In focus: Unitarian Universalist Congregation
 |
Submitted photo
Pastor Gary Finke |
By Mary Ann Linforth, Special to the Green Valley News
Published: Thursday, March 6, 2008 8:04 PM MST
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Green Valley President Gary Finke talked about his church in an question-and-answer session:
Question: How long has the Universalist Unitarian Church been active in Green Valley?
Answer: Unitarians began meeting in Green Valley in the 1970s, usually in member’s homes.
As membership grew, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Green Valley incorporated and became a full-fledged church under the umbrella of the national organization. The Congregation now meets every Sunday, alternating conventional worship services with forums that offer a wide range of topics.
Q: How long have you been leader of the congregation?
A: I have been president since July 2006.
Q: Historically, how far back does your religion begin?
A: Both Unitarianism and Universalism started in Europe hundreds of years ago. The Universalist Church of America was founded in 1793, and the American Unitarian Association began in 1825. In 1961, these denominations consolidated to form the Unitarian Universalist Church.
Q: Where are you from originally and where did you take your training?
A: I was born and raised in Seattle and continue to live there during the summer. While away, I stay in close touch with members of the Board via phone and computer.
Q: Does the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Green Valley attendance fluctuate a good deal with seasonal guests?
A: Prior to 2004, we had few services during the summer due to a decline in attendance. However, growth in our overall membership encouraged us to maintain a full summer schedule. We continue to do this today.
Q: Do you have any outreach programs that your church sponsors?
A: Actually, the church has outreach programs both within the church and outside. For instance, we have a wonderful choir who share their passion for singing with various community groups. Within the church, we have a women’s Connection, Freethinker’s fellowship, Circle Suppers, an active men’s group and an annual holiday party.
Outside our fellowship, we are active in the Santa Cruz Border issues. In 2006, we became an official Welcoming Congregation, being on record of welcoming diverse lifestyles and sexual orientations.
Q: Do your Sunday worship service follow a certain set pattern? What about the sermon?
A: Each UU congregation holds its own style of religious service. Our services are held on Sunday morning. The sermon topics range from current events to theological concepts. Services also include announcements and time for worshipers to share their joys and sorrows. The choir sings at various times during the service.
Q: Do lay persons take an active part in your services?
A: Like most churches, lay people are the backbone of the congregation, serving on the board and a variety of committees.
Q: Does a central/regional/world-wide church govern you? If so, what issues does the Unitarian Universalist church consider important?
A: Our congregation is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association, headquartered in Boston. There is also a regional organization that provides support services to congregations in Southern California, Nevada and Arizona. We provide financial support to both these organizations and based on our membership. The national emphasis of the faith is on personal freedom, social justice and the environment.
Q: How do you reach out for new members?
A: We primarily appeal to those seeking a liberal faith, one that can assist them in building their own theology. Although we cite many principals from Christianity, one does not have to be a Christian to be a member. We have Buddhists, agnostics, atheists, etc., among us. We reach out for new members primarily through word-of-mouth and have recently developed an outstanding website explaining the purpose and nature of our congregation.
Q: Is there anything special that the church does specifically for the GV community?
A: We are donors to the Food Bank. We participate in the Interfaith Council and Friends In Deed. Our choir gives many recitals during the year to assisted living communities. They are especially popular during the holiday season.
Q: Is there a particular event your church holds during the year that attracts outside participation?
A: In recent years, we have held yard sales and auctions as fundraisers and to introduce the community to our congregation.
Q: What’s on your nightstand?
A: A Tom Clancy book - “Teeth of the Tiger.”
At a glance
What: Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Sunday Services-Canoa Hills Social Center
Address: 3660 S. Camino del Sol, Green Valley
Phone: 648-0570
Web site: www.uucgreenvalley.org
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of gvnews.com.
We encourage your feedback and dialog, all comments will be reviewed by our Web staff before appearing on the Web site.
Please visit our 
Comment
Rate
