Click here to receive Currents in your email each Thursday.

Lead Stories

Click an article title to read more.

UUCC Sunday Schedule

Easily access information about and links to our Sunday programming for children, youth, and adults, including classes, our Sunday service, and social opportunities.

Engage! Grow! Connect! Upcoming Classes Offer It All

Adult Programming and Adult Religious Education and Spiritual Development (ARESD) is popping! We have different classes and workshops available that offer ways to engage in discussion, grow and learn, and connect with others in healthy ways. Check out these upcoming classes: "Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know" and "What About All These Pronouns?"

Re-Covenanting Ceremony

The honor of your presence is requested for a Re-Covenanting Ceremony on Sunday, March 24 during the service.

Life RE-examined: Another Look at Article II

This month, we had another great discussion session on the UUA Bylaws changes to Article II. We looked at the layout of the proposed values and two new values that have been put forward as amendments. We hope you will look at the information available and come back and look again as we prepare to vote on the changes. Engaging in this work is important to our faith and faith identity.

UUCC Board of Trustees Calls Vote on Bylaws Amendments

The Board of Trustees (BOT) is proposing several amendments to our Bylaws, with a particular focus on sections related to voting. According to Article XI of the Bylaws (“Bylaws Procedures”), “these bylaws may be amended or repealed at any duly authorized meeting of the Membership by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members present and voting.” The BOT will hold a special congregational meeting for this vote on Sunday, March 24, at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Minister Search Team March Update: Countdown to a Candidate

The UUCC Minister Search Team is still on track to complete the work you’ve asked us to do. We are in the final phases of recruiting, interviewing and selecting a Settled Minister to help lead our UU Community into the future. And we’re on schedule, as we published in the fall, to wrap up this work in the next two months.

Click an article title to read more. Scroll down for more articles and to view the calendar.

Click here to receive Currents in your email each Thursday.

Calendar

Week of Events

Program Areas

Special Events

Scroll in box to view all items. Click an article title to read more.

Re-Covenanting Ceremony

The honor of your presence is requested for a Re-Covenanting Ceremony on Sunday, March 24 during the service.

UUCC Board of Trustees Calls Vote on Bylaws Amendments

The Board of Trustees (BOT) is proposing several amendments to our Bylaws, with a particular focus on sections related to voting. According to Article XI of the Bylaws (“Bylaws Procedures”), “these bylaws may be amended or repealed at any duly authorized meeting of the Membership by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members present and voting.” The BOT will hold a special congregational meeting for this vote on Sunday, March 24, at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Compassion Closet Update

Here's an exciting update from our Intersectional Justice partner, Compassion Closet. Look for the box to donate items to Compassion Closet in Freeman Hall on Sundays. The demand is increasing, and there is a special need for CHILDREN'S AND MEN'S [SIZE MEDIUM] CLOTHING.

Two Ways to Care for Our Community

We all need care at some point. Congregational Care invites you to be a part of caring for others in our congregation.

Memorial Endowment Trust (MET) Grant Season Officially Opens

Each year, the Memorial Endowment Trust of the Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte requests applications from groups and Teams within the UUCC for worthy projects. The Trustees invite recognized UUCC Teams and groups to apply for projects that meet the grant program’s guidelines.

ODS Silent Auction

Open Door School's biggest scholarship fundraiser, the Silent Auction, is back in person this year on Saturday, April 20, from 6 - 8 p.m!

Minister Search Team Update: Next Steps in the Search

You may be wondering, “Now that the Settled Minister Search Team has released its report on the congregational survey, feedback and focus groups, when will they actually start searching?” Good question!

Adult Programming

Scroll in box to view all items. Click an article title to read more.

UUCC Sunday Schedule

Easily access information about and links to our Sunday programming for children, youth, and adults, including classes, our Sunday service, and social opportunities.

UUCC GreenFaith Circle Meetings

GreenFaith is a global, multi-faith movement to resist the planet’s destruction and to create a sustainable, just future. UUCC's GreenFaith Circle meets monthly on the 1st Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Bernstein Room and via Zoom.

