Some are curious about a liberal religious community not bound by ancient dogma, and curious about Unitarian Universalism.
Some are looking for a religious education program for their children that will help them develop spiritually to become morally strong and open-minded.
Some are looking for a spiritual community and companions for life’s journey.
Some come troubled or challenged by difficult choices and are helped by bigger vision of life's meaning.
Some come for the beauty of the music and the joy of good companionship.
Some come once and never come again. (We do not pressure or proselytize.)
Some come every once in a while.
Some come once and stay a lifetime.
We trust that you will find a religious path somewhere that brings you closer to what is true and real and sustaining.
We are just happy to be able to offer you this opportunity to join us.
If you are a newcomer to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Manchester, you may have questions. This page is a brief guide to who we are and what we believe. You will find a warm welcome here.
Who attends UUCM?
We are a congregation of about 140 adult members as well as children and youth, drawn from many towns in Manchester region. Our religious community thrives on diversity, and many of our members were raised in other religious traditions and bring with them a variety of spiritual perspectives. We are single or married, with or without children, of various sexual orientations. Our facilities are handicapped accessible and our sanctuary is equipped with assistive recievers for those who require a little help hearing the service.
Our doors are open to all who wish to join us. We are a Welcoming Congregation, welcoming and affirming bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender persons and their friends.
What are worship services like?
Our worship services begin at 10 a.m. every Sunday (and run until about 11) through the regular program year; in July and August there are lay-led services, also at 10:00 a.m. Also at 10 a.m., there is a nursery, and there are religious education classes for children. (A youth group meets at 6 on Sunday evening.)
What do Unitarian Universalists believe?
We are a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association, which includes over a thousand congregations through the United States and Canada. Our British Unitarian friends have congregations throughout the United Kingdom. It began as a liberal Christianity, but its spiritual vision was greatly enlarged by the Transcendentalist spiritual movement led by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a Unitarian minister. We believe that religion can serve either as a lock on the ancient past and its outmoded understanding of life and the universe — or it can serve as a powerful engine of the evolution of human consciousness. The future is in our hands. We gather in the knowledge that we live not for ourselves alone, but for the sake of the possible future. We covenant together in mutual honor and respect to share the ministry of our congregation and religious movement.
Some draw inspiration and wisdom from the path taught by Hebrew prophets, or by Jesus of Nazareth. Others find meaning in Buddhist or neo-pagan teachings. Humanists and Muslims and Hindus worship together with atheists and agnostics. But we see all these historic traditions through evolutionary eyes — not bound by the dogma or authority of the past. And we know that, as we journey, we journey into the new territory of a new era in the human experience.
Who can attend UUCM worship and events?
Guests are very welcome at all our worship services and nearly every other activity offered by our congregation, including Small Groups Ministry sessions, adults’ and children’s religious education classes, social activities and the work of our various committees. Participating in activities in addition to the Sunday services will help you get to know more people and feel a part of this community – so please join in any activities that appeal to you!
Who supports UUCM financially?
Members and friends support our congregation through an annual contribution which is often called a “pledge.” Once each year, generally in the spring, a stewardship campaign is conducted in order to raise funds and plan the budget for the following congregational year.
How can I get involved?
Come to our worship services on Sunday, and then stay for some social time and coffee! We try hard to recognize and engage newcomers, but if we should miss you, please be brave and speak to folks so we can make you welcome! Let us know your particular interests and talents, and we’ll do our best to help you connect with others.