Religious Education Update: January 7, 2007

Happy 5th Birthday, UUP!

On January 6, 2002, eight people gathered together to create a new fellowship of Unitarian Universalists in Petaluma. They dreamed of an intentionally intergenerational group that would provide spiritual growth for children and adults.

On September 1, 2002, the group began holding weekly services.

On October 27, 2002, UUP held its Covenanting Sunday at the Petaluma Women’s Club. Nineteen members signed the Membership Book, officially forming the new congregation. The Rev. Terry Kime, minister at the UU Congregation of Marin, noted in the homily, “How glorious to find ourselves here on the morning of October 27th, 2002, at this very special moment in the life of this religious community. Some of us today will become the first official members of this congregation, the rest of us will be their witnesses.”

In June of 2004, the new congregation of UUP affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association at the General Assembly at Long Beach, California. Diana Spaulding carried our congregational banner and David Dodd, Board President, represented us on stage, as we were officially welcomed into the national association. UUP had grown to nearly 50 members.

Since our birth, we have increased to almost 60 members, not including children and youth. We have also held:

Four All Fellowship retreats at Lake Francis and at the Four Springs

Retreat center

Three appearances in the Butter and Egg Day Parades

Numerous baby showers, potlucks, holiday celebrations, caroling parties,

new member welcomings, choir rehearsals, religious education classes for

children and adults, committee meetings, and more.

Please join the birthday party celebration after the service as we honor our five years together.

Marlene Abel

Director of Religious Education