First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin

Elite '08

178

326

Jaime M.

Austin, TX

If you're not familiar with Unitarian Universalism, this is a great place to start. If you are familiar with UUism, it's a good place to call home.

It's an established church, strong in the UU tradition of liberal religion -- deeds are more important than creeds here, as the saying goes.
But this isn't a review of the Unitarian Universalist Association or its guiding principles (which I recommend looking up if you've never read them). It's a review of this unique church. Some major points:

-Social Action-
There are a number of liberal-oriented action groups based out of FUUCA -- anti-capital punishment activists, a UN-affiliated group, environmentalists, and others.
-Community-
Groups exist for pagans (Covenant of UU Pagans), women, GLBT and friends, men, singers (a choir too), seniors, artists, young adults, teens, and people with other interests such as certain kinds of books. Coffee and snacks for everyone following services.  
-Education-
Sunday school (called Religious Education) exists for all ages. Young Religious UUs for high schoolers is a delightful program. Cute playground (that I helped build!) for the kids.
-Outreach-
A public affairs forum each Sunday is often highly secular. Movie screenings, plays etc. are also held here.
-Services-
At 9:45 and 11:30 each Sunday, for about an hour. Follow a fairly traditional pattern of readings, songs, meditations, sermon and offertory. The Rev. Davidson Loehr is an amazing theologian, and frequent guest speakers make it more interesting! The sanctuary is one of the prettiest modern UU churches I've seen. Dress ranges from dresses or dress shirts and slacks to relaxed jeans and Ts. No one really sticks out.

If I had any complaints it would be that I've found it extremely difficult to feel like a member of the community, seeing as most members are coupled up or far older than me. Additionally, there seems to be a focus on the offering (though never any actual pressure) that doesn't always make me feel comfortable. But not to an extreme degree in the case of either complaint.

Try it. If you like UUism, you'll like it.

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