In 1961, the Unitarian and Universalist organizations merged to form the
Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), whose members today share a faith
that expands beyond its roots in liberal Christianity to encompass the
teachings and texts of many world religions, as well as the wisdom and
insights of science, literature, and the arts.
Unitarian
Universalism believes that personal experience, conscience, and reason
should be the final authorities in religion. In the end, religious authority
lies not in a book, person, or institution, but in ourselves. We put
religious insights to the test of our hearts and minds.
We affirm the worth of all people. We believe people should be encouraged to
think for themselves. We know people differ in their opinions and
lifestyles, and we believe these differences generally should be honored. We
seek to act as a moral force in the world, believing that ethical living is
the supreme witness of religion. The here and now and the effects our
actions will have on future generations deeply concern us. We know that our
relationships with one another, with diverse peoples, races, and nations,
should be governed by justice, equity, and compassion.
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Are you a non-denominational church?
No. Because of our inclusive values and the independence of each
congregation, people often don't know that we belong to a larger
organization--the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations in
North America (UUA). We are a member association, or as we call it, "The
Uncommon Denomination." The UUA provides a central office for the support of
local congregations, and, as a community, we do have a common identity and
purpose.
What do Unitarian Universalists believe about God?
Some Unitarian Universalists are non-theists and do not find language about
God useful. The faith of other Unitarian Universalists in God may be
profound, though among these, too, talk of God may be restrained.
Why? To avoid confusion over the wide-ranging use of the word "God," many
Unitarian Universalists are more apt to speak of "Spirit for life" (in the
words of Albert Schweitzer, a Unitarian), the spirit of love or truth, the
holy, or the gracious. Many also prefer such language because it is
inclusive; it is used with integrity by theist and non-theist members.
Whatever our theological persuasion, Unitarian Universalists generally agree
that the fruits of religious belief matter more than beliefs about
religion--even about God. So we usually speak more of the fruits: gratitude
for blessings, worthy aspirations, the renewal of hope, and service on
behalf of justice.
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Are
Unitarian Universalists Christian?
Yes and no.
Yes, some Unitarian Universalists are Christian. Personal encounter with the
spirit of Jesus as the Christ richly informs their religious lives.
No, Unitarian Universalists are not Christian, if by Christian you mean
those who think that acceptance of any creedal belief whatsoever is
necessary for salvation. Unitarian Universalist Christians are considered
heretics by those orthodox Christians who claim none but Christians are
"saved." (Fortunately, not all the orthodox make that claim.)
Yes, Unitarian Universalists are Christian in the sense that both Unitarian
and Universalist history are part of Christian history. Our core principles
and practices were first articulated and established by liberal Christians.
Some Unitarian Universalists are not Christian. For though they may
acknowledge the Christian history of our faith, Christian stories and
symbols are no longer primary for them. They draw their personal faith from
many sources: nature, intuition, other cultures, science, civil liberation
movements, and so on.
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In most of
our congregations, our children learn Bible stories as a part of their
church school curricula. It is not unusual to find adult study groups in the
churches, or in workshops at summer camps and conferences, focusing on the
Bible. Allusions to biblical symbols and events are frequent in our sermons.
In most of our congregations, the Bible is read as any other sacred text
might be-from time to time, but not routinely.
We have especially cherished the prophetic books of the Bible. Amos, Hosea,
Isaiah, and other prophets dared to speak critical words of love to the
powerful, calling for justice for the oppressed. Many Unitarian and
Universalist social reformers have been inspired by the biblical prophets.
We hallow the names of Unitarian and Universalist prophets: Joseph
Tuckerman, Dorothea Dix, Clara Barton, Theodore Parker, Susan B. Anthony,
and many others.
We do not, however, hold the Bible-or any other account of human
experience-to be either an infallible guide or the exclusive source of
truth. Much biblical material is mythical or legendary. Not that it should
be discarded for that reason! Rather, it should be treasured for what it is.
We believe that we should read the Bible as we read other books (or the
newspaper)-with imagination and a critical eye.
We also respect the sacred literature of other religions. Contemporary works
of science, art, and social commentary are valued as well. We hold, in the
words of an old liberal formulation, that "revelation is not sealed."
Unitarian Universalists aspire to truth as wide as the world-we look to find
truth anywhere, universally.
What Is the Unitarian Universalist belief regarding Jesus?
Classically, Unitarian Universalist Christians have understood Jesus as a
savior because he was a God-filled human being, not a supernatural being. He
was, and still is for many UUs, an exemplar, one who has shown the way of
redemptive love, in whose spirit anyone may live generously and abundantly.
Among us, Jesus' very human life and teaching have been understood as
products of, and in line with, the great Jewish tradition of prophets and
teachers. He neither broke with that tradition nor superseded it.
