Unitarian Universalist Church in Middletown, NY
Who we are
Our Beliefs
Unitarian-Universalists are many and varied in their spiritual beliefs, and there is no single belief about the appropriate, prescribed path to spiritual growth that is the “correct” path for each person. The church provides challenges, resources and the support of a loving, caring, and thinking community for the spiritual development of all of its members, each according to need. Our church is open to all.
There is no required creed or set of beliefs to which Unitarian-Universalists must subscribe. However, the Unitarian Universalist congregations typically affirm and promote seven principles as follows:
· 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
· promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part
· the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
The Unitarian faith has roots in early Christianity, from the split that existed in the Christian church at the time of the Christian Council of Nicea, in the year 325, to the religious ferment that existed during the time of the Protestant Reformation. Critical thinkers and readers of the Bible pointed out that there was no Scriptural basis for the doctrine of the Trinity, or the concept of God as three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). These questioning people felt that the Bible should be interpreted by a rule of reason, and rejected official Church teachings. Because they did not believe in the Trinity, they were called Unitarians. The Unitarian church in America continued their focus on interpreting the Bible according to rational thought, and over the years, the church evolved under the influence of new waves of thought, including humanism and transcendentalism, which shifted the focus of the church beyond the Bible, to include many different views of spirituality and the world.
The Universalist Church developed in the 1700’s by those who rejected harsh Puritan, Calvinist doctrines of pre-destination, where most people were thought to be pre-destined to damnation regardless of their beliefs or activities. Universalists espoused a doctrine of universal salvation for believers, and felt that there should be a measure of accountability in human behavior.
Both Unitarian and Universalist believers were active in good works, education and social justice, helping to establish public schools, working towards prison reform, women’s rights, hospital reform, and abolitionist causes. In 1961, the two faiths merged to form the Unitarian Universalist Association of congregations, where the conjoined churches continue to work for spiritual growth, human accountability and social justice.
Our Leadership
Like all Unitarian-Universalist places of worship, the Unitarian Universalist Church in Middletown is congregationally governed – that is, the congregation governs itself. There is a Board of Trustees to manage and oversee the everyday business of the church, based on a constitution and bylaws adopted by the congregation. Significant decisions, like the calling of a minister or engaging in any significant expenditures, are decided on by a vote of the entire congregation.
Our Minister
Our minister Reverend David Monroe, named Minister Emeritus by the Church, has retired. Services are currently lay-led with guest ministers and other special guest programs occurring from time to time.
Our Finances
Our church plans a balanced budget every year, and is supported by voluntary pledges and donations made by members and friends of the church. Occasional fundraising events and activities are also held for special projects and needs. Members are asked to pledge financial support annually based on the needs of the church and their ability to pay. The Unitarian Universalist Church in Middletown is a Fair Share Congregation, paying annual dues to the Unitarian Universalist Association and the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan District based on the number of members.