INVITATION TO MEMBERSHIP

• If you are looking for a religious community in which to seek spiritual growth...
• If you are eager to consider religious questions with others who are not always certain they have all the answers, but who are determined to keep searching with an open mind, and acceptance of other peoples' beliefs....
• If you would like the fellowship of others for celebration and worship, discussion and education, friendship and mutual support...
• If you want children to be helped to develop their own religious beliefs...
• If you wish to preserve and extend the traditions of personal freedom and human dignity against the dangers they face today, you may find this church fills your spiritual and human needs.
• If you wish to know more about us as you consider membership, talk to our minister.

A quick browse through our monthly newsletter or calendar will reveal many opportunities for newcomers to explore. For a look at our Youth & Family activities, please see our RE Calendar.

One of the easiest is to join in the Coffee Hour held after Sunday Services each week. We welcome you!
Email: uuamherst@roadrunner.com

The New U.U. (Unitarian Universalist) a two-session orientation program for newcomers and any one else who might
be interested. The purpose of the program is to help new people become part of our church community, intellectually, socially, and personally.
New UU addresses this purpose in three ways. Participants will:

• Create a time line of religious turning points in their lives and share these narratives with others in the New UU group. This is a great way to begin new friendships and see how much we have in common in our religious journeys.
• Explore Unitarian Universalism by looking at the local church and the larger movement.
• Identify and talk about important issues such as theological position, approach to tradition, the tension between intellect and feeling, and the importance of money, involvement and volunteering.

The program will be held periodically. Next scheduled dates are: Sundays, March 8 & 15, both from 7-9pm. Please check our newsletter or calendar to confirm dates and do let us know your schedule preferences. Tim Ashton, Minister; Joann Shafer, New Member Development Committee

From the Church of the Larger Fellowship:
Looking to explore your own spirituality? The Church of the Larger Fellowship offers online classes and email discussion. Go to clfuu.org (click on Resources) or call 617-948-6166.

We are . . . .
A liberal religion for open minds, developed out of a Judeo-Christian heritage, united with the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our association represents a consolidation of two older religious denominations: the Universalists, organized in 1793, and the Unitarians, organized in 1825. We are a growing, influential group who choose to express our religion in the context of the present, living in today's world, with all its complexities and promises. We seek to act as a moral force in this world. We affirm that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion. We unite to serve human needs and share human dreams.

We believe . . . .
In the freedom of religious expression
In the development of a personal theology
In being tolerant of other religious ideas
In the search for truth
In the worth and dignity of each human being
In the support of the potential in every person
In service to our community and society
In love as the governing principle in human relationships
In personal journeys of faith

Our Flaming Chalice
The fire of truth and enlightenment and the cup of friendship and caring are symbols as ancient as human thought. Combined together, they become the emblem of 20th century Universalism. The flaming chalice was first used by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee during World War II when its members needed a symbol to identify them while they helped refugees escape the Nazis.
The double circles symbolize Edwin Markham's poem :
"He drew the circle that shut me out
Heretic, rebel, thing to flout.
But love and I had the wit to win,
We drew the circle that took him in."
The chalice is off center to indicate our belief that no one religion is inherently superior or should stand at the center.

Want to know more current information?
Our newsletter has been divided into two parts for quicker viewing. Part 1 will contain all church faith-related activities, including sermons, messages from the minister and religious instruction.
Part 2 will contain all other activities of church life.