Vision:

We support the principles of individual freedom of belief, respect for the di

fferences of others, promotion of universal peace and understanding, and recognition of the basic worth and dignity of all people.

Mission:

Our mission is to promote, extend, and to apply the Principles and the Living Tradition of the Unitarian Universalist Association, in support of spiritual growth and a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace.

Our Approach to Faith

We Unitarian Universalists have inherited a magnificent theological legacy. In a sweeping answer to creeds that divide the human family, Unitarianism proclaims that we spring from a common source; Universalism, that we share a common destiny.

Our local community ranges in age from less than a year to over eighty. We are singles, couples, retirees, and young families. Members and friends of the Fellowship are active participants in our community. Among the other organizations we’re active in are FoodLink, CropWalk, La Leche League, United Community Youth Center, Health Care for All, Democratic Club, League of Women Voters, Sierra Club, South Valley Peace Center, city advisory committees, and others. Hobbies and interests include gardening, genealogy, woodworking, travel, reading, square dancing, cross country skiing, hiking, trout fishing, bagpiping, weaving, spinning, politics, mentoring, studying Spanish, attending concerts, visiting art museums, painting, and sewing.

We cherish diversity and welcome among us people of various races, cultures, ages, abilities, sexual identities and faith perspectives. Distinctions of power and privilege that exist outside our doors do not apply within them.

To get an idea of our unique approach to faith, watch a 10-minute video:
Voices of a Liberal Faith: Unitarian Universalists

Programs for Spiritual Growth

Through sermons during our Sunday Services, and during children’s religious education classes and adult study groups, we regularly find inspiration from many different religions and spiritual practices, including reason and scientific understanding, embracing the six sources of our living tradition. We have a small library filled with books for spiritual growth, UU identity, and responsible living. Our new online bookstore points the way to many other insights to aid you on your spiritual journey. Our weekly social potlucks continue to build our community.

For our monthly calendar of upcoming events, see our monthly newsletter.  To subscribe, fill out a green sheet when you visit.

You can view our monthly newsletter and archives from our box.net site, below:

For newsletter contributions, email to:
uufvnewsletter@uuvisalia.org

If you cannot attend our services due to distance or time, you might enjoy some Quotes and further Reading, our online bookstore, and and review Links for online and long-distance UU programs.

Interested in social networking websites?
Join us on Facebook.

Why we are here:

1. Because here we join with open hearts and minds to worship together, seeking what is sacred among us.
2. Because here we are part of a long, liberal tradition of reason and tolerance, of hope and liberation.
3. Because we honor our Jewish & Christian roots, & also reach out to know the great truths found in other religious expressions.
4. Because here we acknowledge that revelation is never sealed and empower ourselves to search for new truths.
5. Because here we nurture our children’s enthusiasms and encourage their questions.
6. Because here we welcome diverse people and views.
7. Because here we join our strength with others to create a more just society.
8. Because here we respect the whole self — mind, body and spirit working together.
9. Because here we encourage each other to be true to ourselves.
10. Because here we build a supportive community that eases our loneliness and opens our hearts.

(from the Revs. Barbara & Bill Hamilton-Holway of the First UU Church of Berkeley)

Social Justice and Environmental Action

We are a certified Green Sanctuary, responding to the call to heal the Earth, combat global warming, and live more sustainable lives. For more information:

• Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth
• California Interfaith Power and Light

Our congregation is also an active member of the UU Justice Ministry of California, which works to support UUs and congregations engaging in immigrant justice, environmental justice, economic justice and equality work.  For more information about our local social and environmental justice efforts, see:

• Making a Difference

History and Geography

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Visalia (UUFV) was founded in 1970. We were formally incorporated in 2007. Donations to us are fully tax-deductible.

We serve the gateway communities to Sequoia National Park of Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Three Rivers, Farmersville, Goshen, Dinuba, Reedley, Kingsburg, Selma, and our neighbors in King County in Hanford, Corcoran, and Lemoore, in California’s San Joaquin Valley. If you live outside this region, there are several other UU Congregations of the Central Valley and Sierra.

Membership

If you are interested in exploring membership, please review our Pathways to Membership.