Unitarian Church of Underwood Foundation

For information about the Unitarian Church of Underwood Foundation, please follow this link: www.ucofu.org/Foundation/Unitarian%20Church%20Brochure.pdf

Empowerment Grants

The UCU church has been fortunate to have received many generous donations from our members over the years. The Empowerment Grant Program was developed in 2007 to share this generosity and to encourage church members to develop and engage with projects which have a positive effect on our community at large and demonstrate our church’s mission and Unitarian Universalist principles.
Over the years we have granted over $120,000.00 dollars to local, regional, and international organizations to address a number of social or environmental issues, including poverty, education, ecology, alternative energy, and nutrition. These projects have been of varying time and scope, and all are initiated by church members.
Empowerment Grants are excellent opportunities for church members to make an impact on issues they feel strongly about in their community.
Recent examples of projects are the Forum on Climate Change by Mark Seely, sponsored by the Battle Lake Indivisible Group, North Country Regional Food Shelf, Pine Ridge One Spirit Organization, and the Schools for Shan Refugees Project, to name a few. We have funded over 90 projects over the last 12 years.

We have updated the Empowerment Grant Guidelines and Application process.

Empowerment Grant Guidelines: docs.google.com/document/d/1VC0GlZCZ_xxU_xDsG47AI4CNhFNwRsHU/edit?usp=sharing&;ouid=110453278634571122727&rtpof=true&sd=true

All applications must be completed and submitted using the Online application (forms.gle/J3zPiAVtarLRddoh6).

Grant Application Deadline is February 25, 2023.

For Further Information Contact Ron Roller at ron.roller@ucofu.org.

Celebrants

The Unitarian Church of Underwood Celebrants are: Ellen Eastby, Debra Ferguson, Katy Olson, Shannon Smith, and Bob Worner.

They are available for: funeral & memorial services, wedding ceremonies, and child naming & dedications.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call the church at 218-826-6553 or email ucofu@ucofu.org.

Celebrant's Mission Statement

To grow in our understanding of the Unitarian Universalist Principles, to explore or spirituality, and share ideas with the larger community.

Celebrant's Statement of Purpose

The Underwood Unitarian Celebrants will:

1. Officiate weddings, funerals, child dedications, and other special services for members, friends, and those beyond the local church who are seeking one of these services;

2. Study together and seek growth opportunities beyond the local Church to enhance their knowledge of Unitarian Universalism and pass such knowledge to the congregation at large.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are Celebrants?

Celebrants are members of the Unitarian Church of Underwood who came together to experience and provide spiritual growth opportunities for themselves and the congregation, in part because there is no permanent minister.

2. Are Celebrants ordained ministers?

Ordination is not a requirement.

3. What education does one need to be a Celebrant?

Most Celebrants have college degrees, some have advanced degrees, but more importantly, all have committed to continue their education, spiritual search, and support the mission of the Church.

4. Will my marriage be "legal"?

Yes. The Unitarian Church of Underwood Board of Directors has all Celebrants registered by Otter Tail County to perform weddings in Minnesota.

5. Who do I contact for these services?

Call: 218-826-6553 or E-mail: ucofu@ucofu.org

U Groups

WHY U GROUPS?

The Unitarian Church of Underwood strives to provide first rate speakers and meaningful Sunday services and classes. Our mission extends beyond that. We believe that to build a community that truly meets our needs there must be opportunities to develop deeper and more inclusive connections and wider service within the church community through small groups. With U Groups we can have the experience of close, meaningful connections that might be difficult to cultivate in the larger congregation.

WHAT ARE U GROUPS?

U GROUPS are small groups of between 4 and 10 people who meet monthly in someone's home, the church, or a public meeting room. At this time all U Groups are meeting on Zoom. Each group has two co-facilitators and uses a designated format and a lesson that is provided for all groups each month. Each group also chooses how the will serve the congregation and the larger community.

U GROUPS are not intended to be discussion or debate groups. They strive for genuine sharing which includes moments of silence and listening as well as speaking. In silence, we bear witness to each other's words. There are no "outsiders" in U Groups because the rules are agreed to by the group and known to all.

HOW U GROUPS ARE STARTED AND FUNCTION

The groups currently begin each fall with a sign up in August and the first meeting in September. Participants choose the group most convenient for them in terms of time and location. New members can join existing groups or new groups may be formed. U Groups are open to all individuals who agree to the group's principles.

If you would like to join a group or request a group be formed in your area, please contact the facilitators: Luce Reece, or email:ucofu@ucofu.org.

Happy Birthday Bernice Johnson - www.ucofu.org/Videos/T.Bernice-Birthday.mov