New commers and visitors

New Comers and Visitors

Idea is for this page to replace current Visitor's Center page.

Photos of ministers on this page, link to bios

• UUCA pamphlet
• The Seven Principles
• This Church's History
• Church Governance


From Visitor's Center

Who We Are:

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (UUCA) seeks to build and sustain a committed fellowship, to celebrate spirit, to invite the enrichment of human diversity, to nurture spiritual and intellectual growth, and to embody our faith in deeds of justice and love. We are an intentionally inclusive congregation that welcomes people of all races, religious backgrounds, cultural origins and sexual orientations. UUCA is located at 4444 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia, at the intersection of Route 50 and George Mason Drive.

UUCA is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion, which emerged from a Judeo-Christian heritage. Our Members hold a wide variety of theological views ranging from liberal Christianity to Humanism, to earth- based spirituality. Even with diversity, however, we agree on core values: the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregation and in society at large; and the goal of peace, liberty, and justice within the world community.

An inspirational two-minute timeout with Rev. McGee.

Where You Fit In:

We encourage you to become an active participant in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington. Several times a year we offer "My New UU", an orientation for newcomers in which you learn about our church and its many activities. This is followed by a two-session "UU Basics" class, which goes into more detail about the history and philosophy of Unitarian Universalism and this particular church. UUCA is divided into working divisions and committees such as Religious Education, Social Responsibilities, the Elder Counsel and many others that provide different activities and services to our church community and the greater community around us. Within each division are opportunities to become active in the church. Greeters can help you connect with events, activities, committees, and volunteer opportunities. Stop by the information desk for answers to your questions and to put your name on our mailing list to receive our newsletter The Arlingtarian for a few weeks. You can also click here to contact the UUCA Church office via e-mail to be placed on the mailing list.

Furthermore, you have a choice of more than 90 organizations to join within UUCA including the Day Alliance, Singletarians, Young Adults, and VaRUUM (Virginia Rainbow UU Ministry) .

Our congregation consists of over 900 Members and more than 600 Friends and Inquiring Friends. Newcomers often begin their Church affiliation as Inquiring Friends, those who are exploring Unitarian Universalism and our church. They may then become Friends, those who have not yet committed to membership but usually pledge and participate in church activities. A person can become a Member at any time; members have a voice and vote in the congregation and can hold office.

Sunday Mornings at UUCA:

Worship services are held each Sunday morning, September through May at 9:15 and 11:15. In the summer, there is one morning service at 10:00. Service formats vary to include plays, skits, performances by our UUCA Dancers and renowned UUCA Choir as well as sermons.
*Religious Education classes for youth and children are offered downstairs during each service. Infant care is also provided in the nursery downstairs in the north wing.
*Fellowship: following each service Members, Friends and visitors can be found filling the Fellowship Hall with friendly conversation. Here, refreshments are served and information is exchanged via the library cart, bulletin boards, and special tables for our many activities and volunteer opportunities.

A Brief History:
Although Unitarianism has a long history, our church had its genesis in World War II. Rationing and shortages made it difficult to get to All Souls in Washington, the only Unitarian Church in the area. Arlington Unitarians began meeting wherever local space could be found and in early 1945 the Arlington Fellowship was formally organized as a constituent body of All Souls Church. In 1948 The Fellowship became the Unitarian Church of Arlington (renamed the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington in 1994 as a result of the union of the two national churches). Ground breaking for the first church building was on November 7, 1949. The present sanctuary was completed in 1963, the rest of the current church building in 1994.