Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading
Welcomes Visitors to Special Service

Reading Times Chronicle
Front Page
Friday, September 14, 2007

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, a liberal faith congregation serving communities north of Boston, will offer a special introductory service this Sunday, September 16 at 10:30 AM.  The church is located at 239 Woburn Street in Reading, at the corner of Woburn Street and Summer Avenue.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading (UUCR) has just completed a multi-million dollar expansion of their sanctuary and church campus in order to more fully welcome new friends and faces.  “Our worship service this Sunday, on September 16th,” says Rev. Tim Kutzmark, minister of the church, “is the first in a series of welcoming events to invite the spiritually curious to get a taste of our very exciting and very different approach to religion and creating beloved community.  Quite simply, we are a faith community that thinks, acts, and dances outside of the box.”  Rev Kutzmark, an energetic and warm pastor who is beginning his third year with the congregation, comments: “Although Unitarian Universalism has been around for hundreds of years, many people still don’t know that there is an established, organized and recognized religious path that honors the worth and dignity of all people, welcomes questions and doubts and discussion, and celebrates differing beliefs and ways of claiming meaning in the world.”

Rev. Kutzmark goes on to say, “Imagine a religion that doesn’t claim there is only one source of truth.  Imagine a religion that teaches we don’t all need to believe alike in order to love alike.  Imagine a religion that calls no one a sinner, but knows how deep and how hard is the struggle to live a life that is good.  Imagine a church that teaches children that religion is for joy and for celebration.  Imagine one that celebrates the hopeful rather than dwelling on the depraved.  Unitarian Universalism is such a faith, and we believe that wisdom, revelation and inspiration can be found through many sources beyond the usual scriptures that many faiths claim, and so we look also to poetry, music, nature, science, in our children, and our own rational minds and beautiful hearts.”

The church has an active New Mom’s Group, a Social Action Committee involved in issues of economic justice, and a full spectrum of Adult Enrichment and Education classes and programs, including a weekly Buddhist Meditation class, an upcoming two-part class Exploring Jewish Mysticism and Meditation, and a November 4th community forum on “Caring For Aging Loved Ones.”  A Singles Group will begin to meet next month to enjoy social activities together.  Children’s programming is offered for all ages, including Sunday morning classes and a Sunday evening High School youth group.  Infant and toddler care is provided during Sunday morning worship.

The special service on September 16th is “Bring a Friend Sunday,” so the church will be full of regular church members and many first time guests.  Rev. Kutzmark is going to offer a special sermon entitled “Dreams of Others,” and Dr. Mark Bennett, choir director, is preparing the choir to sing two special pieces.  George White, organist at UUCR for over fifty-four years will play, and celebrated Boston area cabaret and jazz singer Michael Ricca will appear as a guest vocalist.  The following Sunday, September 23, Rev. Kutzmark will offer a service entitled: “The Gospel According to My Backyard,” an engaging look at the truths and spiritual lessons that await just outside our backdoor, in our gardens, in our yards, and in our regular home chores.

“If you or your family have been feeling a yearning for a church home, a stirring of the spirit, and the need to be part of a religious tradition, but you just haven’t felt a connection to the church of your childhood or your previous church experience, consider this your personal invitation to explore Unitarian Universalism as a possibility.  We’d be honored to welcome you to visit us.” 

For more information on the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, please visit their website at uureading.org.  For more information on Unitarian Universalism in general, visit: uua.org