Connect & Serve
Are you looking to get more out of your UU Montclair experience? Want to make closer connections? Dig deeper. Ours is not a passive faith.
Justice Ministries
We have a legacy of “deeds not creeds.” Our work for a better world calls us to unexpected places as we harness love’s power to stop oppression.
From grassroots community organizing to interfaith state, national, and corporate advocacy; in protest marches, prayer vigils, and press conferences; in homeless shelters and in prisons, Unitarian Universalists put our faith into action.
Here are some of the ways we at UUCM live into our commitment to justice:
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We are all called to take bold steps to undo white supremacy in our faith communities.
Purpose:
The purpose of the Allies for Racial Equity is:
To build an antiracist movement of white Unitarian Universalists working to: Understand whiteness and privilege; Unlearn and challenge white supremacy; and Confront racism in ways that are accountable to communities of color.
What We Do:
Content based discussions
Visits to museums and cultural events
Participation in Shaping the Leading Edge – building a Community of Communities
Leaders: Sylvia Cowan & Sue Raufer
Contact: are@uumontclair.org
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The Purpose of Courageous Conversations is to address obstacles that make listening across differences difficult.
To help participants examine and challenge our own biases.
To foster in participants, the ability to listen well and deeply, which is key to understanding.
To develop the capacity of understanding which strengthens the bonds needed to conduct meaningful justice work across differences.
To develop a relational culture to advance our social justice work.
What We Do:
Workshops
Leaders: Silke Springorum & Blythe Eaman
Contact:socialjustice@uumontclair.org
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The Immigration Action Team is to serve immigration justice through direct and non-violent action. We seek the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals and families who migrate to our country, regardless of their legal status.
What We Do:
Accompanying immigrants facing trial and deportation
Witnessing for fair treatment of immigrants at detention centers and in other arenas
Developing local support structures to care for immigrant families
Lead: Jill Beckman-Gaynes
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The Purpose of the Little Free Pantry is to provide an accessible location for food distribution to fight hunger and serve the needs of people in our local community.
What We Do:
Food collection and distribution through the little pantry
Collaboration with Montclair Mutual Aid which runs the Little Pantry project in Montclair
Leaders: John Lytle & Susie Roman Luna
Contact:littlepantry@uumontclair.org
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The Purpose of our New Jersey Together Essex Team is to work in collaboration with a broad-based, multi-faith coalition (Essex Together) to challenge ordinary people in our state to identify problems facing their neighborhoods and city, connect individuals and organizations to multiply their power, and mobilize people to bring about creative and effective change.
What We Do:
Mobilize and advocate for Affordable Housing in Montclair and Newark
Supporting democratic action and change by engaging directly with powerbrokers and potential power brokers
Developing interfaith relationships to secure greater power to effect change
Leaders: Helen Lippman & Deborah Corbett
Contact: njtogether@uumontclair.org
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The purpose of Out Front, the Sexuality and Gender Alliance is to:
Create a brave space that challenges oppression and models a world transformed by the celebration and expression of everyone’s unique truth.
Shine a beacon so LTBTQ+ people can find connection and community.
Promote the visibility, and engagement of LGBTQ+ people throughout the life of the congregation.
Educate and advocate within the congregation and within the community on issues surrounding gender and sexuality diversity with an intersectional lens that de-centers whiteness and counters oppressions such as cis-normativity, heteronormativity, classism and ableism.
What We Do:
Bold and loving presence at local pride parades
Support for worship services that promote visibility and engagement for LGBTQIA people
Developing a curriculum for teaching allyship for queer people
Leader: Lex Shaquille
Contact: outfront@uumontclair.org
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The purpose of the Social Justice Coordinating Team is to:
Strategically leverage the congregations power so that UUCM can galvanize congregational energies through organizing, advocacy and activism.
Act collectively on our shared UU principles internally, locally and globally.
Collaborate with interfaith and community partners
Implement initiatives that bring an end to systemic inequalities.
What We Do:
Quarterly gatherings for all congregational justice leaders to aid in cross pollination and intersectional collaboration.
Reports to the congregation to encourage greater awareness and participation.
To get involved, please contact the SJCT chairs, Blythe Eaman & Sara Samuel.
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The URT is currently on hiatus and rebuilding To register your interest in the team, and to potentially get involved when the team is again up and running, please email us at the email address below.