Engage! Grow! Connect! Upcoming Classes Offer It All

Adult Programming and Adult Religious Education and Spiritual Development (ARESD) is popping! We have different classes and workshops available that offer ways to engage in discussion, grow and learn, and connect with others in healthy ways. Check out these upcoming classes: "Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know" and "What About All These Pronouns?"

What About All These Pronouns? Saturday, March 30

A spinoff of the popular What About All These Words, this class will explore language around gender and sexual orientation. Have you been wondering about Pronouns and language around LGBTQ+ folks? Have you been unsure how Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation intersect and where they are very separate? Have you been confused about what pronouns to use or how to ask? Do you want tips on how to approach folks in these situations, while still showing acceptance and humility?

Open Mind Book Club

The next Open Mind Book Club will meet on Monday, April 1, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. We will discuss The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune.

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know

March 11, March 25 and April 15 on Zoom, join Kelly Greene and Dave Warren for a discussion of the critical art of rethinking: learning to question your opinions and open other people’s minds, which can position you for excellence at work and wisdom in life.

Credo: A Personal Spiritual Journey

Our next Credo: A Personal Spiritual Journey presentation will be on April 21 at 11:30 a.m. in person in the Bernstein Room and via Zoom.

Minister Search Team Update: Next Steps in the Search

You may be wondering, “Now that the Settled Minister Search Team has released its report on the congregational survey, feedback and focus groups, when will they actually start searching?” Good question!

Article II Discussions – Now through May 2024

UUCC will engage with monthly discussions on the revisions to Article II, the process, and its content. Sessions are planned for December 2023 through May 2024. (read on for more details)

Seniors Share

The SENIORS SHARE group meets in the Bernstein Room on the third Wednesday from 2-3:30 p.m. All are welcome. Just email Jane Kusterer if you plan to attend.

Jabberwocks Poetry Group

Jabberwocks welcomes poets who want feedback and who strive to improve their work. We meet on the third Friday of the month, 10 a.m. -12 p.m. on Zoom.

Healing Threads: A Prayer Shawl Ministry

Meet to knit or crochet together as a spiritual community and to bless the shawls we complete. Shawls are given to Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte members with a significant hardship or loss and to KinderMourn. Meets 2nd Monday at 7 p.m. Contact Kathleen Moloney-Tarr at krmt1923@gmail.com.

Consider Joining a UUCC Affinity Group

UUCC members, browse the latest opportunities to join with others in our congregation for readers theater, celebrating the divine feminine, book discussions, walking, hiking and cycling, peer support for anxiety and depression, meditation, and more!

Lotus Path Group

We study and discuss various types of Buddhism and related Eastern spiritual paths, considering how they relate to us today. Each meeting begins and ends with meditation.

Children & Youth Programming

Scroll in box to view all items. Click an article title to read more.

UUCC Sunday Schedule

Easily access information about and links to our Sunday programming for children, youth, and adults, including classes, our Sunday service, and social opportunities.

Second Friday Family Fun Night (F3N), April 12

We invite all parents, children, and youth to join us for our next Friday Family Fun Night (F3N), April 12, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. We will gather all together at 6:30 in Freeman Hall for an easy dinner. We will then separate into groups (parents, children up to grade 4, Jr Youth -grades 5-7, and Sr. Youth – grades 8-12) for fun activities.

Middle School Youth Group

6th-8th graders are invited to be part of the Middle School Youth Group 2nd Friday evenings 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Connecting UUCC Families in our Facebook Group!

We invite all UUCC families to join our "UUCC Families Group" on Facebook. Our goal is to keep our families connected through photos, resources, and personal sharing.

Action & Education Outside UUCC

Scroll in box to view all items. Click an article title to read more.

Interfaith Youth Panel

On April 14 at 5pm, participate in or attend MeckMin's Interfaith Youth Panel.

UUA General Assembly 2024 – Registration is open!

The 63rd General Assembly will take place virtually Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 23, 2024. "Love Unites, Stories Ignite" celebrates the profound impact of love as a binding force that transcends boundaries and fosters connections within our faith community and beyond.

Free the Book!

This guide from Beacon Press explains why book bans are happening, why they matter and gives suggestions for what action we can take.

