About Us
Who We Are
Our church, a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association, was founded in 1960 as an outgrowth of the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis. We now have over 220 members and approximately 150 children in our Religious Education program—and we continue to grow.
We are small enough to provide a real sense of community, yet large enough to support a wide range of activities. Our members live in more than a dozen suburbs and include people of all ages.
We come from many religious backgrounds, but have one thing in common: an open quest for meaning, and an ongoing effort to put our shared values into practice. Unitarian Universalists find the essence of religion in character and conduct rather than doctrine, creed or dogma. We welcome and affirm the worth of all people regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities, affectional orientation, marital status, or religious beliefs.
Our Principles and Purposes
As Unitarian Universalists we affirm and promote the following principles:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person
- Justice, equality 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 congregation 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
A Welcoming Congregation
In order to be fully recognized as a welcoming congregation, UUCM undertook at two-year course of self study in the areas of education, congregational life, and community outreach.
We fly our rainbow flag with pride every day, celebrating Solidarity Sunday in October, attending Twin Cities Pride celebrations, the People of Faith Rally at the State Capitol in support of same-sex couples, and have hosted workshops, book discussions, movie nights, and speakers regarding GLBT issues.
UUCM has been officially recognized as a Welcoming Congregation by the Unitarian Universalist Association. A welcoming congregation affirms the worth and dignity of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people and encourages them to visit, participate, become friends, and join our congregation.
Church Leadership
Our Minister
Our Staff
Board of Trustees
The responsibilities of the Board are specified by the church bylaws. Board members are elected by a vote of the congregation and serve three-year terms. They have the ultimate fiduciary and policy-making authority for the church with the exception of calling ministers and approving the annual budget.
President: Alison Albrecht
Vice President: Noel Martinson
Treasurer: Michael Gower
Directors: Kevin Johnson, Michael McGee, Bill McKnight, Jackie Smolen, Steve Sundby. Ex-Officio: Christy Dachelet, Relocation Task Force Chair
Ministries and Their Missions
Communications
To promote UUCM, its news and events to its members and to the public.
Facilitator: Stephanie Wallingford
Community
To sustain a thriving, caring community that welcomes & embraces human diversity.
Facilitator: Deanna Johnson
Facilities and Operations
To enhance our church environment.
Co-facilitators: Pete Connors and Lee Kaster
Finance
To ensure financial support of the church.
Facilitator: Open—volunteer needed!
Membership
To support and grow the membership of UUCM
Facilitator: Janna Sundby
Lifespan Religious Education
To help each individual develop a personal religious identity and a sense of belonging to our UUCM community.
Facilitator: Julia Antonsen
Social Action
To develop and support programs identified by Social Action and the congregation, which provide opportunities to live our UUA principles.
Facilitator: John Crosson
Worship Arts
To encourage individuals to act in accordance with their beliefs & values; To nurture our quest for knowledge, truth & spiritual growth at every stage of life.