Many of us honor Jesus, and many of us honor other master teachers of past
or present generations, like Moses or the Buddha. As a result,
mixed-tradition families may find common ground in the UU fellowship without
compromising other loyalties.
What are your primary ideologies?
Unitarian Universalists have been known to live their religion. At PUC, our
foundation is in Seeking Truth, Building Just Communities, and Caring for
One Another. It is not enough that we talk about and understand what is
needed to create justice, dignity, and integrity in social change. We are
committed to action. We strive to "walk our talk." As individuals and as a
congregation, we work to help others and improve the world around us. Giving
and receiving help are simple gifts benefiting both the giver and receiver;
you can experience this by attending a service and speaking to our members.
We promise you'll find ample opportunity to give, and receive, within our
community.
What ceremonies are observed, what holidays celebrated?
Our ceremonies of marriage and starting a new family, naming or dedicating
our children, and memorializing our dead are phrased in simple, contemporary
language. We observe these rites in community, not because they are required
by some rule or dogma, but because in them we may voice our affection,
hopes, and dedication.
Though practices vary in our congregations and change over time, we
celebrate many of the great religious holidays with enthusiasm. Whether we
gather to celebrate Christmas, Passover, or the Hindu holiday Divali, we do
so in a universal context, recognizing and honoring religious observances
and festivals as innate and purposeful in all human cultures.
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What is
the flaming chalice?
The chalice and the flame were brought together as a Unitarian symbol by an
Austrian artist, Hans Deutsch, in 1941. Living in Paris during the 1930's
Deutsch drew critical cartoons of Adolf Hitler. When the Nazis invaded Paris
in 1940, he abandoned all he had and fled to the South of France, then to
Spain, and finally, with an altered passport, into Portugal.
There, he met the Reverend Charles Joy, executive director of the Unitarian
Service Committee (USC). The Service Committee was new, founded in Boston to
assist Eastern Europeans, among them Unitarians as well as Jews, who needed
to escape Nazi persecution. From his Lisbon headquarters, Joy oversaw a
secret network of couriers and agents.
Charles Joy felt that this new, unknown organization needed some visual
image to represent Unitarianism to the world, especially when dealing with
government agencies abroad.
Thus, Hans Deutsch made his lasting contribution to the USC and, as it
turned out, to Unitarian Universalism. With pencil and ink he drew a chalice
with a flame. It was, Joy wrote his board in Boston, "a chalice with a
flame, the kind of chalice which the Greeks and Romans put on their altars.
The holy oil burning in it is a symbol of helpfulness and sacrifice.... This
was in the mind of the artist. The fact, however, that it remotely suggests
a cross was not in his mind, but to me this also has its merit. We do not
limit our work to Christians. Indeed, at the present moment, our work is
nine-tenths for the Jews, yet we do stem from the Christian tradition, and
the cross does symbolize Christianity and its central theme of sacrificial
love."
The flaming chalice design was made into a seal for papers and a badge for
agents moving refugees to freedom. In time it became a symbol of Unitarian
Universalism all around the world.
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Is
Pacific Unitarian Church a gay/lesbian/bi-sexual/transgender-friendly
community?
Yes. Our church is a Welcoming Congregation to bisexual, gay, lesbian and
transgender people. We have active members who are openly bisexual, gay,
lesbian or transgender. In fact, we offer a group whose primary goal
is to ensure we provide a safe and inclusive environment for LGBT members in
our congregation and in our community. This group is called
PUC
INTERWEAVE.
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What do
Unitarian Universalists believe about abortion?
We believe in choice. It's a private decision. Our larger community has
consistently supported the right of a woman to choose: it is a personal and
spiritual decision.
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Who is
your minister?
Our minister, Rev. John Morehouse, is considered to be one of the best
preachers in our movement today. He is committed to building an inclusive
community of spiritual exploration. Before coming to PUC John served for
eleven years as the Senior Minister of the Unitarian Universalist
Congregation of Frederick, MD, leading them through significant growth and
into a beautiful new building. John is also a committed advocate for social
justice and has served in various roles as an activist for civil and human
rights including as the Chair of the Frederick Human Rights Commission. He
believes in equal rights for all people and will lead us towards the goal of
building a better world. He is married to the love of his life, Frances, and they have
five daughters.
You can reach him directly by email his email address is located on our
Contact Page.
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If my child doesn't separate well, can my child stay with me during the
service?
Your child is always welcome to stay with you during the worship service.
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Can adults attend a Religious Education class?
Adults are
always welcome in our RE Classes. In fact we are always looking for
volunteers for various activities! If you would like to attend an RE class,
just check in with the teacher and let them know you are visiting or
observing for the day.
