UUVC Recognized as a Welcoming Congregation June 9, 2020
Back row: Janet Holt, Myra Rustin, Mary Ann Rittenmeyer, Kim Townsan. Front row: Rev. Mark Walz, David Welch, John Swinburn, Warren Searls, Susan Berkley.
The Unitarian Universalist Village church (UUVC) celebrates its recognition as a Welcoming Congregation with a year-long Year of Pride, presenting monthly programs starting on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. In accordance with the observance of safe-distancing practice, this will be an outdoor program with a rain date to be provided.
This designation is determined by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and honors the ways in which a UU congregation welcomes and celebrates the presence and participation of people who identify with the LGBTQ community. UUVC began this process five years ago and made formal application this year. The efforts towards application approval involve an exploration and description of the ways in which a UU church illustrates its approaches and actions toward the welcome of the LGBTQ community as it extends its hospitality to all members, friends, and visitors. Areas covered in this process include programming, congregational life, community outreach, and goals for the future. An ongoing commitment to the spirit of this recognition is reflected in the requirement of yearly recertification.
As envisioned, UUVC will be celebrating this achievement throughout the year as it approaches the milestone of maintaining and renewing its promise. The first program was planned to coincide with the June observance of LGBT Pride Month 2020 which commemorates the events that served to spearhead the struggles of the gay liberation movement in the United States. Recognition as a Welcoming Congregation has been UUVC’s goal, and a vital part of its long range plan and the conscious dedication to its principles.