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
Donec vitae sapien ut libero venenatis
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo.
Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
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.
Make a Joyful Noise
October 10, 2021“Make a Joyful Noise.” Throughout this pandemic people the world round have been called to manifest hope and healing through impactful noise - whether by singing from their balconies or beeping their horns at 5pm to honor healthcare workers. Noise is too often seen as a negative, a hindrance, a warning. Our service invites us to counter these negatives with positive and vocal adulation!
This service is led by Rev Anya Sammler-Michael. Nina Cooke-John serves as Liturgist; Jill Wodnick introduces our Outreach Offering Recipient; UUCM Pres. Elect Shannon Gattens brings a message from the Board.
Music is provided by Dir of Music Ministries Markus Grae-Hauck on piano and vocals; Glenn Rombough on elec. guitar and vox; Rev Scott on drums; and featuring Kate Conroy as songleader, and lead vocals on today’s anthem.
The service starts with an Opening Loop that lasts ~4 1/2 minutes.
Mental Wellness and Inherent Worth and Dignity
October 3, 2021Today’s service: “Mental Wellness and Inherent Worth and Dignity,” led by Mark Williams. Mark is a member of First Unitarian New Jersey (formerly known as the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield), and he serves on the Board of "Unitarian Universalist Faith Action New Jersey." Mark is a retired Adult Psychiatric Nurse, and a devoted advocate for the rights of persons diagnosed with a mental illness. As President of the Board of the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, Mark championed the establishment of a mental health ministry in the congregation.
Our Possible Pasts
September 26, 2021Too often we get bogged down worrying about the way "things might have been." And even though we may have good reasons to regret, at some point we must live the life before us, assuring we do not add new regrets to our history. Join Rev. Scott on a reflection on how to be gentle and kind with ourselves, no matter what mistakes we have made.
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.”