Social Opportunities

Scroll in box to view all items. Click an article title to read more.

UUCC Sunday Schedule

Easily access information about and links to our Sunday programming for children, youth, and adults, including classes, our Sunday service, and social opportunities.

Men’s Potluck

Please join us to continue with our new Men's Potluck tradition on Monday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. in Freeman Hall.

Two Ways to Care for Our Community

We all need care at some point. Congregational Care invites you to be a part of caring for others in our congregation.

UUCC’s Gardening Group

Learn more about the mission of the UUCC's Gardening Group and find out how you can get involved. The group meets at the UUCC on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month.

Seniors Share

The SENIORS SHARE group meets in the Bernstein Room on the third Wednesday from 2-3:30 p.m. All are welcome. Just email Jane Kusterer if you plan to attend.

Lunch Bunch

After service on the second Sunday of each month, join others from UUCC for lunch at Piada.

Calling all Gamers!

The UUCC Gamers' Group meets monthly in the Bernstein Room at 7 p.m. to play board/strategy games and build community.

Healing Threads: A Prayer Shawl Ministry

Meet to knit or crochet together as a spiritual community and to bless the shawls we complete. Shawls are given to Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte members with a significant hardship or loss and to KinderMourn. Meets 2nd Monday at 7 p.m. Contact Kathleen Moloney-Tarr at krmt1923@gmail.com.

Consider Joining a UUCC Affinity Group

UUCC members, browse the latest opportunities to join with others in our congregation for readers theater, celebrating the divine feminine, book discussions, walking, hiking and cycling, peer support for anxiety and depression, meditation, and more!

Happy Wanderers

Join Tuesday Walkers at 11:00 A.M. as they stroll different greenways each week on a rotating basis.

(dis)Abled Support and Advocacy Group

The disability support and advocacy group welcomes those with any type of physical or mental health challenge, as well as allies and friends.

Member-Only Facebook Group

Join our members-only Facebook group, "Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte Members." This is a "closed" Facebook group where members can discuss issues and interests in private--like a virtual Freeman Hall, except you bring the coffee!

News and Information

Scroll in box to view all items. Click an article title to read more.

UUCC Sunday Schedule

Easily access information about and links to our Sunday programming for children, youth, and adults, including classes, our Sunday service, and social opportunities.

Re-Covenanting Ceremony

The honor of your presence is requested for a Re-Covenanting Ceremony on Sunday, March 24 during the service.

Life RE-examined: Another Look at Article II

This month, we had another great discussion session on the UUA Bylaws changes to Article II. We looked at the layout of the proposed values and two new values that have been put forward as amendments. We hope you will look at the information available and come back and look again as we prepare to vote on the changes. Engaging in this work is important to our faith and faith identity.

UUCC Board of Trustees Calls Vote on Bylaws Amendments

The Board of Trustees (BOT) is proposing several amendments to our Bylaws, with a particular focus on sections related to voting. According to Article XI of the Bylaws (“Bylaws Procedures”), “these bylaws may be amended or repealed at any duly authorized meeting of the Membership by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members present and voting.” The BOT will hold a special congregational meeting for this vote on Sunday, March 24, at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Minister Search Team March Update: Countdown to a Candidate

The UUCC Minister Search Team is still on track to complete the work you’ve asked us to do. We are in the final phases of recruiting, interviewing and selecting a Settled Minister to help lead our UU Community into the future. And we’re on schedule, as we published in the fall, to wrap up this work in the next two months.

Memorial Garden at UUCC

Learn more about UUCC's memorial garden and potential plans to expand it.

Introducing your Right Relations Team

In November, the UUCC Board of Trustees announced the adoption of the UUCC Covenant of Right Relations Policy. With the new policy comes the need to establish a Right Relations Team (RRT). We are pleased to announce the four inaugural members of UUCC's Right Relations Team.

A Message from Staff Regarding COVID-19 Protocols

Your UUCC (Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte) staff continues to balance health and safety with maintaining access to our congregational connections. In recognition of the surge in positive COVID-19 cases in our community, we want to remind everyone that the UUCC continues to follow the recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to keep everyone healthy and safe.

