There’s A Place For Everyone
– By Lisa Rutherford –
When I moved to Washington County twenty-three years ago, I knew the predominant religion was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, called Mormons by many. My husband, now deceased, and I were warned by some who had lived here but then moved away that there would not be many with whom to socialize given that demographic. Alan and I looked at each other and said in unison, “So?” It didn’t matter to us, but in fact, we found plenty of people with whom to socialize, including those of the predominant faith.
After Alan died and I met Paul Van Dam, I was introduced to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Southwest Utah (UUFSU). Paul had attended the First Unitarian Church in Salt Lake City for many years. I quickly came to appreciate what UUFSU had to offer in this conservative community. UUFSU offers a haven where people of faith or no faith can gather and share their vision of the world and learn from each other during this brief time on planet Earth. UUFSU is part of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Paul brought more than love to my life when he introduced me to this fellowship.
It’s important to acknowledge UUFSU at this time since the fellowship will be celebrating its fifteenth year in our community this year. It began with a small group of curious individuals led by Warren Wright who were seeking a place to share their ideas about life, spirituality (whatever that might be), and the search for truth and meaning. A notice was posted in The Spectrum newspaper that a meeting would be held at the St. George Library. Thirty people showed up! There was obviously a need for something different than what organized religion had to offer.
Unitarian Universalists abide by seven principles which are not dogma but serve as a guide to those wishing to participate:
- 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- 2nd Principle: Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
- 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
- 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
- 6th Principle: The goal of the world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
- 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Many famous people have been UUs. Those include but are certainly not limited to John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Abigail Adams, John Quincy Adams, Paul Revere, Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton, E.E. Cummings, Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, Dorthea Dix, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Millard Fillmore, Robert Fulghum, Buckminster Fuller, Horace Greeley, Oliver Wendel Holmes, Jr., Julia Ward Howe, Herman Melville, Paul and Joanne Newman, Linus Pauling, Beatrix Potter, Bonnie Raitt, Christopher Reeve, Albert Schweitzer, Pete Seeger, Rod Serling, William Howard Taft, Frank Lloyd Wright, and the list goes on. It has drawn those who have a curiosity about life and want something more than what traditional religion has to offer.
UUFSU programs cover a wide range of topics, including issues dealing with health, equality, racial justice, religious beliefs, the environment, tributes to famous individuals, significant holidays, personal searches for truth and meaning, and more. There are even intergenerational gatherings that focus on activities for kids, outdoor activities to encourage appreciation of this amazing area in which we live, and book and movie groups for those who want to share their experiences.
Supporting local organizations such as Food Bank, PAWs, Dove Center, Switchpoint, Memory Matters, and other worthy organizations is a large part of UUFSU’s focus.
On a personal note, I have to add that being part of UUFSU has not only added a great deal of enjoyment to my life. I think it’s making me a more compassionate and caring person and encouraging me to consider things that I might never have considered before. It’s opened the world to me in many ways.
For anyone who desires to be part of an organization that offers something different than traditional religion, you should try UUFSU, an organization with this aspiration – one that is much needed during these trying times: “We envision a world that promotes peace, acceptance, patience, understanding and caring support of everyone, respecting the unique characteristics and gifts of all.” UUFSU is a place for everyone.
Meetings are held in the Room at The Square in St. George (175 W 900 S, St. George). Check the UUFSU website for more details. Hope to see you there and Happy New Year to all!
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