The Purpose of the Undoing Racism Team is to work with our congregation and the wider community to develop, strengthen and act upon anti-racist, multicultural perspectives through worship services, educational programs, lectures, book & film discussions, other cultural events, and community involvement.
Through self-examination and learning, we are able to act with more direction and impact.
What We Do:
Advocacy with UU Faith Action NJ.
Collaboration on Educational programs with many community partners
Participation in Shaping the Leading Edge – building a Community of Communities
Leaders: unfilled
Contact: undoingracism@uumontclair.org
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The Purpose of UU Faith Action NJ is to organize all of the UU congregations across the state of New Jersey to:
Fight for UU values in Trenton and beyond through social action, legal advocacy and educational outreach.
What We Do:
Advocacy on behalf of gender equity
Advocacy and educational outreach to support the right to healthcare for individuals who become pregnant
Advocacy for criminal justice reform and abolition
Organizing to support transgender individuals and families fleeing dangerous locations
Environmental action and advocacy
State house visits and advocacy training
Stay informed by visiting UU FaithAction NJ’s website.
Leader: Rev. Charles Loflin
Contact: revcharles@uumontclair.org
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We are committed to reaching beyond our walls to advance work in the world related to our religious beliefs. Every month we choose to dedicate 22% of our Sunday collection to an organization that does work consistent with our Principles and Covenant. We pick an array of organizations that address hunger, homelessness, equity, healthcare to under served populations, environmental issues, and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, to name a few.
Previous recipients in First Friends NY/NJ, The Trevor Project, and Planned Parenthood.
Our congregation believes in the inherent worth and dignity of all and the interconnectedness of all life, and reaching out to the larger community is a cornerstone of our congregational life.
To get involved with this team, contact Rev. Anya at revanya@uumontclair.org
To submit a non-profit, submit here
“It is our responsibility to dismantle the human made systems of oppression and exploitation that cause harm to life and inhibit the full flourishing of every person. We do this toward creating just, compassionate, and sustainable communities where all can thrive.”
– Unitarian Universalist Rev. Dr. Sheri Prud’homme
Care & Connection Groups
Small Group Ministry is a vital part of our congregational life.
These groups meet regularly to serve the human need for connection and provide opportunities for congregational members to build long lasting friendships.
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Connection Cafe will be held in-person every Sunday in Fletcher Hall immediately following the 10:00 AM service. Join us for snacks, coffee and conversation with members, visitors and friends.
If you’re interested, please email: connectioncafe@uumontclair.org
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The Crazy QUUilters meet in the Rotunda on the second Saturday of each month. The work done by the Crazy QUUilters brings joy to the creators and the recipients. We also offer the companionship of our monthly meetings to other crafters. If you knit, crochet or do other hand work you are welcome to join us for about 4 hours of shared creating. The workshop is open to all willing hands (previous experience not required).
If you are interested in joining please email: crazyquilters@uumontclair.org
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Are you interested in learning more about what your dreams can reveal about you and your life? Led by UUCM member Jerry Boutcher, the UUCM Dream Group meets on the second Monday of the month from 7:30 to 9:00 PM via Zoom. Bring a brief written description of a recent or past dream to share. Feel free to bring in a snack as well (which is optional). Instructions for new members will be provided.
Please contact us for more information here: dreamgroup@uumontclair.org
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We celebrate the Sacred Wheel of the Year within the UU Congregation at Montclair, hold open discussions, host workshops, bringing awareness, and address stereotypes in a friendly environment.
Meetings and rituals are open to all, but we encourage participants to support both UUCM and CUUPs as best they can.
Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, A.K.A CUUPs, is the Pagan arm of Unitarian Universalists, open to anyone interested in the spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions.
If you are interested in joining, please email: sacredwheelcuups@uumontclair.org
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Come and enjoy the company and support of other women! All are welcome. We have a different discussion topic/activity every second Friday of the month.
Women’s Group Statement of Intent: To be compassionate to one another by being responsive to each others needs, maintaining and respecting each other’s confidentiality, while being responsible for our own needs.
If you are interested in joining please email: womensgroup@uumontclair.org
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The Senior Lunch Bunch is a group of people who meet once a month to eat lunch together (each person brings their own lunch, usually in a brown bag) and to share stories and opinions in friendly conversation (all points of view are welcome, and we all laugh together).
