Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church - Newcomers and Visitors
We’re glad you’re here! Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church—or “ORUUC”—has been making a real difference in people’s lives for over fifty years now, and together we’re creating an exciting future.
ORUUC welcomes all kinds of people from Oak Ridge and the surrounding counties who come for many different reasons. Some are in the midst of a transition in their lives, and seek an accepting community. Others have been searching for a church that speaks to their minds as well as their hearts. Some are long-time Unitarian Universalists, new to the area. You may want to ensure that your children grow up with a vibrant liberal religious education. Or you may seek religious education for yourself. Whatever the reason that brought you to us, we’re glad that you’re here.
On Sundays, you’ll see many people after the service, all laughing and talking like old friends. Many of them have sustained long friendships in this church. Others were newcomers like you not too long ago, and have found a path into the heart of the church. We hope you’ll feel welcomed during Social Hour, and we invite you to come up and introduce yourselves to us, too.
Please be sure to fill out a Guest Registry form in the Hearth Room, outside the Sanctuary. If you let us know your address and e-mail, we can keep you informed of ongoing activities through our weekly newsletter, The Exponent.
ORUUC has spiritual development offerings—lectures, discussions, and get-togethers—that encourage relationships and the search for spiritual meaning. We also have events that are just for fun—weekly potluck dinners, seasonal parties, talent shows, and many more.
You are welcome to call the Church Office and make an appointment to get acquainted with our Minister, Rev. Jake Morrill. He can help you find ways to connect to this wonderful and thriving religious community.
Ours is a liberal faith with roots in the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Our somewhat unwieldy name comes from the merger in 1961 of two denominations, Unitarian and Universalist, both centuries old. In the United States, we claim such ancestors as Thomas Jefferson, John and Abigail Adams, P.T. Barnum, and civil rights martyr Rev. James Reeb.
Ours is a pluralist movement. That means that we welcome people of many different belief systems to gather together in common worship. What joins us is a spirit of reverence, a commitment to shared religious dialogue, the conviction that strong faith needs the ongoing test of reason and doubt, and a vision of Beloved Community within which all may live in justice, sharing the path of growing wisdom. For more information about Unitarian Universalism, please look at the denominational website, at www.uua.org.
Newcomers often say “I think I’ve been a Unitarian Universalist for years without knowing it.” See if any of these questions feel familiar:
- I cannot accept religious belief just on authority. Is there a religion for me?
- Most traditional religions seem to insist that religious truth is revealed and complete. Does any church welcome the idea that truth is not a finished product, but still evolving?
- There is meaning and truth in all the world’s religions, but too many claim they have THE true franchise for salvation or enlightenment. Is there a religious group that honors freedom to explore many paths and philosophies?
If you find something of your own thoughts, experience, and story in these questions, you might feel at home at the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church.
We believe in the freedom of religious expression. All individuals should be encouraged to develop their own personal theologies, and to openly present their religious opinions without fear of censure or reprisal.
We believe in the toleration of religious ideas. All religions, in every age and culture, possess not only intrinsic merit, but also potential value for those who have learned the art of listening.
We believe in the authority of reason and conscience. The ultimate arbiter in religion is not a church, nor a document, nor an official, but the personal choice and decision of the individual.
We believe in the worth and dignity of each human being. All people on earth have an equal claim to life, liberty, and justice—and no idea, ideal, or philosophy is superior to a single human life.
We believe in the ethical application of religion. Good works are the natural product of a good faith, and the evidence of an inner grace that finds completion in social and community involvement.
We believe in the motive force of love. The governing principle in human relationships is the principle of love, which always seeks the welfare of others and never seeks to hurt or destroy.
We believe in the necessity of the democratic process. Records are open to scrutiny, elections are open to members, and ideas are open to criticism—so that people might govern themselves.
We believe in the importance of a religious community. The validation of experience requires the confirmation of peers, who provide a critical platform along with a network of mutual support.
—David O. Rankin
We have an excellent Religious Education Program. Our Children’s Religious Education is at 11:00 a.m., concurrent with our Sunday worship service. Our Religious Education Director, Tandy Scheffler, will be glad to speak with you. A greeter from the Religious Education committee is present in the classroom hallway each Sunday before the service.
Music is a central part of this congregation’s worship experience, as well as its social life and community outreach. Many people first visit the church to attend a concert or recital. Hymns, fine instrumental music, and inspiring choral music are vital parts of the Sunday service, under the direction of Nancy Starr, our Director of Music. Our choir is a source of pride, and open to all who enjoy singing. Coffee House Talent Shows provide an informal sociable setting for members and friends to share their talents, try their wings at something new, and perhaps ham it up a little.
This church can be a place to bring the spiritual challenges you may be experiencing. For some, the support of spiritual community and the experience of worship can be helpful. Others need help finding resources in the community—perhaps a therapist, or an agency that provides the type of assistance they need.
Rev. Morrill is available to meet with people in crisis or times of particular need, to offer comfort and help in finding meaning and hope.
If you have a specific or immediate need, please contact the church office. Our Office Administrator, Lucy Nickel, will put you in touch with the Minister or someone on our lay-led Caring Committee, who will be happy to talk with you.
Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church
1500 Oak Ridge Turnpike
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830-6207
Church office hours Monday—Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Minister’s hours Tuesday—Wednesday—Thursday, by appointment
Church office phone (865) 483-6761 • fax 481-3646
E-mail Oruuc@bellsouth.net
Web Site www.oruuc.org
National Web Site: www.uua.org
Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church sings a song of Beloved Community,
where each unique voice is a part of the larger harmony.
¯ We celebrate diversity. ¯ We share ministry. ¯ We grow in relationship.
Our song resounds throughout the wider community, bending the
arc of the world toward love and justice.
STAFF
Rev. Jake Morrill, Minister (RevjakeBMorrill@bellsouth.net)
Tandy Scheffler, Religious Education Director (Ordrets@bellsoutb.net)
Nancy Starr, Music Director (DFStarr@icx.net)
Gina Grubb, Membership Coordinator (oruuc.membership@gmail.com)
Kimberly Oliver, Office Administrator (oruuc@bellsouth.net)
Maragaret Hoff, Communication Coordinator (oruuccommunication@bellsouth.net)
Susan Rosenbaum, Nursery Director (Msclued@aol.com)
Cyndy Bailes, Bookkeeper (oruucbookkeeper@bellsouth.net)
Rev. Howard Box, Minister Emeritus (howardbox@webtv.net)
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2008-2009
Melissa Blalock, President
Carol Mason, Past President
Kim Yount, President Elect
Bob Highfill, Treasurer
Mike Bjerke
Robin Toth
Harold Waddle
August 2008
Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church
http://www.oruuc.org/staticpages/index.php?page=20061031083329450