The Safety Patrol Needs You!

We're looking for volunteers to work Safety Patrol on Sundays. Interested? Training will be provided.

Minister Search Team February Update

Working with the UUCC staff and Board of Trustees, the Minister Search Team has announced that the eight days from April 28 to May 5, 2024, will be Candidating Week, the time when the Search Team introduces the minister candidate to our UU Community. The week will culminate with the Sunday service on May 5, followed by a special congregational meeting to vote on the official call to ministry.

UUCC Pet Policy

Pets make our lives better in so many ways. Pets are also a responsibility, and their presence at our facility presents challenges for people for various reasons that we must respect. Unitarian Universalism is an inclusive faith, and the presence of pets excludes the interests of those who have allergies, fears, or phobias surrounding animals. Therefore, with the exception of service animals, no pets are allowed in the property at 234 North Sharon Amity Rd.

Memorial Endowment Trust (MET) Grant Season Officially Opens

Each year, the Memorial Endowment Trust of the Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte requests applications from groups and Teams within the UUCC for worthy projects. The Trustees invite recognized UUCC Teams and groups to apply for projects that meet the grant program’s guidelines.

Board of Trustees Votes Unanimously on Agreement to State Pronouns

The practice of stating one's pronouns as part of self-introduction has become a norm in many progressive spaces. In December, the UUCC Board of Trustees voted unanimously to state their pronouns during meetings and other UUCC gatherings where they are present. Learn more about the reasons behind this decision here.

Minister Search Team Update: Save the Dates!

Working with the UUCC staff and Board of Trustees, the Minister Search Team has announced that the eight days from April 28 to May 5, 2024, will be Candidating Week, the time when the Search Team introduces the minister candidate to our UU Community. The week will culminate with the Sunday service on May 5, followed by a special congregational meeting to vote on the official call to ministry.

UUA General Assembly 2024 – Registration is open!

The 63rd General Assembly will take place virtually Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 23, 2024. "Love Unites, Stories Ignite" celebrates the profound impact of love as a binding force that transcends boundaries and fosters connections within our faith community and beyond.

Minister Search Team Update: Beyond Categorical Thinking

Even if you did not participate in the Beyond Categorical Thinking workshop on December 2, there are lessons to be learned about how we interact with and evaluate people who may be different from us.

Minister Search Team Update: Next Steps in the Search

You may be wondering, “Now that the Settled Minister Search Team has released its report on the congregational survey, feedback and focus groups, when will they actually start searching?” Good question!

Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte Settled Minister Search Team Report on the Congregational Survey, Feedback and Focus Groups, November 2023

The UUCC Settled Minister Search Team thanks everyone who participated in our congregational survey – as well as our feedback and focus groups – over the last few months. We set out to give members, friends, and staff an opportunity to influence the decisions we make on candidates to be our next minister. Now it’s time to report out what you told us.

Interdependence and the UUA

What does it mean to be connected to the UUA? Rev. Lisa considers the complex network of organizations, congregations and relationships for which we often use the the acronym “UUA” as shorthand.

Covenant of Right Relations Policy Developed

This congregational year, the Board of Trustees has worked to develop a policy that will provide a framework as our Covenant of Right Relations guides our community interactions, and the policy is now ready to be presented to the congregation.

Introducing the Community Compass!

We are pleased to introduce the Community Compass, a space for regular communications, in longer form than Currents allows for, from UUCC staff and leadership.

UUCC Minister Search Feedback Groups Announcement – UUCC Minister Search Update #3

Hearing from our UUCC members is one of the top priorities for the Minister Search Team. Recently, we released the congregational survey. To date, we have received more than 110 responses. We are looking to get a 60% return, or 313 surveys, by the October 6 deadline. The next phase of our information-gathering includes a series of five feedback sessions, to which all members are invited.

UUCC Minister Search Update #2–Survey

The Settled Minister Search Team is conducting a survey that is a critical part of our work. We are asking you to answer, by October 6, a series of multiple-choice and open-ended questions that will help the Team in the search process.

A Message from the Board

Please review this letter from the UUCC Board of Trustees about a petition circulating relating to our search for a new minister, which was sent to all members via email Wednesday evening.

