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Faqs for Uusic Visitors Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City 2355 Oakdale Road (Admin Office) Coralville, IA 52241 (319) 337-3443 - www.uusic.org Journey of Discovery – New-member Class Series Table of Contents Page Message from the Minister………………………………………....... 2 The Church is People………………………………………………… 4 The Seven Principles and Six Sources…………………………….. 5 UUSIC Mission and Vision Statements…………………………….. 7 UUSIC Right Relations Agreement…………………………………. 8 Welcoming Congregation……………………………………………. 10 Governance……………………………………………………………. 12 Frequently Asked Questions………………………………………… 13 Unitarian Universalist Origins: Our Historic Faith…………………. 15 Famous Unitarian Universalists…………………………………….. 19 Infidels and Unbelievers: UUSIC’s First 50 Years………………... 21 Brief History of UUSIC……………………………………………….. 23 UUSIC Historical Information Sources……………………………… 27 1 Journey of Discovery From our Minister: I’m glad you’re considering membership in UUSIC. Choosing to join a church is a powerful act that reflects a desire to grow spiritually and to discover who you are meant to be. As a member of this church, you will be encouraged to ask life’s most important questions and challenged to seek answers through worship, reflection, education, spiritual practices, relationships, and service. You will be cherished for your unique gifts, talents, and wisdom and invited to celebrate these qualities in others. You will join fellow travelers who find joy in Unitarian Universalism as a lifelong journey rather than a destination. You will be part of a living tradition that affirms diversity, freedom, and reason, a free faith that seeks to touch the human heart, change the lives of those who say ‘yes’ to its call, and transform the world with love. I look forward to welcoming you as a member. --The Reverend Steven Protzman To become a member: Read the Journey of Discovery information folder Affirm the Seven Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association Support the mission and vision of the Society Participate in new-member classes Attend services and participate in the life of the church as you are able. Weekly worship cements the bonds of community and keeps our attention directed to our highest values while nurturing our spirits. Contribute time and talent. Congregations work because their members find ways to give of themselves, whether through singing in the choir, educating children, sharing their passion for social justice, organizing, cooking, and greeting, to name a few. Finding ways to give back nurtures your soul and supports your own growth. Sign the membership and Covenant of Right Relations books Participate in the New-member Covenant Ceremony and the new-member reception Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City 2355 Oakdale Road (Admin Office) Coralville, IA 52241 (319) 337-3443 - www.uusic.org Privileges and Benefits of Membership Participate and vote on congregational issues such as approving annual budgets and resolutions, electing officers and other representatives, and calling ministers to serve. Responsible participation included imagining the needs of the entire congregation rather than focusing only on one’s own needs or desires. Consider how issues affect all members of the congregation as well as potential members and others in the world outside of the congregation. o Voting members must be at least 14 years of age and have made a contribution of record to the annual operating budget Participate in your choice of the many opportunities for involvement Have complimentary child dedications, weddings, celebrations, and memorial services Receive pastoral care and UNI-Care services Further the mission and vision of the congregation and discover where your passions and gifts meet the needs of the world Be part of a community that journeys together and assist you in discovering who you really are When you are ready to become a member, contact: Carol Throckmorton, Congregational Life Coordinator [email protected], or (319) 337-3443 3 The Church is People By Janet H. Bowering A church is people. It is not a body of belief, a set of principles, or an impressive structure of stone, wood, and glass. A church has roots in the past no matter how recently the congregation was organized. A church represents a long procession of people willing to work with others toward shared goals, worship with others of similar belief, and hold in honor the wise and courageous people who have gone before them. The people who constitute a church come with their needs as well as their gifts. To the extent that they can share their concerns and vulnerabilities and become sensitive to those of others, they will be part of a beloved community. A church consists of people who are not too sure they are right, who are willing to be somewhat uncomfortable in order to correct what they see as wrong. It is made up of people who order their priorities and choose their way with a generous spirit (and often considerable rhetoric). In a church there are those who are practical about institutional needs as well as the needs of the human family. There are people who understand our interdependent web of existence, those who can share the poetry they find in the stars, and those who can circulate a petition to save the wetlands. There are those who can speak out against nuclear madness and those who can remember that the roof needs mending. Churches need people who can help feed the hungry of the world and people who can help feed the hunger deep within the souls of those gathered. A church is composed of people who continue in the long procession knowing that others will follow—others for whom they must make a better world, to whom they owe a heritage of carefully examined discoveries and challenging possibilities. A church is made up of people eager to be part of that procession yet fiercely aware of their individual identities within it and alert to the fragility of the relationship. A church is a granite base and a silken web, a crystal ball and a cup of fire. Janet H. Bowering: Minister emerita, Universalist, Unitarian Church of Haverhill, Massachusetts. Published on January 11, 2010, in www.uuworld.org Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City 2355 Oakdale Road (Admin Office) Coralville, IA 52241 (319) 337-3443 - www.uusic.org The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism We, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: 1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person 2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations 3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations 4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning 5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large 6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all 7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part Unitarian Universalism draws from many sources: Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life Jewish and Christian teaching which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves 5 Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City 2355 Oakdale Road (Admin Office) Coralville, IA 52241 (319) 337-3443 - www.uusic.org UUSIC Mission and Vision Statements Our Mission Statement: We are a diverse spiritual community that touches hearts, changes lives, and transforms the world. Our Vision Statement: We are a loving, inclusive and growing spiritual community. We celebrate life and a liberal tradition that leads social justice, heals the earth, and nurtures the lifelong journey of mind and spirit. Mission Goals: 1. We provide intergenerational worship services to educate, inspire, celebrate, and nurture our Unitarian Universalist community. 2. We provide lifespan religious education to support the intellectual and spiritual growth of our children, members, friends and the wider community. 3. We practice shared ministry and build caring, supportive relationships within a diverse congregation. 4. We take action to create an environmentally sustainable culture, both within our congregation and in the wider community, through education and advocacy. 5. We work for social justice on behalf of those who are oppressed or in need, through education, direct service, financial support, and advocacy. 6. We provide facilities that meet the needs of our congregation and advance our principles and our mission. 7. We promote our principles and programs in the wider community and welcome those with whom our principles resonate. 7 UUSIC Right Relations Agreement Unitarian Universalism is a non-creedal faith. In the absence of doctrine or dogma, we are held together by covenant. Our agreement is to walk together toward the life we seek to lead. Our Right Relations Agreement is a set of values, not a set of rules. It is a statement
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