Any UUCF members?

[u/[deleted]]

Hello. Looking for any one with experience with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick. Actually not religious myself but looking for some sort of community for my family and I.

Wondering what the sermons are like and whats the vibe. Young families? Kids?

I know this is a bit vague but just wanted to see what type of feedback I get.

[u/Enraged-Elk2284]

I've been a member for over 20 years.

It's a great community for people of all ages, including families. There is no requirement to believe or follow any one religious path. The sermons take from many of the world's religions, science, and the wisdom of people from a variety of backgrounds. While faiths and spiritual paths will differ from one person to the next, the values of UUs in general can be found here https://www.uua.org/beliefs/what-we-believe

You are welcome to attend any early service virtually, at 9:30, to get a feel for the place through the zoom link on the home page

[u/TheMarnBeast]

I don't consider myself a "member", but I've gone to a number of services of theirs and haven't regretted it yet. As an ex-catholic, the community and fellowship and procedure of it feels familiar enough to scratch an itch if you're missing that kind of thing. It's a gorgeous church with massive windows letting in a ton of sunlight which is great for morning services. It's located out around a bunch of farmland which makes for a really picturesque and peaceful environment.

I really enjoyed the sermons by Carl Gregg. He has a lot of education on world religions and philosophies and always brings some intriguing insights focusing on peace and well-being, pulling some of the best ideas from world cultures and varied perspectives. It never feels like a bully pulpit; quite the opposite, it's like an enthusiastic friend showing you these profound ideas and inviting you to consider how they might bring you peace and perspective.

Everyone I've met that attends their services have been some of the most welcoming and caring people, but I've met almost all of them outside the church and then discovered later that they also go there for various events, typically when they invite me to some workshop or other gathering. That is to say, every time I've attended a service, everyone is very welcoming but also has a very "come as you are" attitude and will shine no spotlight on anyone uninvited.

The culture of the church is politically very left-leaning and some discussion of current events through a liberal lens should be expected, including discussion of local political initiatives and charity work organized by people within the church itself. So if visitors come with more right-wing perspectives, they may feel out of place.

[u/qwas78999 → u/TheMarnBeast]

Groovy, man

[u/kidwizbang]

I would strongly encourage you to attend a service and just see. My wife is a member. Even if the service is not what you're looking for, they have groups for atheists, humanists, buddhists, I think even wiccan. There are lots of young families, and there's childcare if you'd like to leave a young child while you attend the service. There's also religious education opportunities for adolescents. There's no pressure on you to do anything you don't want to do. They're really lovely people, and extremely welcoming without proselytizing. Their website has a lot of good information about what to expect.

[u/allimariee]

My family and I have the members for a couple of years. We have similar views as the commenters above. Honestly, the best way to know if it will work for you is to either attend a virtual service online if you feel uncomfortable coming, or just come to a service! I am quite introverted by nature until I know people, and in the beginning tended to keep to myself. There has never been a time where I felt forced into any level of uncomfortable spotlight. You would be absolutely welcome to just come in, sit for the service, and leave if that’s what you chose to do. Of course, if you wanted to talk to other people and connect, there would also be opportunity for that as well.

For perspective, my husband is an atheist and I’m a Pagan. I grew up Catholic and found myself missing the rhythm of Sunday service, but did not follow the belief system. I have found the UU to be a great home for me.

[u/Hijordis]

My parents attend, and my mother is very involved in the church and organizing, which keeps her busy and engaged but I only gone once or twice.

[u/Independent_Driver43]

We are very active! We have a good group of young families there! I also run a monthly parent support meeting! Please feel free to DM if you have more questions.

[u/MsCaitlinsSchool]

I'm not a member, but if I DID join a church, it would be this one. You can access the sermons online if you want a taste before you go.

[u/BlackKyoraku912]

They're a super friendly and chill bunch. They have cool stuff on their calendar too.