Newcomers

A Different Kind of Faith

Our congregation exists to help people live lives of meaning and purpose. Our mission is to celebrate life, empower people, care for one another and help build a better world. We believe that engagement with a religious community can transform lives, and we invite you to join in that effort.

This is not a place that will tell you what to believe, but we will help you uncover your own deepest intentions and understandings and to put them into action. We don't fear doubt or questioning — instead we acknowledge it as necessary to an authentic life of faith. One of our greatest teachers once said that "we need not think alike to love alike." Thus among our membership you will find Christians, Buddhists, deists, theists, atheists, pagans, humanists and more, all freely searching for truth and meaning while striving to build a caring community. We are more concerned with putting heaven into people now, rather than getting people into heaven later.

Our centuries-old religious tradition is liberal, dedicated to freedom of conscience and humanist ethics. Our approach to religious questions is rational, with an embrace of science accompanying a profound respect for the wisdom of all the world's spiritual traditions. Our worship is intended to inspire personal transformation and a commitment to social justice. Our most valued principles are the affirmation of the inherent worth and dignity of all people and an awareness that all things in the Universe are bound in an intimately connected web.

You can learn more about our faith from our Our Principles and Frequently Asked Questions.

Worship & Socialize

The best way to learn about us is to worship with us. The main Sunday service begins at 11:00am. Religious education for children and youth also begins at 11:00am. There is a smaller service at 9:00am, held in a circle with less music and fanfare, which includes contemplation and discussion of the sermon. Childcare is available.

Dress for worship and all other events is casual. We want you to be as comfortable here as we are!

Both services are followed by refreshments, conversation, and fellowship. On sunny days, the children love to use this time to play in the safety of our courtyard. Adults enjoy the chance to relax in the courtyard's comfortable lounge chairs under umbrellas and trees.

Meet & Participate

There are many ways to connect with members and your fellow visitors. Be sure to pick up a copy of our monthly newsletter, UU Update, which details the many activities happening each month. The newsletter is always available to pickup from our lobby or download from our website. You can also contact our office to request an email subscription.

You'll also find many upcoming events listed in our online calendar, in the Order of Service provided at Sunday worship, and our lobby posters. Our many events include those of our vibrant arts and culture ministry, the Glaser Center.

Explore Membership

If you are new to Unitarian Universalism (UU), we encourage you to attend one of our newcomer's events:

Inquirer's Meeting

Once a month — usually on the second Sunday — there is an "Inquirer's Meeting". This is a good chance to meet our minister and other congregation leaders, and ask them any questions you may have. The session starts about 30 minutes after the service ends, and lasts about an hour.

Getting To Know Unitarian Universalism

Several times a year a newcomer/new member orientation called "Getting to Know UU" is held on a Saturday. It features a deeper exploration of our history and theology, and a more comprehensive introduction to the life of this congregation. We also provide a nice lunch!

Path To Membership

When you're ready to make a more personal commitment to congregation life, and are looking forward to the opportunity to shape UUCSR activities as a voting member or potential officeholder, you'll want to know how to take the final steps to membership. Here's how it works:

Eligibility

Membership at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Santa Rosa (UUCSR) is open to anyone 16 years of age or older who is ready to make a commitment to be an active participant in the life of the congregation, sharing the spiritual and ethical journey with us; and who makes a yearly financial contribution.

Submit Letter of Intent

This document lets us know that you intend to become a participant in our congregation, both personally and financially. It also provides contact information for our private directory and routine congregational mailings such as our newsletter. Letter of Intent forms are available weekdays in the congregation office, and from the Visitor’s Table before or after any Sunday worship service.

Meet with the Minister

This meeting allows you to get to know our minister personally, as well as for the minister to get to know you. It also provides an opportunity to ask questions before taking the final step. Please contact the office to schedule your meeting.

Sign the Membership Book

You may sign the membership book during your meeting with the minister, or schedule this for a later date. Your membership formally begins on the date you sign the membership book. There is a brief 30-day waiting period after signing; then you're officially eligible to vote on important congregational issues.

How Can We Help?

If you have more questions, please stop by the Visitor's Table before or after any Sunday worship, or contact our office. We look forward to sharing more information about our congregation, upcoming newcomer events, and membership.