New WSB sponsor: Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation

West Seattle is home to a wide variety of spiritual communities from a diverse array of faith traditions – and many are growing fast. Today, we welcome one of them as our newest WSB sponsor: Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation, an active, spiritually liberal West Seattle Church for more than four decades, led by the Rev. Peg Morgan. The tagline summing up WSUU: “Feeding your spirit, expanding your mind, working for justice.” Here are some of the ways its current, growing congregation of 150 adults and 80 children/youth say they’re doing that: “Examples of our current work in social justice include direct participation in Habitat for Humanity; caring for homeless families through the Family Promise Program; joining with the West Seattle Neighbors for Peace in opposing the tragic war in Iraq; and continuing to press for full equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people.” Toward the latter end, WSUU is a certified Welcoming Congregation. If you haven’t attended a Unitarian Universalist service before and are wondering what UUs believe, here’s a little bit about that: “We believe there are many sources of wisdom from which to draw in order for one to develop a strong spiritual core and live a meaningful, ethical life. Those sources include the world’s religions, our natural environment, as well as science and reason.” And it’s for all ages; WSUU has a well-regarded, comprehensive religious-education program for youth, under the leadership of Director of Religious Education for Children and Youth, Kari Kopnick. Also offered is a stimulating and diverse program of adult education classes. The church meets at 10:30 Sunday mornings at the Alki Masonic Temple, with an after-service coffee hour “where newcomers are warmly welcomed” – and there’s an enthusiastic, growing Choir and Music program too:

Plus, there are other socializing/spiritual support opportunities such as Women’s Retreats and Circle Suppers. To find out more, explore the WSUU website at wsuu.org. Thanks to Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation for joining the WSB sponsor team; our full list of sponsors — thanks to everyone for supporting them! — and info on how to join them, is on this page.

Mars Hill October 3, 2008 (4:11 pm)

Wow! Christians who are following Jesus’ message. Go Figure.

JanS October 3, 2008 (10:16 pm)

Welcome to this wonderful church…nice to have them in our community…

Sue October 3, 2008 (11:28 pm)

I have to say that Westside UU is one of the most welcoming congregations I’ve ever joined – I used to come down here for services even when I lived in Lynnwood – and despite there being at least 4 UU congregations that were closer to me. It’s part of what made me fall in love with West Seattle and move here.

westwood October 4, 2008 (12:04 am)

Thanks for the post. We started attending this church several years ago in part to give our kids a spiritual education without specific religious dogma. I would encourage you to check it our some Sunday. Unitarian Universalists aren’t Christians per se, although some are. Some are atheists, reformed Buddhists, pagans. It is a place where many different people choose to worship and meet one another. Here are the six principles UU’s follow from Wikipedia for those who wish to know more:

The Principles and purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association

“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote”

* 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 congregations;
* A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
* The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations 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.

“The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:”

* Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
* Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
* Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
* Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
* Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
* Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

“Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.”

dinolicious October 6, 2008 (9:05 am)

As a member, I encourage people to check it out. You can visit and not feel pressure to join. We have many great committees and classes to be involved in – it is a fantastic progressive community.

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