Unitarian Universalist Connections

UUCF is one of more than a thousand congregations, who are part of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Of the many UU-related organizations regionally, nationally, and internationally, the following are the ones with which we are officially affiliated through an approval process involving either the UUCF Board of Trustees or a vote of the UUCF membership:

Region

Our congregation is part of the Central East Regional Group of the UUA.

Chalice Lighters

Chalice Lighter grants, are made possible because of individuals who commit to giving a minimum of $20 three times each year. In the fall of even years, Chalice Lighter Sunday is celebrated in congregations to recruit new members and build awareness of the program. Over the year, 50 UU congregations have received almost $2 million in grants through this program. In the past, UUCF has received a total of $60,000 from Chalice Lighter grants. Since we plan to ask for Chalice Lighter grants in the future and have benefited from them in the past, we encourage support of this program for funding the growth of Unitarian Universalism in our area.

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee

UUSC is a nonsectarian organization that advances human rights and social justice in the United States and around the world. We are working toward the following:

• Budget line item of $1/member to be donated annually to UUSC.
• Guest at Your Table program during the holidays.
• Annual "Justice Sunday" (usually in March) in which awareness is raised about joining UUSC ($40 annually)

UU-United Nations Office

UU-UNO is engaged in international advocacy work at the United Nations based on UU values. We hold an annual UU-UNO Sunday, usually in October, which often includes an annual split-plate offering.

UU Ministry for the Earth

UUMFE seeks to inspire, facilitate, and support personal, congregational, and associational practices that honor and sustain the Earth and all beings.

UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland

UULM-MD envisions a Maryland free of oppression and injustice, where all are guaranteed their human rights. They address this vision by alerting, educating, activating and facilitating our statewide UU base to address several human rights issues before the Maryland General Assembly each year. In order to enhance the effectiveness of UU activism on human rights issues, UULM-MD remains mindful of the strong UU traditions of independent thought and witnessing for human rights and civil liberties. Supported and inspired by these traditions, UULM-MD works to achieve consensus among its base, then mobilize and advocate on specific issues before the MD General Assembly. UULM-MD provides a voice for UU principles and traditions in the discussions on state human rights issues by:

• Identifying legislation and educating UUs about it through issue coordinators and task forces;
• Providing educational programs and materials on priority issues;
• Having an annual meeting for presentation, debate and strategizing on issues to be addressed;
• Mobilizing and facilitating testimony, letter writing, witnessing and speakers;
• Providing updates on the status of bills, hearings, and actions.