Last Updated on March 3, 2024
Unitarian Universalists of Charlestown
Bonnie Kawecki, Leader
Carol Tilles, Co-Leader. For contact information, see the Resident Directory
The Unitarian Universalists of Charlestown meet monthly to connect residents who are UU and other residents who are interested in progressive religious thinking. Our monthly service is usually the 4th Sunday of the month at 1:30 pm in the Maple Terrace Music Room. All residents, friends and relatives are welcome. At the 1st Wednesday meeting, we plan services, small group discussions, educational events, and social get-togethers.
| Schedule | Times | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Wednesday Planning Meeting | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Zoom |
| 4th Sunday Service | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Maple Terrace Music Room |
| Various discussion groups, as noted by email, in our meetings, and in the monthly newsletter, see below | ||
UU Table at the September 2023 Fruits of Our Labor
About the UUs of Charlestown
Unitarian Universalists Of Charlestown
UUs are people of many backgrounds, and people of many beliefs. We are brave, curious, and compassionate thinkers and doers. We create spirituality and community beyond our boundaries, working for more justice and more love in our own lives and in the world.
We welcome anyone who is interested in our group and in exploring with us what it means to be part of a UU community.
Are My Beliefs Welcome?
In Unitarian Universalism, you can bring your whole self: your full identity, your questioning mind, your expansive heart. By welcoming people who identify with Atheism, Agnosticism, Buddhism, Christianity, Humanism, Judaism, Earth-Centered Traditions, Islam, and others, we are embodying a vision “beyond belief:” a vision of peace, love, and understanding.
Our Monthly Service
We meet together for a monthly service that is usually on the fourth Sunday of the month at 1:30 in the music room in Maple Terrace. We invite a speaker who usually has a connection to UU, but might come from a different background.
Our Planning Committee
About eight members of our group get together on the first Wednesday of the month at 2:30 pm on Zoom. This group considers future activities for our fellowship. Everyone is welcome to join us.
Our Social Hour
Currently, a social hour replaces our monthly dinner. It usually meets on the third Monday of the month in the Music Room.
If you would like more information about our fellowship, we suggest you read our newsletter or talk to one of us. Principles and Sources of Inspiration of the UU faith are on the back page of the newsletter.
Our women’s group provides an opportunity for the women of our fellowship to get together and talk about topics that interest them. We welcome others. We usually meet for an hour and a half at 10:00 on the first Monday in the CTS arts and crafts room. Our meeting includes a check in, a brief reading and some sharing on a topic chosen by the group. Call Carol Tilles for more information (See Resident Directory for contact information).
Other discussion groups usually meet on the second or fourth Wednesday at 2:30-4:00 in the Music Room. Since UUs have many sources of inspiration and a variety of beliefs, our discussions are wide ranging. Call Bonnie Kawecki for information (See Resident Directory for contact information). No experience or homework is necessary, just an interest in stretching your thinking about life.
Our Library
Do you want to know what is going on with UUs beyond Charlestown? Sign out a copy of UUA World or read one of the introductory books we have. A sign up sheet is located near the library collection. If you have a UU book or a kind of book you would like us to get, tell Bonnie or Hope. Go to the UUA bookstore to explore.
Caring for One Another
Do you have time to visit someone? Sometimes our members are in continuing care, assisted living, in Dorsey or unable to attend our activities. They could really benefit from some visits. If you have time to visit someone and would like to know more details, call Bonnie.
Tax deductible donations
You may write a check to First Unitarian. Write Charlestown UU on the memo line. You may also put cash into an envelope with your name on it. Call Bonnie if you any questions.
A word about confidentiality: If you donate by check or cash in an envelope, only Bonnie, Hope and the First Unitarian treasurer will know your contribution. Bonnie keeps a paper record and Hope maintains a spreadsheet.
What is Unitarian Universalism?
What is Unitarian Universalism (UU)? You might have heard Unitarian Universalism described as a “new religion.” But this is misleading. Unitarians and Universalists merged into one faith in the 1960s, but Unitarian and Universalists have been around for much longer, tracing their roots at least as far back as the Protestant reformation of the 1500s. John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Louisa May Alcott, Susan B. Anthony, and Ralph Waldo Emerson were all Unitarians. P.T. Barnum, Clara Barton, and Horace Greeley were Universalists. Unitarians, Universalists, and UUs have played a significant role throughout our country’s history.
Perhaps the most wide-spread myth about Unitarian Universalism is that UUs can believe whatever they want. It’s true that UUs have no creed that we recite together; however, there are a few things that we all believe. We believe in welcoming and caring for all people, regardless of race, gender, class, who they love, or what they believe (so long as that belief doesn’t involve excluding or hurting other people). We believe that it’s not enough just to believe in love, compassion, and justice for all – that belief must be put into action. That’s why social justice is such a critical part of what we do. UUs have been in the front-lines in the fight for marriage equality, civil rights, environmental protection, and other important social issues.
New Wave Singers Presents Stephen Sondheim
In celebration of Pride Month, New Wave Singers, Baltimore’s premier LGBTQ+ chorus will be performing selected works by celebrated Broadway composer, Stephen Sondheim, on Tuesday, June 13 at 7:30 pm in the Auditorium.