Welcome to The Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
Among Unitarian Universalists, you will find people of diverse beliefs, and disparate backgrounds.
We have had a wide range of ministers, speakers, and lay people take the pulpit at our fellowship, each giving their talks on the things that are of value and importance to them as individuals.
Some of the people who have taken the pulpit have included Jews, Christians, Wiccans, Buddhists, Taoists, Ba'a'hi, Atheists, Agnostics, Searchers, Free Thinkers, and people of other beliefs. We encourage freedom of thought, and freedom of belief through the journey of life, that we come together to share., with the understanding that beliefs can change and evolve over time.
Membership is open to anyone 18 or older, who is sympathetic with our purposes.
The following are our principles and purposes: (this is from the proposed January 2009 draft.)
- This association of free yet interdependent congregations devotes its resources to and exercises its corporate powers for religious, educational, and humanitarian purposes. It supports the creation, vitality, and growth of congregations that aspire to live out the Unitarian Universalist Principles. Through public witness and advocacy, it advances the Principles in the world.
Unitarian Universalism is rooted in two religious heritages. Both are grounded on thousands of years of Jewish and Christian teachings, traditions, and experiences. The Unitarian heritage has affirmed that we need not think alike to love alike and that God is one. The Universalist heritage has preached not hell but hope and courage, and the kindness and love of God. Contemporary Unitarian Universalists have reaped the benefits of a legacy of prophetic words and deeds.
Unitarian Universalism is not contained in any single book or creed. Its religious authority lies in the individual, nurtured and tested in the congregation and the wider world. As an evolving religion, it draws from the teachings, practices, and wisdom of the world’s religions. Humanism, earth-centered spiritual traditions, and Eastern religions have served as vital sources. Unitarian Universalism has been influenced by mysticism, theism, skepticism, naturalism, and process thought as well as feminist and liberation theologies. It is informed by direct experiences of mystery and wonder, beauty and joy. It is enriched by the creative power of the arts, the guidance of reason, and the lessons of the sciences.
Grateful for the traditions that have strengthened our own, we strive to avoid misuse of cultural and religious practices while seeking ways of appreciation that are respectful and welcomed.
Grateful for the gift of life, we commit ourselves as member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association to embody together the transforming power of love as we covenant to honor and uphold:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth;
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- The right of conscience and the use of democratic processes;
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
- Reverence for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
As free yet interdependent congregations, we enter into this covenant, pledging to one another our mutual trust and support. Capable of both good and evil, at times we are in need of forgiveness and reconciliation. When we fall short of living up to this covenant, we will begin again in love, repair the relationship, and recommit to the promises we have made.
Systems of power, privilege, and oppression have traditionally created barriers for persons and groups with particular identities, ages, abilities, and histories. We pledge to do all we can to replace such barriers with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual respect. We strive to be an association of congregations that truly welcome all persons and commit to structuring congregational and associational life in ways that empower and enhance everyone's participation.
Congregational freedom is central to the Unitarian Universalist heritage.
Congregations may establish statements of purpose, covenants, and bonds of union so long as they do not require a statement of belief as a creedal test for membership; nor may the Association employ such a test for congregational affiliation.
Our services frequently have "Talk Backs" where the congregation can give their opinions and reflections on the sermons, and enter into lively discussions. People are welcome to stay for awhile after the service to socialize with others and perhaps enjoy a snack as well.
In addition to our Sunday services which we have every other Sunday, we also offer Adult Religious education on alternate Sundays. During the school year we provide Children's Religious education during the services.
At times we will have potlucks, and other social activities such as a Thanksgiving dinner, or a New Year's party. In December we have a special service to commemorate Christmas, Hannukah, Yule, The Winter Solstice, and Kwanzaa. In January we have a celebration of Martin Luther King Day.
And our Fellowship offers a Women's Circle.
Our fellowship takes on a variety of Social Justice projects through out the year.
On our fellowship grounds we have a peace pole with, "Let Peace Prevail On Earth"ť in various languages. We also have a Memorial Garden to honor deceased members of our congregation and their family members.
We hope to see you at our fellowship.
Principles And Sources
Are UU Searching For A Religious Home?
Becoming A Member(pdf)
Come Join With Us (pdf, requires some rotating)
Sound Bite Theolgy by Elinore Sommerfeld(pdf)
The Social Justice Cmte.'s May 2009 issue of Signal (pdf)
The Social Justice Cmte.'s May 2009 issue of Signal (Rich Text) |
