into the night. Finally this wise man finally said, "I am here to be changed for the better. Change me for the better" or words to that effect. And the church desegrated because they knew it was the right thing to do.
When I talked to the minister privately last week she said the Pagan group chose NOT to join CUUPS. Apparently the separation thing was feared and the Pagans wanted to ensure they stayed fully involved with the church community, and didn't get separated, as some groups in other churches had. I met a couple of Pagans today that will be at the Circle Thursday night. :DThey said it's a small group, but active for the Sabbats, and they all take turns planning the gatherings.
DD came with me today, and at first was turned off by the "churchiness" like I was last week, but once the minister gave her a hug of welcome and she listened to the words in the readings and songs, she understood how wonderful it is! :) She wants to come again next week and come to a "normal" service. :P The congregation is fairly small -- 245 listed in the directory, including kids, with 2 services each Sunday. I don't know if that's "big" for UU churches/fellowships??? My frame of reference is Catholic churches with much bigger #s, where you don't get to know everybody. I like the idea of small, and knowing most everyone eventually, not getting lost in the crowd.
DD & I will go again next week.
Gypsy
Blessings,
Gypsy
)O(
>The biggest thing I learned was that the Pilgrims were Unitarians!
While DH was watching Monday Night Football, I went on the Net. LOL! :D I found some great books on UU:
"Chosen Faith: An Introduction to the Unitarian Universalists," recommended by the minister. Here's a description, although I got it at a discount from B&N on-line as I'm a member with them, not at the UUA on-line bookstore:
http://www.uua.org/bookstore/product_info.php?cPath=9&products_id=449
and,
"To RE-Enchant the World: A Philosophy of Unitarian Universalism"
http://www.uua.org/bookstore/product_info.php?cPath=9&products_id=1532
I also plan to buy at church next Sunday: "The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide" as they have that one on hand.
http://www.uua.org/bookstore/product_info.php?cPath=9&products_id=442
I always like hard copy books in my spiritual seeking and learning. :P Our local library has none of these, and the one I did find in the catalog, was missing from the shelf, but supposed to be there. :(
Just thought I'd share, in case anyone else is interested. ;))
Gypsy
Blessings,
Gypsy
)O(
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