About the UU Church of the Highlands
Mission and Vision Statement
Through reflection and service we support our community, embrace and welcome diversity, cultivate spiritual exploration and honor the sacred in the universe and ourselves.
Our Principles
We seek to create lives of integrity, service, and joy and therefore believe in:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
- Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregation.
- 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.
Our Lay-Ministry
Our shared ministry enlists the whole church family in living out the values we proclaim. At home, at church, and in the greater community, we strive to make a world that is based on mutual understanding and respect.
Welcoming Congregation
The UUCH Fellowship is recognized officially by UUA as a Welcoming Congregation.
What do we mean by “Welcoming Congregation”? Simply that our congregation is focused on fostering acceptance, inclusion, understanding and equity for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender (g/l/b/t) persons of all colors, both within the UUA and in society at large.
The Principles of the UUA clearly affirm, promote, and welcome people from all cultures, religious backgrounds, and lifestyles in their own personal pursuit of religious truth. We use the rainbow chalice on our web site as an invitation to join us in creating a world community of peace, liberty and justice for all.
Children
and Youth
UUCH offers Religious Education Classes where kids of all ages learn about global traditions, customs, traditions, holidays and values.
Board Members
President
Bill Chamberlain
1st Vice President
Paul Blaney
2nd Vice President
Gail Grau
Secretary
Linda Ernst
Treasurer
Cathy Abernathy
Director
Dr. Mark Finney
Director
Emily Lachniet
RE Director
Dr. Kelly Bremner
Nominating Committee
Jane Hill &
Wava Osborne
Our
History
The UU group became recognized
by UUA as an official
UU Congregation and was granted
an official charter in 1990.
In November, 1988, an ad appeared in a local paper announcing the first Sunday Service of Unitarian Universalists in our area. Thirteen people responded to the ad, meeting at the 4H Center in Abingdon, Virginia. From the very first service, an area was arranged for children’s religious education.
The group continued to hold services once a month for six years, with two years at the 4H Center, two years at The Oaks (an Abingdon professional office building) and two years at Emory and Henry College. All the while, literally being a “Church In A Box”. Each Sunday, all church materials, equipment and supplies (including a playpen for the nursery as well as pillows and blankets for the toddlers) had to be loaded and unloaded from the trunks of various members’ cars. Thanks goodness for boxes and flexibility! During this time, the UU group became recognized by UUA as an official UU Congregation and was granted an official charter in 1990.
We share respect for the
interdependent web
of all existence of which we are a part.
In 1994, the UU group was privileged to share space with an AME congregation in Abingdon. For the first time, the UU boxes could be unloaded and church materials and supplies finally stored in a building rather than in the trunk of someone’s car.
Weekly services began to be held, with the UU’s meeting on Sunday mornings and the AME congregation meeting on Sunday afternoons. The quaint white building provided a good church home. However, with fifteen children, the space was not large enough for our R.E program. We solved this space issue by renting a trailer, in which the town and neighborhood allowed us to temporarily keep on the property. For this we are most thankful.
In 1995, the UU group of 21 adult members voted to build a church building. The UU group saved money and purchased two acres of land. A building layout was posted on the back wall of the AME church. Adults and children listed their ideas and suggestions on the drawing on the wall and from this, a final plan for the building was made.
In September, 1996, the first service was held in the new building. Today, we have 48 adult members and we continue to grow and to have a great time!
Written by (President 2019-2020) Wava Osborne
For additional information please contact us!
Our History
My UUCH
Get in Touch
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 238
Meadowview, VA 24361
Street address:
28421 Lee Hwy,
Meadowview, VA.
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