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Unitarian - Universalists of the Eastern Shore of Virginia

 

We are a group of people who have faith in humanity and are not bound to a particular theology. You will find among us a wide variety of opinions on theology, politics, and lifestyle. We cherish these differences of opinion because they challenge us to rethink our ideas and strengthen or spiritual selves. One of our goals is to provide a place for people who tend to have more liberal religious leaning. Another goal is to acquire and show respect and tolerance for other rational belief systems. If you need additional information please contact Karen Howell at karenhowl@cs.com, or write to Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship, Box 381, Exmore, VA 23350.

Additional information about Unitarian-Universalist beliefs can be found at www.uua.org

As Unitarian-Universalist we are guided by its principles:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
• Justice, equality and compassion in human relations.
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth in our congregations.
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
• The right conscience and the use of democratic process within our congregations and in society.
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice.
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are part.

What are our origins?

During the first three centuries of the Christian church, there were conflicting theories concerning the person of Christ and the Diety. In 325A.D. church leaders were ordered by the Roman Emperor to meet to settle their theological differences. The outcome of this council was the Nicene Creed, declaring the doctrine of the Trinity. The word Unitarian came to refer to those people who did not except the doctrine of the Trinity. Another religious choice in the third century was the belief that no person would be condemned by God to eternal damnation in a fiery pit. Thus Universalist believed that all people would be saved. For centuries people who professed beliefs other than the Trinity were persecuted and put to death.

The first church in America to have the Unitarian name was established in Pennsylvania in 1794. Joseph Priestley (1733 -1804) was a preacher and scientist who discovered oxygen. His home, church, and laboratory in England were burned because of his beliefs. He came to America and started a Unitarian Church.

Universalism emerged in the mid-Atlantic and Southern States areas. By 1781, Elhanan Winchester had organized a Philadelphia congregation of Universal Baptists. Among its members were Benjamin Rush, the famous physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence. From its beginning, Universalism challenged its members to reach out and embrace people whom society often marginalized. A freed slave was one of the charter members in the first Universalist Church in Massachusetts. Universalists were the first denomination to ordain women to the ministry.

Unitarian-Universalists on the Eastern Shore:

 

In the 1840's there was a Universalist Church in Belle Haven Virginia that was active into the 1850's. In 1992, a few people started a discussion group that met informally for a few years. In 1996 the group formally organized as an emerging Unitarian-Universalist fellowship and has since been meeting regularly.

 

Our Worship Service:

 

Our group is lay led. Group members take turns in planning the worship service. We follow the traditional worship service of lighting the chalice, joys and concerns, music followed by a topic. A member presents a program followed by discussion. Past programs have been on spirituality, democracy, other religions and faiths, local issues, social and community concerns and the environment. We meet twice a month at 5:00 PM on Sundays at the: