The Stories That Form Us
Speaker: Rev. Molly Hammerhand •
Unitarian Universalism is a unique faith with its own history, traditions, prophets, and practices. How are we still being both informed- and formed- by our history?
Our Stories
I am fairly new to First Unitarian Universalist of Syracuse. Reverend Jennifer had created a congregation that is a community of friends and faith that care deeply for the world we live in as well as each other. I have been impressed with the amount of programming geared toward creating community and finding a deeper spiritual faith and practice. The youth program is active and led by Tina who seems to have unending patience, creativity and energy. FUUS encourages the work of social justice and questioning while seeking the truth. All are welcomed no matter where you are in your journey.
My husband and I are both totally blind and have two Seeing Eye dogs. Not only have we been welcomed into this congregation, but we are accepted as equal participants in this caring community. Shortly after we began attending the services, we were provided braille hymnals, which demonstrates First UU’s commitment to meeting the needs of people with disabilities. We have participated in a summer service and given a presentation to the youth’s religious education classes about our blindness and how our dogs enhance our mobility. Attending the services at First UU has expanded our knowledge of social justice, provided us with deep friendships and has helped us to expand our spiritual growth.
Honesty is important to me. Honesty with those around me, but more importantly, with myself. What I truly appreciate about First UU is that I am not only encouraged to honestly develop my own spiritual beliefs, I am supported in doing so. No one is telling me what to believe. Instead, inspiration has been provided from diverse perspectives from the pulpit, courses, workshops, and dialog with other members and friends. For me, I am also inspired by so many of our traditional belief systems so wonderfully expressed by our wonderful chancel window!
I like going to First UU because I know everyone there and they are friendly. I know the building well so I don’t get lost and it is fun to play hide and seek. My RE class is small without too many kids so I feel like I can get to know them well. There is a time in the service when the kids go up front to hear a story, I enjoy listening to the stories. I would recommend First UU to other kids because it is a fun place.
At First UU, I have found an institution which does not pelt me with answers to existential questions, but which provides me opportunities to seek answers to them in a community of open-minded people as well as ways to pursue social justice in the larger community.
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FUUSS is a non-dogmatic congregation. We are focused on the effects we can have on the world around us, including through social action, justice, spirituality, love and mutual understanding.
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