Unitarian Universalist
Congregation of Surprise

A Progressive, Inclusive Faith Community

LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation
We are the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Surprise, Arizona. We provide a religious and spiritual home for open-minded, community-involved people in the northwest valley.

We welcome you!

Services are held Sundays at 10:30am. Visitors are always welcome. Coffee and snacks are served during the social hour following the service.

17540 N Avenue of the Arts
Surprise, AZ 85378
(623) 875-2550

RECENT SERVICE

Services are held in-person and live-streamed. CLICK HERE to view recent services.

UPCOMING SERVICE

Services are held in -person and live-streamed. CLICK HERE on Sundays at 10:30am to view the live-streamed service.

 

“Freedom of belief is the characteristic theme of contemporary Unitarian Universalism. There is no doctrinal test for membership. Instead, we have chosen a heritage that places the final authority for religious questions not with a book, the Bible, nor with an institution, the church, but with reason and individual conscience. A Unitarian Universalist, led by his or her reason and conscience to a belief in the unique mission of Jesus, may sit beside another Unitarian Universalist similarly led, who denies the existence of God.” — Reverend Emeritus Dr. Walter F. Wieder

“Freedom of belief is the characteristic theme of contemporary Unitarian Universalism. There is no doctrinal test for membership. Instead, we have chosen a heritage that places the final authority for religious questions not with a book, the Bible, nor with an institution, the church, but with reason and individual conscience. A Unitarian Universalist, led by his or her reason and conscience to a belief in the unique mission of Jesus, may sit beside another Unitarian Universalist similarly led, who denies the existence of God.”
— Reverend Emeritus Dr. Walter F. Wieder

WELCOME!
Hi and thanks for visiting UUCS’s online home. We’re a Unitarian Universalist community in Surprise, Arizona. This west valley area is known for being a destination for active retirees, but growth in the Phoenix metro area has brought new developments, new people, and new energy to the Sun City / Surprise area. On Sunday mornings you’re likely to see a mix of young families and older generations… and even a few folks in the middle like me.

If you’re new to Unitarian Universalism, welcome. I am new to the tradition as well. UUs are a feisty bunch! We like to wrestle with big ideas and leave questions open. We have often left behind other religious traditions that felt like a sweater that had shrunk in the laundry. We gather together, not because we have things “right” or are seeking salvation in another realm, but because we seek companions for our human journeys, centered on principles and values that inspire and enliven us.

We have hope in the potential for humanity to move the planet toward liberation and peace. Let’s explore this hope together.

Karen Richter
Pastor

Pastor Karen Richter
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

WE ARE A WELCOMING CONGREGATION

In 1987 the Unitarian Universalist Association established the Common Vision Planning Committee. This committee found many negative attitudes, deep prejudices, and profound ignorance about bisexual, gay, and lesbian people, which resulted in the exclusion of bisexual, gay, and lesbian people from their churches. As a result of these findings, the delegates of the 1989 UUA General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to initiate the Welcoming Congregation program to educate its members. Each congregation adapts the program to best meet its goals and each unique situation can bring positive changes to individuals and congregations.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Creating a sustainable way of life is central to our view of a just and compassionate world

WE ARE A WELCOMING CONGREGATION

In 1987 the Unitarian Universalist Association established the Common Vision Planning Committee. This committee found many negative attitudes, deep prejudices, and profound ignorance about bisexual, gay, and lesbian people, which resulted in the exclusion of bisexual, gay, and lesbian people from their churches. As a result of these findings, the delegates of the 1989 UUA General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to initiate the Welcoming Congregation program to educate its members. Each congregation adapts the program to best meet its goals and each unique situation can bring positive changes to individuals and congregations.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Creating a sustainable way of life is central to our view of a just and compassionate world.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Surprise

We welcome you!
Sundays at 10:30am

17540 N Avenue of the Arts
Surprise, AZ 85378
(623) 875-2550

A Progressive, Inclusive Faith Community