New to Unitarian Universalism?

Intro to UUism

If you'd like to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, check out the Unitarian Universalist Association's Newcomer's Corner . Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about Unitarian Universalism.

Intro to the UU Congregation of Binghamton

On the first Sunday of each month, Rev. Douglas Taylor leads an informal, one-hour introduction to Unitarian Universalism and our congregation at 12:15 PM .

 

Alphabet Soup of Acronyms

New to the UU Congregation? Bewildered by the Alphabet Soup of Acronyms used to designate persons, places and things you encounter on church calendars and elsewhere?

Here’s your guide to often used acronyms:

UUCB –Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Binghamton
BUUYA – Binghamton UU Young Adults
DRE — Director of Religious Education
RE – Religious Education
DBSA – Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
NA – Narcotics Anonymous
RDN – Riverside Drive Nursery
UUW – UU Women
GLC – UU Gay/Lesbian Concerns Committee
PFLAG – Parents/Friends of Lesbians/Gays
UUFAIR (Indian Rights)
SGM – Small Group Ministry
FR – Fireside Room
SH – Social Hall
UUA – Unitarian Universalist Association

Want more acronyms defined? Here are a couple pages from the UUA:

http://www.uua.org/aboutus/glossaryacronyms/8945_21.shtml

http://www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/organizingcampus/forwardlooking/44070.shtml

 

Unitarian Universalist Association Principles and Purposes

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant 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;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:

•Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
• Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
• Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
• Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
• Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
• Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.

The Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association

The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the Association is to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions and implement its principles.

The Association declares and affirms its special responsibility, and that of its member societies and organizations, to promote the full participation of persons in all of its and their activities and in the full range of human endeavor without regard to race, color, sex, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, or national origin and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief or creed.

Nothing herein shall be deemed to infringe upon the individual freedom of belief which is inherent in the Universalist and Unitarian heritages or to conflict with any statement of purpose, covenant, or bond of union used by any society unless such is used as a creedal test.

 

This site created & maintained by Jeff Donahue
Quilt patterns courtesy of Hester Butler-Ehle
This page was updated on 1/26/2008

Unitarian Universalist Congregation
183 Riverside Drive
Binghamton, NY 13905
Phone: 607-729-1641 Fax: 607-729-1899
E-Mail: office@uubinghamton.org