If you’re interested, please email us at: seniorlunchbunch@uumontclair.org
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Join the Young & Young at Heart (YaYaH) crew at 6:00pm in the Alliance Room for physical and spiritual nourishment! We meet every other Saturday to eat snacks, share bravely, and inspire each other. Adults of any age are welcome. And all are encouraged to join us on Realm where you’ll see more information on other YaYaH gatherings about town!
If interested, please email us here: Yayah@uumontclair.org
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We meet once a month on the last Tuesday of the month. We read 30 pages from The Scribner Anthology of American Short Stories. Most of these stories have been written after 1990. Our format begins with a lengthy check-in on zoom. Then we begin a discussion of the 2,3 and sometimes 4 short stories.
If you are interested in joining please, contact us at: admin@uumontclair.org
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UUs for Jewish Awareness is open to all members and friends of UUCM who have Jewish roots or relatives and/or an interest in learning more about Jewish customs and culture. Led by UUCM members George Barenholtz and Gene Steiker, the group will provide an opportunity to honor Jewish heritage, share cultural and religious memories, and explore feelings about dual identity as UU and Jewish.
For more information, please email: jewishawareness@uumontclair.org.
Services Ministries
How are you called to serve?
Our values move us to respect and honor the inherent worth and dignity of all people, care for and protect our planet, and foster care and compassion in human relations.
See how our congregation is working to change our world, both locally and globally, and join us.
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UUCM takes part in the Montclair Emergency Services for Hope (MESH). MESH is a project of the Montclair Clergy Association and was created to rally the support of our community to help protect our most vulnerable neighbors from the harsh elements.
MESH will continue its ‘Grab and Go” meal service for the foreseeable future. They still need volunteers to prepare and package meals. There will not, however, be a resumption of the sit-down “Cafe” style service, the movable feast which UUCM used to host on Wednesday evenings in Fletcher Hall. UUCM will still assist in providing the Wednesday evening meal, just without the sit-down, Cafe component. This ruling comes from the MESH organization.
As MESH’s primary mission is to provide meals to those who are food insecure, that mission will remain its focus. Many of us will indeed miss the extended time to connect and get to know the clients we welcomed into our space on Wednesdays. That “Cafe-style” service is not necessarily gone for good. For now, emerging out of a pandemic, the MESH parent organization, with the blessing of principal founder Rev. Wade Renn, will continue its ‘Single-location Grab-and-Go” meal distribution.
Albie Monterossa, Chair of the MESH board, writes this: “We feel having the Grab and Go in a stationary location is what’s most efficient for our guests, especially those with mobility issues. Our hope is that all of our partners continue to be active participants by delivering the meals to one location and staying during the service to engage, offer prayer, converse, bring music etc. The sentiment remains the same!”
Our MESH Collections: When there is a month with 5 Sundays (four or five times a year), there will be just one collection at each service, and MESH will get the entire collection. Not changing, not even a little bit, is the UUCM MESH commitment that every penny received is used to buy food for the guests. No exceptions. Thank you so much to everyone who contributes to UUCM MESH via the UU collection, donations in honor or memory of an event or person, or out of extreme generosity.
Email MESH Cafe: meshcafe@uumontclair.org
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The THRIVE Team (formerly the Mental Health Task Force) comes together to plan and create positive connective experiences for the congregation, and to implement events that foster well-being, healthy relationships, inclusiveness, support, personal and spiritual exploration.
The Team holds Vespers services, Deep Listening sessions on a monthly basis, and a yearly Saturday event that features arts workshops.
The THRIVE Team seeks ways to nurture and create opportunities that promote sharing and community. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to join.For more information email us at: thrive@uumontclair.org
Care Teams
The Care Team Ministry provides a ministry of caring and a network of support to all of the members of the UUCM. The “Care Team” provides practical support such as meals and rides when needed, while the “Pastoral Care Team” provides spiritual support, especially in times of bereavement, emotional crisis, and personal transition.
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Contact the Care Team if you or someone you know in the congregation is in need of meals, rides, or a card.
Please request support on the button below.
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The Pastoral Care Team at UUCM wants to offer any caregiver who can use some support, a space for talking, connecting, or just simply being in community.
We meet the first Sunday of the month in the Mortenson room and on Zoom.
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The Pastoral Care Team works in partnership with our ministers in ministering to the emotional and spiritual needs of members of the UU Montclair Congregation.
Pastoral Care Team members are available to congregants for confidential pastoral care sessions, providing a compassionate ear and support to those going through personal transitions, emotional challenges and times of crises, as well as giving comfort to the bereaved.
