Welcome

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockland (Formerly the First Unitarian Society of Rockland County) founded in 1956, is an independent religious organization affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association. We are the denomination's only congregation in Rockland County. Our belief is in a religion without dogma, which allows the individual to develop a faith and values meaningful to his or her own life.

Unitarian Universalists focus their attention on human existence in the natural world and universe. Our concerns include spiritual, intellectual and ethical values as applied to the social and life issues of today.

 

 The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism

  • 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

 

Current Events

Continuing Conversations

Often, people ask me what’s different about Unitarian Universalist Congregations; I say that we are a people bound together by a behavioral covenant, rather than by a creed; that we are a denomination of pilgrims on a journey of spiritual discovery and communal connection. The more I have thought about it, the more I have realized that my “standard answer” is not as complete as I want it to be.  It doesn’t get to the core of my own beliefs, and ultimately it’s why the concept of covenantal community is the topic of this month’s news-letter column.                          

In reality, virtually all synagogues, churches, and masjids are covenantal communities, and I’m sure they would all hasten to point out that there are definite behavioral components to the covenants on which they are based. The concept of behavioral covenants is an ancient one that predates the sacred writings on which most western religious covenants are based.

But I am going to bring this closer to home.  I’m suggesting that we look anew at what covenant means to us both individually and collectively as a congregation.  We have a unique opportunity here.  We are poised to make changes in our own lives and in this Rockland community.  I am offering a sermon on covenant; we are offering an adult education class on building your own theology, and we have the annual meeting coming up.  All of these activities here at UUCR along with the Metro District’s meeting and our UUA General Assembly lead us toward this important ideal of what it means to be in community as a UU and a member/friend of UUCR.

So, I don’t believe we can do both covenant and individualism; individuality, yes, but not individualism.  Articulating and living our Principles as a commitment to covenant—creating and sustaining a community by “promising to one another our mutual trust and support”— and finances, takes extra effort.

I hope, nay I am counting on, this community of history and integrity, promise and reward to come together, shape a new future and live long and prosper. This is my dream for us; I hope in part it is yours as well!

In faith,                                       Gordon

Sermon Audio

UUCR is now recording many of our sermons and posting on our website.  Click the link to be taken to our Audio page.    Sermon (Audio)

 

 Amazon Associates Program

Go to our website: www.uurocklandny.org and scroll down and to the right.  When you see the Amazon icon, click on it and complete your order as usual. VOILA!  I know it’s easy because I did it!  This costs you nothing additional but UUCR gets credit back totally 4% of your purchase.   (If you are not seeing the Amazon icon please disable your pop-up blocker.) Tell your family – tell your friends.