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.
“Looking for Something Larger than Myself”
November 9, 2025"Looking for Something Larger than Myself"— led by the Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister. Unitarian Universalists express a desire to bring about a Beloved Community - a community without bias or oppression. We even commit to the work of undoing racism and righting systemic injustice with greater energy and clarity than most other faith communities. Why then does harm still occur? This service explores what we want, where we falter, and how to engage one another directly, through the many layers of complexity that can often force us apart.
“Good Grief!”
November 2, 2025"Good Grief!"— led by the Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister. All Souls Day; Yes, Grief is Good! Grief is the gift that we are allowing ourselves to feel what we must feel to transcend the sorrow that comes our way.
“The Simple Art of Showing Up: Brotherhood, Laughter & Love”
October 26, 2025"The Simple Art of Showing Up: Brotherhood, Laughter & Love"— led by the UUCM Men's Group. Celebrating over 20 years of togetherness, the Men's Covenant Group has seen many changes and evolutions. Come see, hear, and enjoy their telling of what makes them continue to bond, create, and thrive.
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.
New Jersey Together—Essex
UUCM is a proud member of New Jersey Together—Essex, a recently launched county-wide activist coalition of congregations and non-profits.
Social Justice Coordinating Team
Acting on our shared UU principles, locally and globally, to implement initiatives that further work to bring an end to systemic inequalities.
Undoing Racism Team
Our goal is to work with our congregation and the wider community to develop, strengthen and act upon anti-racist, multicultural perspectives
Out Front
An open and affirming group committed to the promotion of a positive image for the LGBTQIA community and a supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals, friends, and family.
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.”