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| 109 Waring Road - Syracuse, NY 13224 - (315)
446-5940, fax (315)449-0874 |
| The Reverend Martha Munson, minister
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Who are the people of First UU?
Those who want to be a part of a religious community where trust is in the potential
which resides in individuals and in the process which works among people through honest sharing of
perspectives: those who want no more to do with domineering, authoritarian style in religion.
Those whose minds and hearts are opening to the deeper spiritual significance of the ancient symbols,
stories and texts: those who cannot be satisfied with either a simplistic literalism or a religion which
simply fights against literalism.
Those who feel that there are many paths into the depths of the mystery in which our lives are set,
even as they seek the one path most personally significant for them: those who resist the temptation toward
exclusivity in religion.
Those who are challenged by the idea that each person has within the potential to achieve the highest.
Membership in our church is open to all those sensing the deeper longing of the spirit, who wish to
walk in one company togetherfor mutual support and benefit and toward the greater glory.
What makes this religious community different?
A newcomer stands. coffee cup in hand. She watches us, she listens, she takes it all in.
It turns out she is looking for clues about our religious beliefs. She asks what sets this church
apart from the others in the neighborhood.
Most Unitarian Universalists learn to keep little theological speeches under their hats for just this
situation. Mine goes something like this:
We believe that people should develop their own religious beliefs and practices with
the help of an accepting religious community.
We believe in the use of reason, conscience, and emotion in our search for religious truth.
Final authority comes from within, and conclusions are rarely final.
We believe in the democratic process. Our churches govern themselves; the denomination and
the clergy are resources.
We believe in the worth and dignity of every person. All people on earth have the same right
to happiness.
We believe religious values apply to our actions here, now. Ethical beliefs are not enough.
We believe in religious communityin the spiritual sustenance one finds here, and in the fun and
friendships.
Jane Rzepka
Winchester, MA
We are a Welcoming Congregation!
MEMBERSHIP
Welcome to First Unitarian Universalist!
Were glad youre considering membership in this Unitarian Universalist community.
The following checklist will help you in taking the steps necessary for active membership.
You may have participated in some of these activities already.
If not, please consider doing so. Participation will not only make your membership
in this church more meaningful, but can give you a better understanding of what makes
this religious community so unique and open.
Getting started
Visit First UU and attend Sunday morning services.
Sign the guest book located in the narthex or the downstairs entry hall, or fill out a pew card.
(Either one will enable you to receive the First nUUs newsletter for six months.)
Our newsletters now on-line, too!
Enroll your children in our Youth Religious Education classes and attend Adult Religious Education
after the Sunday morning worship service. Visitors are welcome, and our Religious Education Coordinator
is available to discuss our approaches and educational structure.
Stop by the Newcomers Table in the Fellowship Hall after service and talk with the person
staffing the table.
She/he is there to answer your questions about this congregation and the Unitarian Universalist
faith, and to assist you in getting acclimated to our church.
Attend a newcomers reception at the home of one of our members. You can learn about
First UU and become acquainted with the minister and church members in an informal setting.
Participate in one or more of the many events held by the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Syracuse, such as Sunday potlucks, Movies with the Minister, holiday parties,
fellowship events and evening discussion groups, Chalice Circles to name a few.
Check out the various links to the left for a listing of what we believe.
Join one of e-mail chats to really keep current (they are not too busy).
Finally, there are many non-worship type events that happen at First UU, from opera and
bluegrass to potlucks and coffee houses.
Other Local UU churches include:
May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society
Syracuse, NY
First Universalist Society of Central Square
Unitarian Universalist Church
Alburn, NY
We are part of a larger fellowship of Unitarian Universalists
Unitarian Universalist
Association (UUA)
UUA's
List of Churches on the Web
St. Lawrence District
the New York State Convention of
Universalist
First UU of Syracuse is a member of the NYSCU
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