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.
Emerging Towards Truth
August 8, 2021This service is inspired by “What Is Truth?”, a song written by Country Music legend Johnny Cash in 1970 to share his newfound Truth that the Vietnam War was a mistake, and he needed to help end it. Inspired by Cash, together we will explore notions of truth - how we build it, how we proclaim, how we recognize it. Rev Scott is joined by Rev Anya, Dionne Ford, Michael Gilch, Sam Schumann, Paul Lombardo & Dan Silver. Randy Crafton edits the video, Ann Trip calls and does audio, and Joe Palka monitors the broadcast.
Well Acquainted with Change
August 1, 2021The spiritual and emotional challenge of our present reality is change - our ability to transform, to adjust, for the sake of our own and our communities well being. Our service touches on why this is so difficult, and provides reflective tools to smooth the challenge. This insure first service back in the Sanctuary with members and friends in the house since the start of the pandemic, March 15, 2020. Michael Gilch is guest music director, Wil Hylton sings the Anthem, Ginny and Steve Crooks lead the hymns, Ami Brabson is liturgist, and the sermon is delivered by Rev Anya Sammler-Michael.
Showing Up Today for the Community of Tomorrow
July 25, 2021In the last 16 months, showing up has taken on new meaning as we connected virtually. Some of us are even deepening and renewing our commitments in community. There are always ample reasons to show up....or not! As life shifts again, how do we discern as UUs when to show up and for whom?" This edition of the 2021 North Jersey Summer Swap Worship Series features the staff of Beacon, the UU Congregation in Summit. Musicians and lay leaders from Beacon are led by Rev Emilie Boggis. Tuli Patel and Rev Robin Tanner.
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.”