Member Support & Caring

As Unitarian Universalists we are committed to welcoming and supporting you.  Ours is a tradition that embraces a wide array of beliefs and identities.  No matter what stage of life you are in, you are welcome here.

Stages of Life

Our congregations intentionally affirm the infinite variety of families, and commit to provision and sustain them as they grow in spirit, love, and justice.

Unitarian Universalist congregations offer youth and young adults with online connections, congregational programming, campus ministry resources, events, leadership trainings, and more. We believe in supporting our youth and young adults through times of transition and recognize that the transition from youth to young adulthood is a moment to be celebrated, a process to be supported, and requires a lifelong commitment from all of us.

Marriages, child dedications, and memorial services ceremonies mark life transitions. Many congregations also hold ceremonies to welcome new members.

In addition to conferences and online communities for singles, many UU congregations host events or small group ministries for individuals who are not in a committed relationship.

Identity-Based Ministries

Unitarian Universalism is an inclusive and multicultural faith working towards a theology of wholeness and justice.  We welcome and affirm:

• Racial Justice & Multicultural Ministry,
• Disability & Accessibility 
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Welcome and Equality

• Identity development for youth and young adults.

Pastoral Care

One way a congregation can support its members is by forming a Lay Pastoral Care Team, which works in conjunction with other religious professionals to connect members of the congregation to each other and provide support during times of joy and sorrow. Pastoral care for youth and young adults is also an important part of the way we support people in our faith communities.

Lay Pastoral Care Team Ministry is a program developed by the River Road Unitarian Church in Bethesda, MD for forming your own Lay Pastoral Care Team.

Small Group Ministries

Many of our congregations offer Small Group Ministry (SGM) which provides a format that nurtures connections and explores spirituality.

Addictions Ministry

Addictions present many challenges; our faith provides strength and comfort with which to meet those challenges. Our Addictions Ministry Resources offer tools and information to support reflection and transparency, and to help those with addictions, their families, and their communities along the path to recovery.

• Nurturing Inclusivity in Our Congregations