Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Milford

Who we are FAQs   Worship services Meet our ministers Religious Education  Programs and support groups Social justice Calendarr Committees Directions and Contacts Other UU sites Home

Are you, or a member of your family, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered? Are you looking for an affirming religious alternative? We invite you to join us ... Committed to being a safe spiritual haven for GLBT individuals and families, we are an official UUA Welcoming Congregation The Welcoming Congregation designation represents our commitment to offering an abiding welcome to GLBT individuals and families We acknowledge the life experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) individuals and families in all aspects of our congregational life -- worship, programs, rites of passage, and religious education; we value the identities of our GLBT members and honor their committed relationships. A Serious Spiritual Alternative "Unitarian Universalists have long called for the full inclusion of gay and lesbian people in church and society ... the human family is one, and the fears and hatreds that divide us must be overcome ... affirmation of gay and lesbian [bisexual and transgendered] experience flows naturally from our tradition of freedom, of creativity, of respect for intuition and reason and life experience ..." UUA c. 1998 A Beacon of Love and Hope in Southern New Hampshire ... "Unitarian Universalism is a faith with roots deep in Judaism and Christianity. It is a tradition of strong and prophetic voices calling for a larger vision of life. It is a tradition of life enhancing spirituality calling for a larger circle of inclusion. Our members embrace many religious traditions and practices, including elements from other world religions and cultures, earth centered spirituality, and religious humanism. We seek spiritual meaning and guidance in the teachings of all thoughtful, responsible religious leaders and thinkers. We rely on a wide range of sources to inform and guide us, for example, the arts, the sciences, the world of nature. With such a diversity of spiritual understandings, it follows that our faith tradition has no central creed. Each individual shapes his or her own faith from their personal life experience, honoring both reason and intuition. Our congregation offers the spiritual support of caring community. You are welcome here." a message from Jeanne & Olav Nieuwejaar, former co-ministers Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Milford 20 Elm Street Milford New Hampshire 03055 Sunday Services at 10:30 am ~ Summer Services at 9:30am ~ Children's Programs & Youth Group for teens. To learn more about us, or to talk with our minister about performing a holy union ceremony, contact the church office at 673-1870 or send email to uucm1870@verizon.net The UUCM Welcoming Congregation Committee A resource for affirmation and integration of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered members in our religious community, the Welcoming Congregation Committee is also our church’s outreach arm, establishing contact with other religious groups and organizations that promote acceptance and protection of GLBT rights in society at large. We fly our rainbow flag from the front tower of the church in celebration of GLBT liberation events and in memory of landmark tragedies; we participate in advocacy campaigns and plan worship services relevant to GLBT concerns. 1992: Our committee was formed to guide the congregation through the Welcoming Congregation curriculum put together by the UUA’s Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns. 1994: We became an official UUA Welcoming Congregation. 1998: Our Church Council re-affirmed and unanimously ratified a statement of our commitment to welcoming GLBT people of faith. 1998: A rainbow flag symbol was added to our church sign. Statement of Intent Because our Unitarian Universalist principles call us to affirm and promote: The inherent worth and dignity of every person Justice, equity and compassion in human relations Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations Because this congregation has formed a covenant together to be a "beacon of love and hope ... to the community at large, illuminating and affirming our diversity." We choose a rainbow flag as an outward symbol to represent the dream of justice and peace for all humankind. Specifically, the rainbow flag today is recognized by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people as a sign of safety. We believe it necessary to exhibit such a flag at this time as a visible demonstration of our principles and our covenant, to be a welcoming congregation to these rejected and persecuted individuals and their families. Let it be known that the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Milford is a safe spiritual haven for all. We are a congregation that embraces the full spectrum of diversity. Who we are  -  FAQs  -  Worship services  -  Meet our ministers  -  Religious Education  Programs and support groups  -  Calendar  -  Directions and Contact Info  -  Other UU sites  -  Home