Unitarian Universalist History

For next week, Feb. 25, Coming of Age Youth have been asked to choose a famous UU and research one interesting thing about them to bring back to the group.  (To download the handout, click "UU History Handout" in the column to the right.)

From the handout:

Unitarian Universalism is a faith that brings people together for a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We are united by an ethical framework, common goals, and a shared religious heritage.

Within the range of justice, equity, and compassion, Unitarian Universalist theologies cover a diverse landscape. Congregations do not ask members to adhere to a single statement of belief. We emphasize “deeds, not creeds.” Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist ancestors help us to describe the kind of deeds we’re talking about when we delve into the spirit of our faith movement.

On the other hand, the “Famous People” approach to UU history might give the impression that UUism is a loose collection of individuals. Not true! UUism affirms and promotes the interdependent web of existence. We need each other in community, and we maintain awareness of how each affects all. Famous UU’s are only the beginning. Enjoy learning about UU heritage, and take pride in being part of the living tradition.

Choose one to research:

Here is a brief list of Unitarians, Universalists, and Unitarian Universalists. If you find a famous UU not on this list whose life you would rather research, go for it! Bring one interesting fact about your chosen person, as well as their approximate birth and death dates, to Coming of Age on February 25.

Arts & Literature

Louisa May Alcott • P.T. Barnum • Béla Bartók • Ray Bradbury • Ralph Waldo Emerson • Margaret Fuller • Sylvia Plath • Malvina Reynolds • Christopher Reeve • Henry David Thoreau • Frank Lloyd Wright

Science & Medicine

Tim Berners-Lee • Elizabeth Blackwell • Laurel Salton Clark • Lewis Latimer • Maria Mitchell • Joseph Priestley • Benjamin Rush • Michael Servetus

Social Reform

Susan B. Anthony • Olympia Brown • Dorothea Dix • Vashti McCollum • James Reeb • Adlai Stevenson • Whitney Young, Jr.

Here are a few websites that may be useful for researching:

• Unitarian Universalist Association (http://uua.org/visitors/ourhistory/index.shtml)

• Famous UUs (http://famousuus.com)

• Harvard Square Library (http://www.harvardsquarelibrary.org/unitarians)

• UUA Bookstore (http://www.uuabookstore.org)

• UU Seminaries:

-Starr King (http://www.sksm.edu/research/uu_history.php)

-Meadville Lombard (http://www.meadville.edu/LL_JournalLR.htm)

CoA Retreat and more

Our Coming of Age Youth enjoyed their first retreat, and the star of the weekend was undoubtably the low ropes course at Harford Glen.  Thanks to everyone for making this event possible!  Contributions of money, food, time and driving assistance were all invaluable.  

As February wraps up we are finalizing mentor relationships and looking forward to a busy March.  In the meantime, don't forget our Parents' Circle meeting Wed., Feb. 25.

Another upcoming date you'll want to be sure to keep free is Saturday, April 18, which will be a day of community service on a project that the youth will choose.  

Be sure to check the blog if you have any questions about the schedule or the program, or contact Becky directly here.