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Welcome! We're excited that you found your way to our web site and hope you will
continue on your journey and find your way into our sanctuary. We are
a community of all ages, histories, identities, gifts, and challenges.
Please join us as we reach for a better tomorrow. We look forward to
meeting you!
Our community gathers for many events and activities throughout the
week
but our primary gathering takes place on Sunday morning at 10:30. There
you will be welcomed into an hour-long worship service that includes a
time
for gathering, a time for prayerful or meditative reflection, a time
for a
central message from the pulpit, and some fabulous music.
If you would like to talk to me, please call the office at
781-631-1215.
Rev. Wendy von Zirpolo, Parish Minister This introductory page is intended to ease any anxieties you may have about being among people you don’t know and about experiencing an unfamiliar service. If you have any questions before coming, please contact Donna Rice, Membership Chair by email at Membership@uumarblehead.org. Visiting Us at a Sunday Service
Visiting Us at a Sunday Service
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Who Are Unitarian Universalists? Our religious tradition originated out of Christianity. We now define ourselves more inclusively, celebrating a wide variety of religious traditions and perspectives. Our religious philosophy is grounded in an affirmation of the worth and dignity of all human beings and a belief that life should be celebrated as a sacred gift. We trust people's ability to determine their own faith and we believe people should be encouraged to think for themselves. This freedom of belief is a basic principle of Unitarian Universalism. We do not require assent to any creed or statement of faith before a person can join us. One does not hear the word "God" in our midst as often as in other religious communities because our opinions about theology radically differ. Some believe in a supreme being or power. Others take an agnostic or non-theist perspective of existence. Yet all of us find common ground around a more "humanistic" search for meaning, beauty, justice, and joy. It is this search that unites us and motivates our journey together. View a Video about Unitarian Universalism^ Top of Page ^
Our Organizational Structure The Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), which represents over 1000 churches. Our society's membership in the UUA is purely voluntary - member congregations are free to support or reject the UUA's recommendations and resolutions. On both a national and congregational level, decisions are made by the democratic process, with final authority resting in the membership of the society rather than by an organized hierarchy. Top of Page ^
Becoming a Member The Membership Committee regularly hosts a meeting for newcomers and other interested persons to inform them about Unitarian Universalism and about our church. These meetings are held at noon in the Minister's Study, on the third Sunday of each month. Also, from time to time the Adult Education group offers a course called "UU101": four evenings that include a history of the Unitarian Universalist movement, the sources and principles of the faith, and a history of our church. This course is open to members and newcomers alike. When you are ready, we invite you to perform the simple but deeply significant act of signing your name in the Membership Book. This makes you a voting member of the church. More importantly, it signifies your intent to become a part of and commit to our spiritual community. Membership, with all its gifts, also comes with financial responsibility: you will be asked to make an Annual Pledge that is comfortable for you. We hope this has given you some idea of what Unitarian Universalism and the UU Church of Marblehead are all about. Hope to see you soon! |
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