Greetings and welcome to our open and inclusive community of faith. This is an intentionally diverse community held together through shared values and a commitment to transform ourselves, our community, and the world around us. This is a congregation with a strong history of direct action in pursuit of peace and justice for all.

Here you will find people who strive for spiritual growth in a variety of ways, drawing from many sources in search of religious truths. To be a Unitarian Universalist, one is not required to give assent to a particular creed, only to engage in a free and disciplined search for truth and meaning.

We do our searching in community with each other. We are imperfect beings who need each other as we strive together toward our ideal of a just and peaceable kingdom here on Earth.

I extend a warm invitation to you to experience first hand a religious way of life that will challenge you to grow into the best of who you are. If you are seeking a community of faith that is open to new insights, values the use of both reason and intuition in discerning ultimate truths, and is reverent of the interdependent web of existence, you just may find a home among us.

Sincerely,
Rev. Diane Dowgiert

Membership in a Unitarian Universalist congregation is a freely made choice to become part of a covenanted body of people.  Unlike other religious faiths, no conversion is required.  A non-creedal faith such as ours places a great deal of responsibility for matters of belief on the individual.  Each one must work out for oneself a personal theology, a way of believing that is genuine, authentic, and has integrity.

The choice to become a member is one made with due consideration after becoming acquainted with the congregation and with Unitarian Universalist ideals and values.  Signing the membership book and completing a pledge form signify the commitments of membership.

Ways to become acquainted with our congregation:

Newcomer Welcoming

Members of the UUCT Hospitality Team are available every Sunday to greet newcomers at the door and to meet with newcomers after the service.  If you are a newcomer, come to the front of the pulpit after the service and a member of our Hospitality Team will meet you there.  Also, inside Goddard Hall (our fellowship hall) you will find a Welcome Center staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people to answer any questions you may have.

Newcomer Orientations

Orientation sessions for newcomers are held four times a year.  The sessions are designed to be the beginning of your spiritual journey with us.  You will become acquainted with our minister, members of our staff, and lay leaders of the congregation.  The sessions are fun, lively, interactive, and informative.

Watch the announcements section of our home page for upcoming dates and times.

RSVP to Mary Wiese: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Judy Dare: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Newcomer Potlucks

Potluck dinners are informal occasions, a great opportunity for meeting other newcomers and some members of the congregation.  Held either in the homes of current members or in the fellowship hall at the church, these dinners are always memorable occasions for those who participate.

Watch the announcements section of our home page for upcoming dates and times.

RSVP to Mary Wiese: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Judy Dare: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

New Member Classes

Twice every month, our minister holds New Member Classes for those interested in becoming members of UUCT.  The classes are usually small in size, making an opportunity for you to get to know our minister on a more personal level.  You will also get to know others who are making the commitment of membership.

Watch the announcments section of our home page for upcoming dates and times.

New Member Classes are held every other month, on the first Wednesday, at 7 p.m., and the second Sunday after service. RSVP to Mary Wiese: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Judy Dare: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Active participation includes the following, recognizing that involvement in each area occurs over time, not necessarily all at once.

Presence in Sunday worship

Engaging in learning opportunities

• Adult Faith Development Classes
• Covenant Circles
• Sunday Speaker Series

Engaging in social justice activities

• No More Deaths/ Immigrant  Rights
• Homeless Hospitality
• Green, Sustainable Living
• Economic Justice
• Peace

Participation in groups and/or committees that help the church to carry out its mission and vision

• Teaching Religious Education
• Serving on a committee or ministry Team

The four commitments of membership:

• A commitment to walk together with others in the ways of our commonly held principles
• A commitment to grow spiritually
• A pledge of financial support
• A commitment of active participation

UUCT Mission Statement

This sacred community is rooted in our search for meaning, guided by personal experience, diverse religious traditions, and scientific discovery.  We are varied as the blooms of the Sonoran Desert, yet draw strength from one another.  Envisioning a world where justice and compassion cross all borders, we pledge energy and resources to transform ourselves, this community, and the world around us.

UU Bibliography

A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism
By Forest Church and John Buehrens

A Stream of Light: A Short History of American Unitarianism
By Conrad Wright

For Faith and Freedom: A Short History of Unitarianism in Europe
By Charles Howe

The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide: Fourth Edition
By William Sinkford

All books are available online at the UUA Bookstore
http://www.uuabookstore.org/

This information is available as a brouchure.  For more information about the many ministries see UUCT Ministries 2009-2010.