Monte Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation

About

You are welcome to our Sunday service where you will be warmly greeted without dogmas or group ideology.

Story

Unitarian Universalism is a caring, open-minded religion that encourages you to seek your own spiritual path. Our Faith draws on many religious traditions, welcoming people with different beliefs. We are united by shared values, not by creed or dogma. Here people gather to nurture their spirits and put their faith into action by helping to make our communities—and the world—a better place.

We believe in the authority of reason and conscience. The ultimate arbiter in religion is not a church, or a document, or an official, but the personal choice and decision of the individual.

What Can I Expect on Sunday Morning?
Our Sunday service begins at 10:30. Plan to arrive a little early on your first visit in order to ask any questions you may have.

A greeter wearing a Welcome badge will invite you to make a nametag and sign our newcomer book. This is optional but helps us get to know you. During the service, we introduce visitors who have signed the newcomer book.

If you have children, a representative, near the entrance, from the Religious Education program will help you.

A typical Sunday service begins with a musical prelude, opening words, and a lighting of our chalice. The chalice is a symbol of Unitarian Universalism, and the light of healing we want to bring to the world. We collect food and other items each Sunday for our local food pantry and shelter.

There is often a special time for children before they leave for their religious education classes.

Typically, our services include readings, singing, a time for expression of joys and concerns, a sermon by the minister or guest speaker, and the offering collection which sustains our congregation and provides for outreach. Music plays an important role, and is shared by our fine choir and pianist, musicians from the congregation, and recorded music.

Mission

Who Attends?
We are a congregation of about 150 participants from the Inland Empire. Our diverse religious community comes from many traditions. Many of our members were raised in other religious traditions and bring a variety of spiritual experiences, yet share our common liberal faith. Some maintain their religious roots, others are agnostics or atheists, and others believe in an earth-based spirituality. Our members are single and partnered, gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, and of diverse ethnicity. Our campus and worship service are handicapped accessible.