About CVUU: FAQ

Frequently Asked Question about

Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists (CVUU)

For friends and newcomers

updated August 2019

 

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED AND HOW DO I GET THERE?

  1. Where can I find the Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation?
    1. The Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation has a lovely fellowship house on the southwest corner of 6th east and 9th north in Logan Utah. The address is 596 E 900 North, Logan Utah. We are within walking distance of the Utah State University campus and in the northeast part of town.
  2. Is parking available at the Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation?
    1. Park on 900 N; please make sure you stay clear of the corners and driveways to avoid a ticket.
    2. Parking on the street is allowed but beware that a diligent police officer enforces the setback law about parking too close to a corner. We would hate for anyone to get a parking ticket.
    3. The neighbor west of the Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation appreciates having his driveway completely clear, and then some, for backing out.
  3. Does a bus access CVUU?
    1. Not on Sunday for the Sunday Service.
    2. Other days of the week, the number 4 bus drops off near CVUU. https://www.cvtdbus.org/MIRouteMapsNSchedules/iroute.php?r=6#

Spirituality

  1. What do Unitarian-Universalists (UUs) believe?

Unitarian Universalists affirm and promote seven principles that are held as strong values and moral guides.

 

They are:

1st: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

2nd: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

3rd: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

4th: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

5th: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

6th: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

7th: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

  1. Unitarian Univseralists also affirm and promote six sources of wisdom and spirituality
  • Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
  • Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
  • Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
  • Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
  • Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;
  • Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions that celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
  1. Does Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation have a minister?
    1. No, the Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation does not currently have a minister.
  2. Who delivers your services?
    1. Members, friends, and invited speakers deliver Sunday services.
    2. Occasionally, a longer service (~15 minutes longer) with a more in-depth community based topic will be presented. This service is often presented by an outside speaker.
  3. What are the services like at Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation?
    1. The topic of each service is different but there is a common organization and rhythm to most services.
    2. Sunday services last about an hour to 75 minutes at most.
    3. We open with announcements, turn to welcome our neighbors, and then light the flaming chalice that is symbolic of UUs around the world as we recite chalice-lighting-words in unison.
    4. A children’s story is read early in every service and the topic often relates to the topic of the main service. We sing the children off to their classes in another part of our building.
    5. A chance to talk about joys and sorrows of the week lets us get to know each other a bit better and find out about key events in the lives of our fellows.
    6. Readings, 3-4 songs, and sometimes discussion precede and follow a formal presentation that lasts about 20-25 minutes. The service typically finishes at 11 or 11:15.
    7. Mingling and conversation over tea, coffee and treats follows the service in the kitchen area of our Jay and Leslie Black Fellowship House.
  1. How do I find out what the Sunday service will be about this week?
    1. The Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation maintains a comprehensive web site and schedule of services. http://cvuu.org/
    2. If you join the Google listserv, an email will be sent in advance of each service about the upcoming topic. Please speak with one of our greeters as you come to the Sunday service to sign up on the list near the front door.
  1. Why do people become members of the Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation?
    1. There are many reasons.
    2. Many UUs enjoy the community, potential for spiritual exploration and growth, and compassionate religion with no dogma or creed.
    3. We value all type of people regardless of their sex, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, or ability.
    4. The Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation is a Welcoming Congregation and has taken extra steps of reach out to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) communities.
    5. Some UUs enjoy the chance to mingle with others who value diversity, the environment, and liberal religion.
    6. Some UUs start coming to Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation because their children will benefit from a support system and spiritual education offered by the Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation.
    7. UUs have a wide range of beliefs and agree to live and grow in a diverse community. All with a loving heart are welcome here.
  1. How can I find out more about the Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation?
    1. Please sign up for our Google listserv to get occasional emails about upcoming events
    2. This email listserv also gets you the monthly newsletter. The newsletters are also posted on our web site: http://cvuu.org/events-calendar/newsletter-2/
    3. Ask us! We hope you would feel comfortable asking any of us.
    4. A point person is being designated in each service to answer questions you might have. If they cannot answer, they will refer you to someone else who can.
    5. Periodically there is an information session entitled RUaUU? That info session discusses the basic UU principles and CVUU for new-comers.

Beyond the Sunday service:

  1. What else happens at Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation besides the Sunday service?
    1. The Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation is proud to make our Fellowship house available to Cache Valley groups that share our values.
    2. We provide a home for Cache Pride. This resource is for youth aged 16 to 23 and meets Friday evening. A pre-teen group meets on Tuesday evenings. Cache Pride has a focus on marginalized and homeless youth, but all are welcome.
    3. The Citizen’s Climate Lobby as well as other like-minded groups meet once a month in our Fellowship house.
    4. Does the Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation provide other services such as weddings and funerals? Yes. Please contact the Building Manager at building@cvuu.org.

The Nitty Gritty:

  1. How can I help support Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation in its mission of spiritual growth, social and environmental action, and religious exploration (the money side)?
    1. Consider donating to the offering during each service. Half of each offering is donated to a worthy cause like a scholarship for young mothers, the Cache Humane Society, refugee support groups, and others.  We try to announce the cause during each service but if the board of the Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation has not met to decide this, a future meeting may determine the recipient of the half plate.
    2. If you purchase items from Natural Grocers, consider purchasing gift cards from the Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation at face value. Natural Grocers sells gift cards to CVUU at a discount to help us raise money.
    3. Become a friend or member and donate on a monthly basis. Pledges are renewed each spring. One-time or ongoing support in the form of a pledge may be initiated at any time and are GREATLY appreciated.
  2. How can I help support Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists congregation in its mission of spiritual growth, social and environmental action, and religious exploration (the action side)?
    1. Consider helping with tasks that suit your interests, time, talents, and abilities.
    2. Are you skilled with numbers? The Treasurer could use your help.
    3. Are you a fan of gardening? The grounds team could use your interest and help in maintaining a groomed landscape.
    4. Could you be at Cache Valley Unitarian-Universalists early to start the coffee pot and set out plates and coffee cups?
    5. The welcoming team greets people at the door on Sundays, organizes events, and provides other support. They would appreciate help.
    6. Could you welcome people at the door on Sunday and pass out the program, introduce newcomers to the congregation, and be a friendly face at the door?
    7. The worship team decides topics, organizes, and manages the delivery of services. Input welcome.
    8. Are you interested in helping the disenfranchised youth of the community? Become an adult mentor teacher for the CYRC support group.
    9. Are you interested in meeting and loving the youth of our community? Become a teacher and mentor of the Our Whole Lives program of holistic maturation and sexual education. See http://www.uua.org/re/owl for a description of this important program.
    10. Teachers are really needed and appreciated. You do not need to help all the time.
    11. Can you identify a need and take care of it on your own? Do the plants need watering?  Does some laundry need attention?

Logistics for members and friends:

  1. If the snow needs to be shoveled, who should I contact?
         CVUU hires a service to clear snow in winter
  2. If an event is to be scheduled, who do I contact? What are the fees and requirements?
         building@cvuu.org
  3. If a repair is required inside the building, who should be notified?
    building@cvuu.org
  4. If a repair is required outside the building, who should be notified?
    Please contact building@cvuu.org
  5. If the repair is an emergency, who should be contacted?
         coordinator@cvuu.org