The Pastoral Care Team helps connect UU Montclair members to programs and services offered within the congregation or the wider community when needed, and organizes and facilitates programs and groups to further serve the pastoral care needs of the congregation.
Pastoral Care Team members engage in lifetime learning to deepen their skills and competencies in Pastoral Care. Current members have developed in these areas of expertise among others:
Deep Listening
Spiritual Direction
Foster Care Support
Mental Health First Aid
Homeless Engagement and Care
Youth Suicide Prevention
Youth Grief Support
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health Advocacy
Please fill out the form on the button below or email us at: pastoralcare@uumontclair.org
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Contact the ministers if you are in need of acute pastoral support during a crisis or life transition. Email us here: revanya@uumontclair.org
Covenant Groups
Covenant Groups are a vital part of our congregational life. Groups of 10-12 people meet regularly, usually monthly, to reflect on and discuss significant life topics.
Covenant Groups are great places to get to know other people and yourself. Over time, participants build deep connections with one another, with the congregation, and with the holy.
Regardless of the topic, the conversation is respectful and caring and leads to greater understanding. Each session is facilitated by a member of the congregation. Participants have the opportunity to share their perspectives, tell their stories, and listen deeply. Groups begin and end with centering readings and often include times for quiet reflection as well as sharing.
Hover over the images below and click through to learn more about each ministry program.
For more information on any of our Covenant Groups, please contact our Covenant Group Program Coordinator Laura Wilson at covenantgroups@uumontclair.org
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Led by UUCM member Nick Lewis, we welcome anyone with a passion for the visual arts and anyone who finds spiritual connection and personal expression within the act of making, contemplating and/or discussing visual creation and ideas relating to it.
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Exploring Spiritual Practices Covenant Group is dedicated to exploring spiritual practices that draw from a rich tapestry of theological and spiritual diversity.
Using the Soul Matters curriculum, we will engage in respectful dialogue as we journey together to deepen the relationship with ourselves and each other. Bring yourself as you are, all are welcome!
This is a loving and non-judgmental space that honors and respects all identities and self-expressions.
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Led by UUCM member Nelia Sellers, we meet monthly and choose a world region and prepare a meal from that cuisine and invite a knowledgeable guest to add insight into their gastronomic history.
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We will get together once a month to mend: mending clothing and other small/er items with our hands to help each other and Earth by consuming and throwing away less (later); mending our hearts in community by listening well, learning from, and encouraging each other; mending our minds by engaging with our congregation wide Souls Matter materials to ground us in these challenging times. In our mending community, we’ll plan and do, listen and share, learn, teach, and laugh. Please join us no matter where you are on your mending journey.
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The UUCM Men’s Group meets to discuss what is important in our lives with spirit, depth, and humor in a confidential environment.
The UUCM Men’s Group welcomes everyone who identifies as male to share mutual support and discussions about our lives, triumphs, and struggles. Our multi-platform meetings are on every 2nd Saturday 9:00 AM in the Peierls Room and on Zoom.
If you are interested in joining please, contact Jerry Fried at mensgroup@uumontclair.org
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As we move through the 21st century, more than 30% of America’s total population will be 55 years and older. And, we are not our grandparents’ grandparents!
We are the wisdom keepers and the mentors who are ready and able to pass on the essence of our lives’ experiences to others.
In this covenant group we will explore our life transitions, challenges, and expectations as we enter and experience this third age.
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The Poetry Covenant Group meets on the third Sunday of the month at 7:00 PM via Zoom. Led by UUCM member Patti Taylor, this group is open to those who enjoy reading poetry and sharing this love with others.
After the reading of each poem there is an opportunity for a discussion of the offering. These discussions may be short or long depending on how the group is moved.
Bring your favorite poem to share with us and be prepared for a good time with this group.
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The purpose of these groups is to explore our beliefs and values by writing about the monthly theme before the meeting and sharing your writing with the group for discussion. These are not a writing critique groups, and all levels of writing experience are welcome. If you would like to understand more about this kind of covenant group, you can watch the worship service held on 8/21/22, which featured speakers from an already existing group.
One group, facilitated by Laura Wilson, meets in person on the third Saturday of each month at 9:15 AM.
Another group, facilitated by Dennis Kurtti, meets in hybrid fashion on the fourth Saturday of each month at 9:15 AM.