I have been told that the Unitarian Universalist churches have alot of Pagans amongst them and some even have Pagan groups at the church. Do you have any experience with the UU church? How did you feel about it?
the comunity church of boston is bostons radical church ...they did everythinh for 'the movement ' back when i was around and they were there in the 20 s doin stuff for saco n vanscettis defence way back ... they are u u ....they were a haven amongst hostiles for many groups doin cool stuff ....
I go to a UU here in South Carolina. The pagan group is called Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS). I love my church, and until a year ago, I never thought I'd here those words from my mouth! Our minister gets most of her sermons from Buddhist beliefs, but mixes a little bit of everything in it. Each third Sunday the CUUPS meet and perform a ritual. I've only been able to attend once because I usually teach the preschool during that time. I love how everyone is so different in their beliefs, but we all get along and accept each other and learn from each other. And believe me, my town is owned by the Baptist Church, so this place is a real haven for me.
Yeah they do, look into CUUPS in your area. Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans. I gave a lesson at a UU church once.
I like the idea if Unitarian Universalism, I just don't understand the necessity of a church. Maybe if I understood more about the church. What are the services like?
that sounds soooo awsome.. I'm going to look them up and see if there's one im my area... very cool info thanks...
me and some friends were riding around in this city about 40 minutes away from here and we passed one and I was like wow! Because I didnt know there were any in the deep south.
The services are pretty cool. First we light the UU chalice, then we say our creed or motto or whatever: "Love is the spirit of this church, and service is its law. To dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in life. This is our great covenant." Then we usually sing a hymn-usually not xtian. Though sometimes it is. Take up offering. Then the kids get to hear the children's story and then go to their classes. Then we listen to the sermon. I remember my first visit-she (our minister) talked about right speak. She quoted Buddha and Darwin, but never quoted the bible. I was hooked. Anyway, after the sermon we have a joys/concerns time. People go up and tell about a joy or concern and drop a pebble in a bowl of water because "joys shared are multiplied and sorrows shared are divided." Then we go home! While the kids are in Sunday School (which is called Religious Education), we have Adult RE. It's usually pretty interesting. One day the Rabbi from the local Synagogue came and talked and played the guitar. He was on the Daily Show not too long ago talking about the damn Xtian Exodus people that are trying to flood SC.
the only issue i really have with the UU church service (without splitting the really fine theological hairs) is that their service is so...well, churchy. it's just not a comfortable mode of worship/communion/fellowship for me. i mean, even the tiny little UU church i used to attend in the middle of downtown rochester seems huge and impersonal compared to the average circle. everybody sitting in pews, facing the minister, like you're watching a performance or something, and you can't see or interact with your fellow worshippers. i'll admit, i really like the intimate structure or a circle. besides, it's indoors, sitting down, there's no mud and grass under your feet and no wind in your hair. and there's no energy being raised. there may be consciousness-raising ideas presented in the "sermon" to challenge your thinking, but nothing is invoked and there's no power raised or directed. their services are interesting, but don't really do much for me spiritually. don't get me wrong, i like the UU's, i really do, and i'm even thinking of attending a UU church in nearby auburn with my boyfriend sometime. it's just that, on a spiritual level, it feels more like vitamin supplements than a full, nourishing family meal.
This is EXACTLY my fear of what I would feel in the church. I think I would much more prefer a circle or coven. Ive been trying to find a local coven or circle but I have had no luck I agree, I need mud,wind,earth, sun.... all of it.
We don't have pews! Just chairs. I understand what you mean by the structure of it is churchy. But my church doesn't real have a churchy feel. And our CUUPS meetings are always outside (unless it's raining or something).
I think that Wicca and most branches of paganism are more of an OUTDOOR ritual practice, I never got being indoors or having a building.