UUCC’s Gardening Group

Learn more about the mission of the UUCC's Gardening Group and find out how you can get involved. The group meets at the UUCC on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month.

Ministerial Fellowship and Search FAQs

The Board of Trustees has updated the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about Ministerial Fellowship and the search for our next settled minister. New questions and answers are interspersed among the original FAQ. Members are encouraged to read the entire document.

UUCC Minister Search Update #1

The seven-member Settled Minister Search Team provides the first of many updates about where we are in the search process. Plus, find out where you can always access the latest information about the search.

Relational Promises, Sermon Redux

Rev. Lisa writes about covenant in this installment of the Minister's Blog. "As a non-creedal tradition, covenant is fundamental to our identity as Unitarian Universalists. Rather than being held together by shared beliefs, we rely on our relational promises to keep us together."

Ushers Help Create a Welcoming Worship Experience

At UUCC, we believe that each member contributes to the tapestry of our vibrant community. By joining our team of ushers, you become an integral part of creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring the smooth running of our worship services. If you are passionate about serving, connecting with others, and making a difference, we encourage you to consider becoming an usher.

Sunday Morning Greeters Make a Difference

We are looking for friendly people or families to greet visitors, help new people find their way, make introductions and provide information in the vestibule and in Freeman Hall on Sunday mornings before and after the service. Are you willing to fill this role?

Urgent Need: Sunday Morning Volunteers

Volunteers are the heart and soul of our religious community, and they are especially crucial to providing welcoming experiences and inspirational worship on Sunday mornings. Right now we urgently need A/V workers, coffee servers, greeters, safety patrol members, and ushers.

Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Available at UUCC

Thanks to a grant from the Memorial Endowment Trust to the Children and Youth Religious Education program, UUCC now has essential life-saving devices including Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to help in cardiac emergencies and LifeVacs for choking emergencies.

URGENT NEED: A/V Booth Volunteers

We urgently need video volunteers to help capture a dynamic, compelling worship experience that will be shared with members and friends who join us online and audio volunteers to ensure that the sound and screen technology in the sanctuary run smoothly. If you are comfortable with technology (or are willing to learn), we need you!

Summer Reading

After the busy congregational year, Rev. Lisa looks forward to a slightly slower pace for a few weeks, some family travels, and dedicated time for reading and study. Here are a few of the books she's got in her summer reading pile.

What Is This Interim Ministry Thing, Anyway? Sermon Redux

From the Minister's Blog: Early in my time here, I gave an introduction to the concept of interim ministry in a Sunday service called “What Is This Interim Thing, Anyway?” Since not everyone was present for that service, I thought I'd offer a blog post on the highlights of that conversation.

Mission Matters

Rev. Lisa reflects on the UUCC Mission Statement and the purpose of Congregational Missions.

UUCC’s Covenant of Right Relations

On September 25, the Sunday service topic centered around the idea and origins of covenant and the ways we live out those relational promises. Here is the text of the covenant that UUCC adopted June 6, 2021, and a link to the September 25 service.

A Bean in a Little Box

How did a philosophy class about miracles lead to a conversation in Freeman Hall, and what does that have to do with volunteering at the UUCC?

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

Our Board meets monthly, usually on the third Tuesday, to conduct congregational business. Minutes of meetings conducted during the current congregational year are accessible here.

Coordinating Team Reports

Every month the CT reports to the Board of Trustees on finances, membership and generally on progress toward fulfilling our Mission and Ends. The “narratives” portions of those reports, compiled with the assistance of all the professional staff, along with “monthly participation numbers” are available here.

UUCC Inclement Weather Policy

Read on for a reminder for our members and friends of our inclement weather policy (effective when services and activities are scheduled on the grounds and in the building).

Member-Only Facebook Group

Join our members-only Facebook group, "Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte Members." This is a "closed" Facebook group where members can discuss issues and interests in private--like a virtual Freeman Hall, except you bring the coffee!

Love this place? Donate to the Endowment

Help insure the long-term health of the UUCC. Give to the Memorial Endowment Trust in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special person or event.

Click here to receive Currents in your email each Thursday.