Step into the heart of UUCville through the words of its passionate congregation. This collection of testimonials offers a window into the soul of our community, showcasing the transformative power of shared values and collective spirit. From long-time members to recent arrivals, each voice contributes to the rich tapestry of experiences that define UUCville.
When I moved here two years ago to start law school, I came to this congregation as a stranger. But I was never treated as one. From my very first visit, where I was invited to an impromptu game of badminton after the service, I have always felt welcome.
And over the years, through building friendships in the Young Adults group or singing with the choir my sense of belonging at UU Cville has only grown stronger.
Today, many people–young adults especially–are burdened by feelings of loneliness and isolation. UU Cville provides me and so many others with a spiritual refuge from a sometimes unwelcoming world.
But none of that happens by accident. This community exists because of the generosity of its members, who made it possible for newcomers like me to find a home here. I decided that it was my turn to return that generosity.
— Andrew Allard
I often think about what an enormous difference it makes to the children and youth in our RE program to have a community that respects their individuality and helps them think about their own beliefs and how to be true to their own being. We have heard from so many now young adults who have been at UUCville how life changing our programs have been for them and how they wish that others they now know had the chance to be in UUCville programs. Of course, they talk to others about their experiences at UUCville and help others to know that there is a community where people believe in creating a safer place for all to thrive. Our care is rippling out into the world.
We are changing lives. In fact, we are saving lives.
—Pam McIntire
Being a part of this church is NOT merely transactional. Unitarian Universalism is much larger than that.
Do I still believe that Unitarian Universalism saves lives?
Yes, I do. More than ever.
We are the working hands of a faith rooted in love that values justice, pluralism, equity, and interdependence—all values that are now threatened. We don’t know exactly what the near future holds, but together we have collective agency as a beloved community. And as much as people don’t always like to talk about money, money makes our work possible, and gives it greater impact, particularly here, in our local community.
So if you believe the world needs Unitarian Universalism, and that the Charlottesville community needs a home for Unitarian Universalism and the values we share, join me and John in increasing your pledge this year. Because if the past has taught us anything, it has taught us that we will need all our collective power to transform our love into action.
Gather here in the struggle and the power.
Gather here in one strong body.
—Amy Wissekerke
I support UU Cville because I value the community we have built – where I can get support when I need it, and serve others by providing that support when they need it. And I appreciate that UUism is always helping us deal with the big questions of how to live in this world, how to become the people we want to be, and how to impact our community in a positive way.
—Carol Gardner
At the February board meeting last Wednesday we discussed all the ways we can be prepared to help and support our community, whether that be inside UUCville, the greater Charlottesville area, or nationwide. we’ve elected to review our disaster preparedness plan and make changes for our modern concerns, from supporting our community during hurricanes to what we’d do if ICE knocked on our door.
We are partnering with congregations of similar values to ours in order to be a united front against adversity.
I know that I can always rely on this congregation to show up when it counts, I’ve seen it time and time again. but these contributions do not come without cost.
We give our time, talent, and treasure to our church and as our pledge drive kicks off today I hope to focus on gathering the financial support our church needs to transform love into action.
Years ago, the Beatles sang “All you need is Love; Love is all you need”.
I think that the message is moving, is wonderful, is inspirational, but I also think that it can be misunderstood.
Love needs action.
Love without action is like a glorious painting; we can look at it, admire it, recognize its beauty, but it is in two dimensions, static, not really interacting with the real world, maybe not that impactful.
Walk out of the room, and it’s easy to forget about.
It is action that brings love to the world.
Action injects life into love.
Action turns love from a feeling into a change agent.
Action brings love to its full destiny.
With action, love gains two more dimensions, interacting with the world in three dimensional space, and in time, and bringing real change to a world that so desperately needs it.
This is how it works: “…UUCville Pledges collected in March——>lead to an actual Budget created in April——>leading to a budget voted on by the Congregation in June…——->Love put into Action by UUCville!
—Jimmy Gorham, Pledge Drive Team Leader
For our family, one of the main attractions of the UU church is the RE program for our 14 year old son Riley. The RE program provides another community for him to feel connected to and gives him lessons in areas like inclusivity and tolerance and social welfare; topics that public schools are not providing. We are confident our son will grow up as a kinder, more well rounded human because of Unitarian Universalism.
—Terry & Amy Epp
As a member of the pastoral care team I strive to be present to individuals in our community. It is this connection with others that makes my church experience valuable. I support the church with my time and my pledge.
—Cindy Benton-Groner
It is most enriching to observe and guide children in religious education in UU traditions! They are the embodiment of all our principles as they grow and learn together. Children show respect for all, for the environment, for justice and for our world. In turn, our congregation encourages, supports and also enjoys laughter with them. From my experiences, the journey in teaching and learning with children has indeed enhanced my faith and joy!
—Elaine Chapman
Tai Chi at UUCville
Principles & benefits of Tai Chi —
As if suspended by a thread
Light & agile
Shoulders settle, elbows drop
Your breath sinks to your belly
Hips unlock
Rotations become easy
Your steps secure
Balanced upwards
Light & agile
Our UU Tai Chi Community
is an ardent, dedicated, joyful
band of players
who find stability & courage in Tai Chi
to face these troubled times.
— Vicki & John Shackford
