Unitarian Universalist Association Priniciples and Purposes.

What can I expect from River Of Grass?
Unitarian Universalists highly value free religious inquiry. We are offering this orientation to provide information and to explore questions you may have about our congregation and denomination.

Why River of Grass?
The name was chosen to honor a South Florida treasure - the Everglades. This phrase was made popular by environmental activist Marjorie Stoneman Douglas.

Is River of Grass Independent?
Yes and No. We belong to the Unitarian Universalist Association along with about 1,000 other congregations. However, this is a grassroots denomination that receives its direction through a democratic process.

What is the Flaming Chalice?
It has been adopted as the official symbol of Unitarian Universalism and is often a centerpiece in UU worship. It was first designed as the logo for the Unitarian Service Committee, a humanitarian service organization founded to assist refugees out of Eastern Europe in the 1940s.

Do UUs Believe One Thing?
No. Unitarian Universalism has no creed. Therefore, there isn't one belief held by all UUs. Rather there are many commonly held beliefs that we identify as our shared Principles and Purposes.

Can I Believe Anything I Want?
Unitarian Universalism is not the freedom to believe anything or nothing. You have the right to form your own beliefs, and you have the responsibilities that go with it. Some are: understanding why you believe as you do, learning from your experiences, using your mind to reason and find answers, exploring the beliefs and practices of the world's religions, and learning about Unitarian Universalism - past and present.

Are UUs Christians?
Some identify themselves as Christians while others do not. UU's share a living tradition, which draws from many sources, as described in the Principles. They indude: Christian and Jewish teachings, words and deeds of prophetic men and women, direct experience of the transcendent mystery, humanist teachings, wisdom from the world's religions, and spiritual teachings from earth-centered traditions.

What About the Bible?
Lessons from the Bible, particularly the Jewish prophets, motivate individuals, inform sermons and inspire classes, as do teachings from the sacred texts and literature of other wisdom traditions of our world.

What About Jesus?
Jesus as well as other master teachers from the past like Moses and Buddha and more modern teachers such as Gandhi and the Dalai Lama, inspire UUs. He is, however, generally considered an extraordinary human being rather than supernatural.

Will There be Anyone Else Who Believes as I Do?
It's very likely that you will meet several people at River of Grass who believe as you do. You will also share the religious tradition of famous Unitarians from Thomas Jefferson to Susan B. Anthony and Universalists Clara Barton to P.T. Barnum.

What About Children?
We are a family-oriented congregation. We believe our children are the greatest asset of our spiritual community and have made a special commitment to include them in all aspects of our religious experience as well as providing programs specifically suited to the needs of children and young adults.

How Can I Become Involved?
River of grass provides a variety of opportunities to become a part of our spiritual family. Intergenerational events as well as special interest programs are available. Our shared ministry also includes work for the congregation and the larger community. Announcements, the newsletter, and indicating your interests are all sources of information and connection.

What Financial Commitment is Expected?
A healthy spiritual community needs to be nourished with both talents and resources. While there is not a fixed dollar amount or percentage required, those individuals committed to the growth and vitality of River of Grass have enthusiastically pledged both their time and money to our new congregation.

What if I Have More Questions?
Contact our minister, or attend our worship services, or contact the Unitarian Universalist Association.