What is Unitarian Universalism?

Briefly, Unitarian Universalism is a covenantal, not a creedal, faith. We all come together to share our common beliefs that life is holy and each person is worthy. We are non-judgmental and inclusive, and we celebrate everyone’s different backgrounds and religious beliefs. But what holds us all together is wanting to search for meaning, growing as individuals, being respectful of each other, and serving the community.

What do UUs believe in?

We affirm and promote seven main principles. Simply worded, they are:

• Every person is important and has worth;
• People should be treated fairly and kindly;
• We should learn from one another;
• We are free to search for what is true and right in life;
• Everyone should have a say about the things that concern them;
• We work for a peaceful, fair, and free world;
• We need to care for our planet.

Even though the religion has Christian and Judaic roots, Unitarian Universalists don’t believe in the Holy Trinity or rely on one specific book or person for inspiration. We have six different sources, but the simplified version is:

• Direct experience that is affirmed in all cultures;
• Words and deeds of prophetic people;
• Wisdom from the world’s religions;
• Jewish and Christian teachings that call us to love our neighbors;
• Humanist teachings that counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and science;
• Spiritual teachings that instruct us to live in harmony with nature.

We are embracing of many beliefs, welcoming of all genders, identities, and sexual orientations, and increasingly accessible to people of all abilities. We change lives for the better. These testimonials from participants in our community speak to the acceptance, transformation, and happiness we find at UU of Livermore.

What are your services like?

Our weekly services each Sunday morning bring together our own thoughts and experiences with music and words that both comfort and challenge. They are often led by our own minister, but occasionally by a visiting minister, guest speaker, or member of our congregation. Service is from 10:30 to about 11:30 am every Sunday and is held at 1893 N Vasco Lane in Livermore. (We are one driveway away from “Legacy Ink,” and across the street from “Hop DeVine” and “88 Seafood Supermarket.”)

During service, we also have childcare and youth programs available, collect an offering to help support a non-profit in the community, hear life updates from members of the congregation, and hold a coffee-chat after service. Learn about what to expect in our thought-provoking and soulful worship services.

Whether speaking with the greeters at the front door, our minister, or to any of the friendly members of the Church you run into before and after the service, you can feel free to ask us anything!

Where do I park for Sunday Service?

We have a parking lot directly in front of our main, Sanctuary building. When you drive in, look for the parking spaces marked “Guest” on your left.

Do you have virtual services?

If you would like to attend the service remotely for any reason, you can join us through Zoom link below, and stay online afterwards to chat with other attendees in our Zoom coffee and conversation.

Zoom Meeting ID: 822 8829 6993

Zoom Passcode: Love

What kinds of activities do you have?

We hold a variety of different ways to support and connect with one another throughout the year. We have opportunities to get involved in the community, socialize with other members, learn more about others, and deepen our spiritual connection. You can also check out our events listing to find ways to connect.

What kinds of children’s care and programming do you offer?

We provide childcare and children’s religious education classes during service every Sunday. Children are also welcome to stay in the Sanctuary during service.

Please feel free to explore our transformative workshops and groups that we offer for youth ages preschool through high school. We also have family-friendly events throughout the year (i.e., Camp Shelley, monthly Potluck Lunch, Movie Club, Picnic at Lake Del Valle).

What is expected of congregation members?

Official members of our congregation are expected to regularly attend worship, make a yearly financial contribution, and are encouraged to volunteer helping the church in some capacity. If a person is wanting to join, they talk to the minister and “sign the book.” If you are contemplating wanting to become better connected with the congregation, please read more about it!

Who can I contact for more information?

There are several ways to reach us. You can call the office at (925) 447-8747, email the office at office@uucil.org, or visit us at 1893 N Vasco Rd in Livermore during office hours. You can also fill out a Newcomer Form and our welcoming committee will contact you! We look forward to meeting you and helping you find what you need!