Central to Rev. Anya's current ministry is the honest confrontation necessary to dismantle white supremacy, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, and sexism.
Welcome to the U!
You are welcome to bring your full self here
The congregation is not a place;
IT IS A PEOPLE.
The congregation is not walls built stone upon stone, held together by mortar but rather person, linked with person, linked with person: all ages and genders and abilities— a community built on the foundation of compassion, faith, and love.
– Margaret E. Weiss
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From pathways to membership, care team ministry, and covenant groups we’ll help you feel a part of our community.
Our Ministers
Our congregation was founded in 1897 by a group of women seeking liberal religious education for their children and has a history of long-term settled ministry.
Senior Co-Minister
Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael
A "Religious, Naturalist Mystic," Rev Scott strives to embody service to our holy mission to build Beloved Community, together, in covenant.
Until we meet again, virtually or otherwise, you are in our hearts.
The Mystic Egg
April 20, 2025"The Mystic Egg"— led by Markus Hauck, director of music ministries. Many cultures regard the egg as a symbol of life. On this last day of Passover, Easter Sunday, and almost Earth Day, let us celebrate the arrival of spring together as we explore the connections between Paganism, Judaism, and Christianity.
“Beloved: A Redamancy of Fugitivity”
April 6, 2025"Beloved: A Redamancy of Fugitivity" — led by the Rev. Jé Hooper. As a community of faith and mindfulness, the word “beloved” has become a signature term of UU endearment that emphasizes the hope of unity and equality as passed down from our theological ancestors, Josiah Royce, Howard Thurman, and Martin Luther King Jr. To be Beloved or in Beloved Community has bound us together to radical ideals of belonging. Join Rev. Jé as they apply the work of Toni Morrison’s book Beloved as a way to examine a fugitivity of affection, a way to love others in their freedom of becoming.
“Trusting the Truth: Towards A Theology of Repair”
March 30, 2025"Trusting the Truth: Towards A Theology of Repair" — led by the Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister. Like "Trust," " Truth" is a big word. We live many truths, as human beings have diverse gifts. We each see different pieces of reality - we see some more readily than others. Being in Covenanted Community allows us to learn from one another. Join us this Sunday as we explore how we Repair the World together, every day.
Molly, UUCM Religious Education graduate
I am proud to have grown up in this congregation. I learned here to become a compassionate and passionate advocate for social justice on all fronts.
Join us as we counter white supremacy, fight climate change, protect voting rights, witness border injustices, and more.
Share your gifts and help us build Beloved Community.
Whether it is in a classroom, in worship, planting flowers, or on the pledge team, we need your special skills!
Frankie Frances Sherrod McNeil
Wendy McNeil lights this candle for her mother, Frankie Frances Sherrod McNeil, who died on November 25, 2011. “She was raised poor in Jim Crow Alabama. Yet, she ended up attending countless Broadway plays and traveling to five European countries, and working as a registered nurse, caring for cancer patients. “She taught me,” says Wendy, “the power of fighting for the dream you have for yourself. I will die missing this great woman.”
Blogs, Stories, Updates, and More!
“…this was an amazing experience in which I felt accepted and at peace. From the ushers to the small snack at the end of the service, it was truly an amazing day for me to explore a community such as this one. Throughout the service it was interesting to see the many beautiful people who congregated and who listened in to the message of the importance of joy and of the liberation of the whole self. One memory that I will remember would be of the singers and of the whole congregation coming together to sing the beautiful hymns. How good did it felt to be united, liberated, and to feel joy with this community. I want to thank the Unitarian Universalist congregation of Montclair for their open arms and for the chance to speak with the Reverend. It was a great pleasure of mine to share my time with lovely people.”
Rebecca
Visitor
“I love that I get to contribute to the worship services and also serve as a member of the Worship Committee helping to plan the services.”
Ginny
Worship Team
“A hundred years from now no one is going to remember me, but they might remember what we as a congregation DID.””
Malinda
Music Team
“We’ve raised our kids in this wonderful community. WE’VE grownup spiritually in this community.”