Children visitors are welcome to join us in RE. Please accompany your child
to the classroom and introduce yourself and child to the teacher. After
three (3) visits we ask that you fill out an RE Registration Form. We love
to see new faces in our classrooms--it means new friends to make!
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Is there
a camp for kids?
As part of the UU's Pacific Southwest District, we have access to beautiful
Camp de Benneville Pines, a 6800-foot elevation site amidst towering pines,
cedars, and oaks in the San Bernardino National Forest. The camp sponsors a
number of chaperoned retreats annually, which give our kids and adults a
welcome break and lifelong memories. Winter camps for Jr. and Sr. High are
held in December. For older elementary, we offer a President's Day weekend
camp in February. In June, we hold a weekend intergenerational retreat for
our PUC members. Every summer, there are camps for elementary, junior high,
senior high, and families.
Please visit Camp de Benneville Pines' web page for more info about this
beautiful Camp.
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Does your
church have access for the handicapped?
Yes. Our church is accessible to people in wheelchairs, and handicapped
parking is available in our parking lot. The sanctuary is wired for sound
and guests and members can hear unaided from any seat. Hearing assist
devices are available as well as large-print hymnals.
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What
should we wear to church?
Some people dress up and others dress quite casually. Many are grateful for
a break from the Monday-Friday dress code. Wear what feels comfortable to
you.
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How do I meet other people? How do I get involved in groups and
activities?
Attend a service. Join us on the patio after service for coffee and
conversation. We also have plenty of activities for guests as well as
members. If you'd like more information, here is a link for
ADULTS and
one for CHILDREN.
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Yes. We
welcome experienced singers and novices alike. Reading music is an
advantage, but not necessary. If you love to sing and can make a commitment
to come to rehearsals and be present when the choir sings, we would love to
have you join us.
During Sunday service, we sing a selection appropriate to the sermon
message, and any choral responses the minister requests. We usually present
an extended program once a year at the church. One of the great advantages,
as compared to other churches, is that we are not limited to singing sacred
music. Rather, our choir sings secular and sacred music in a variety of
classical and contemporary genres.
In addition to English, we sing in other languages as the music requires.
Few of us are trained singers, but we grow in singing and vocal technique at
each rehearsal. Many have been in the choir for several years, and some are
newcomers.
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What does
becoming a member entail?
Many people rightly wonder what responsibilities come with membership. As a
member of PUC, you are responsible in at least three ways: To yourself, you
owe the pursuit of a personal spiritual journey; to others, you owe
participation as a member of a shared community; to the institution, you ask
that you make a commitment of financial support in the form of an annual
pledge.
For more information regarding Membership, click HERE.
You can also
contact our Membership Chairperson, Maurice Chevalier, via the church office
at (310) 378-9449.
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Can I rent your facility?
Yes! Non-members are able to rent our beautiful facilities for weddings and
memorial services. Members enjoy greater flexibility in their access to our
facilities. If you are interested in facilities rental please contact the
Facilities Rental Coordinator via the main office at (310) 378-944 or visit HERE for more information.
You can also request information via email at rentals@pacificunitarian *
(see bottom of page)
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How does the church organization operate?
PUC is a member of the Pacific Southwest District of the UUA, which covers
Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Arizona. UUA Churches are
democratically run institutions, with the power to select and approve their
own ministers. Church policy, budgets, and programs are overseen by a Board
of Trustees. Church work is shared by various committees, and staffed by
volunteers from among our members. Board of Trustee and committee
appointments are recommended annually by a nominating committee and subject
to annual confirmation by the congregation at large. The church budget and
all major non-budget expenses are subject to congregational review and
approval by majority vote.
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Although the Board of Trustees has primary responsibility for carrying out
congregational mandates, most of the church's activities occur in
committees. A few of the committees, such as Finance and Nominating, require
specific skills or have special responsibilities and are either elected by
the congregation or appointed by the Board.
The rest of our committees are open to anyone who's interested and willing
to contribute the appropriate effort. Some people join committees that call
on their professional skills; others use the committees to stretch their
experiences or to exercise talents outside their daily routine. All find a
sense that some call "ministry" in committee work, that they are working for
a cause that not only benefits others, but enlarges the self.
Committees and groups are generally small and friendly, and are an excellent
way to meet people and become part of the PUC community.
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How is the church funded?
The church has an annual budget to meet, and funds for the budget must come
from the congregation. In short and in round numbers, the church has about
250 members. The guiding principle of our community is always this: from
each according to his or her ability; to each according to his or her need.
Your contributions help us improve, enhance and expand our ministry and
mission. To obtain pledging guidelines, or to make a pledge directly, please
contact the Membership Committee via the church office at (310) 378-9449.
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* Please place .org at the end of each email address.
We apologize for the inconvenience but are trying to
reduce SPAM emails.
5621 Montemalaga Drive,
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 | (310) 378-9449
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