Our Fifth Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large Try as we might, we don’t always get it right. But sometimes, even when we get it wrong, we get it right. I was a member of TJMC-UU’s...
Our Fourth Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning Unitarian Universalists are called to examine our beliefs in community. Where has your path led you? Our UU openness to all spiritual paths has introduced me to possibilities I would have otherwise rejected out of hand. I suspended my un-belief long...
If you’ve been away from church for a while–or you know someone who has–we are ready to welcome you back. It can be difficult to take those first steps into church again, but our loving community holds you in its embrace. The most recent chapter of my involvement with TJMC...
Our Third Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations I started in a covenant group when the practice first came to TJMC. I was eager to participate in the topics and make new friends. The challenge for me was to make “I” statements. I...
Our Sixth Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. We see a world plagued by poverty, conflict, discrimination, and we are called to act. We stand in silent witness, we speak out, we support with our money and our actions. We act locally and we act globally...
“Here is the church, here is the steeple. Open the doors and see all the people.” The children understand: the church is nothing without the community that sustains it. What a delight it was to move to Charlottesville, after having lived in the same area for 33 years, and find...
by Laura Wallace Amid much social justice activity at TJMC, one group formed last summer to invite dialogue about our church’s name. The Considering Our Name committee met through November, and members also contributed to a website RevWik started which is devoted to TJMC’s anti-racism work. Although the committee is...
Do you think of yourself as one of TJMC’s “stewards?” Is that an idea you’ve ever even considered? Is it even clear to you what that might mean? “Steward” is one of those old-fashioned words that doesn’t show up in everyday conversation all that much, but at its most basic...
Each month we provide a series of questions to consider, to sit with, to live into, as a way of engaging more deeply with that month’s theme. There are approximately 130 Unitarian Universalist congregations around the country that are exploring the same themes we are. If we assume a membership...
Pastoral Visitors Year-Round Program The Pastoral Visitors Program has been designed to complement the roles of the minister and the CareNet program, in providing a comprehensive ministry of pastoral care. It is a lay ministry of support and hope, offered by trained volunteers who offer a sustained caring presence for...