The Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta (UUSO) is a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). The UUA is the central organization for the Unitarian Universalist (UU) religious movement in the United States. The UUA’s 1000+ member congregations are committed to our inseparable and deeply interdependent shared values of interdependence, transformation, generosity, pluralism, justice, and equity—all centered around love.
At UUSO our Sunday services begin at 10:30 AM and are offered both in person and on Zoom through the link provided on the homepage of the website under Upcoming Services and Events. To view past sermons on YouTube, click here.
Our Sanctuary is accessible with a wide ramp and double doors to aid those with mobility issues. Handicap parking is generally available on the street in front of our entrance. Ushers and volunteers are available to graciously assist anyone in need of an extra hand. Assistive audio is available through Hearing Loop. Service animals are always welcome in our Sanctuary. Therapy animals are also permitted, with prior staff approval by emailing a request to uuso@uuso.org.
There is no set Unitarian Universalist liturgy. At UUSO, after the chimes ring, there is a musical prelude, a time to quiet down and enter the spirit of worship. We welcome the congregation and greet one another. The chalice, symbol of Unitarian Universalism, is lit. We sing hymns, listen to music, meditate, or pray, and share our Joys and Sorrows. Central to our worship service is the sermon or reflection. This piece is delivered by a member of our congregation or the wider community and is an invitation to explore a question of deeper meaning, or a challenge to truly live our lives by our principles, making the world better for all its people and other living beings. An optional offering to support the work of the congregation and local organizations is collected. Every month, a local nonprofit or service organization in agreement with the Unitarian Universalist principles is selected to receive one-half of the offering. We close each service with a hymn, benediction, and postlude.
After the worship service, the congregation gathers in the rear of the sanctuary for Coffee Hour, a social time of light refreshments and conversation. We hope that visitors and newcomers will stay for Coffee Hour and enjoy our hospitality. Information about our denomination and our congregation is available at the Welcome Table where visitors can sign up to receive our weekly email newsletter.
Childcare is always available during worship services. During the regular church year, September through May, children — including visiting children — may also join our Religious Exploration Class where they can participate in activities with their age group. Children are also welcome to remain in the Sanctuary with their families for the service.
We are an inclusive and Welcoming Congregation, we invite everyone into our faith community without regard to religious practice or belief; sexual or affectional orientation; gender identity and expression; age; race; national origin; ethnic background; socioeconomic status; marital status; size; intellectual, developmental or physical disability; neurodivergence; or physical and mental health.
