This is BUF - For Visitors and Newcomers

Members come from many faiths, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and earth-centered religions. Some of us are agnostic, atheists, humanists, or pagans. We find community here.

Our fellowship is affiliated with the UUA - Unitarian Universalist Association, a national organization consisting of approximately 1000 congregations, and our regional District = the PNWD, or Pacific-NorthWest District.

All who come in the spirit of good will are welcome!
We are a place where you may build your own theology.

You may call us a church -- (we are)

You may call us a fellowship -- (we do)

You may call us a congregation -- (we fit)

But please, just don't call us too late!

Where we are

The building that our Fellowship owns is just northwest of downtown Bellingham, WA, kind-of tucked away at 1708 "I" Street, near the Bellingham School Board building (the former Roeder School). (directions)

We've been in this building since 1984. (This congregation actually started in 1905.)

There is visitor parking on Ellsworth Street adjacent to the building, and three lots nearby may be used on Sundays.

click for bigger map with parking.

The Sanctuary is a lovely space, and we will soon be expanding our facility to better serve the offices and classrooms.

See the new-building plans.

What's a usual Sunday Service like?

(although we sometimes do things differently)

How does it go, for a visitor?
When you walk in the front door, there is probably a "Greeter", standing by the side of the steps. You may say "Hi - I'm a visitor."
They will ask you to make a sticky-label nametag. You may say you'd rather not, if you really wish.
At the inner door, the Usher will give you the day's Order-of-Service - and for visitors that is enclosed in a Cover (which has general information about us.) You may take that home with you if you like, or return it later to be re-used--we are environmentally conscious.
Pick a seat anywhere you wish, and note there are some soft cushions, to be placed on the wood pews, if you prefer.
A period of silent meditation will be observed for 5 minutes prior to each service.
Be aware that the style of our services may vary from week to week, so if you happen upon an unusual one, know that such is ordinary here - and next week will be different.

What about for kids? (elsewhere, called "Sunday School")
For children 1-3: Childcare with age appropriate programming for each service is available downstairs in our Child Space room.
Preschool and elementary age children: Religious Education is available during both services. Ask anybody with a round name tag (Members) where to sign up the children, so we know who goes with whom.
Middle school students have programming during the 11:15 service only, when we have two services.
High school age youth are invited to attend adult worship services in the morning and participate in religious education with our YRUU Youth Group on Sunday evenings from 4:00 to 5:30.

We usually start our service by repeating our covenant

"Love is the spirit of this fellowship,
And service gives it life.
Celebrating our diversity,
And joined by a quest for truth,
We work for peace, and honor all creation—
This is our covenant"

And, there are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:

The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Green Sanctuary Program

Our active program caring for the earth, one step at a time -- learning - acting - individual actions - group actions - administrative and on the ground.
click to see and hear!

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