What to Expect
Welcome to Murray Unitarian Universalist Church
We’re glad you’re here. When you visit the church for the first time, you will find a few reserved parking spots close to the front entrance—just for you.
Sunday Worship at 10 a.m.
Our Sunday services are a time to gather in community and explore life’s big questions. Each week can feature:
- Sermons from the pulpit by our minister Rev. F. Vernon Wright V
- Guest speakers and special presentations
- Topics rooted in spiritual, ethical, and social exploration
- Uplifting music from our Music Director, Dennis Ferguson, our choir, and other talented Murray musicians
- Religious Exploration for children and youth
Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice
The flaming chalice is a central symbol of Unitarian Universalism. It reflects our commitment to truth, justice, compassion, and the continual search for meaning. Like our faith, the chalice is open—welcoming new ideas and insights that speak to both heart and mind.
Come As You Are
There’s no dress code at Murray UU Church. You’ll see everything from jeans to “Sunday best” to business casual. Wear what feels right for you.
Connect with us
We’re so glad you’re here!
Help us get you connected.
Sunday Worship
Join Us for Sunday Worship – All Are Welcome
We gather each Sunday at 10 a.m. for worship and religious exploration. Services begin with a Musical Reflection at 9:55 a.m. and are followed by coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall
Our worship blends music, spoken word, and thoughtful reflection—featuring pulpit messages, guest speakers, and special presentations on spiritual, ethical, and social topics. From September to June, services are held in person in the sanctuary. During the summer, lay-led services—often on Zoom—offer a more informal space for sharing and connection.
We are a Welcoming Congregation, affirming and celebrating people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Accessibility & Participation
- Hearing assistance and large-print orders of service are available—just ask an usher.
- Want to serve as a Greeter or Chalice Lighter? Let us know—we’d love to include you.
- For everyone’s comfort, we ask that cell phones be silenced during the service.
We also offer rites of passage including dedications, weddings, union ceremonies, and memorials. To schedule a ceremony, contact the church office.
Music
Music adds a rich dimension to our worship services
Our Director of Music, Dennis Ferguson, provides a music program that stimulates and challenges the congregation. The Adult Choir offers an impressive range of solo and group songs. The Murray Musicians frequently contribute to our services.
Mission
We are an active congregation that come together in fellowship to maintain an environment that promotes spiritual growth for individuals and families and affirms diversity of belief. We reach out in a caring way within our church and beyond with a commitment to build a more loving community.
Welcoming Congregation
We warmly welcome all people to our faith community without discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, color, national origin, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. In accordance with our Unitarian Universalist principles and purposes, we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
Come to a Sunday Service if you are thinking that being Unitarian Universalist is where your spiritual path, or your family’s path, may lead.
Our welcoming team is on hand before and after the service every Sunday to answer any questions you may have and to show you around.
Coffee Hour
After morning service we invite you to join us for coffee and conversation in the Fellowship Hall. This is an opportunity for members, visitors, and friends to meet and chat in a comfortable environment
Activities and Committees
Here is a list of some of the diverse activities you’ll find here at Murray Church:
- Adult Activities
- Adult Choir
- Advocacy and Service Projects
- Holiday Fair
- Lifespan Religious Exploration Classes
- Musical Concerts
- Small-Group Ministry
- Soup Sales
- Spring Fair
Committees and Groups
- Caring Circle
- Climate Action
- Deacons & Deaconesses
- Finance
- Food Pantry
- Memorial Garden
- Music
- Property
- Religious Exploration
- Religious Services
- Tech team
Go to the Committees and Groups page for a complete list and descriptions
Congregational meetings
Members vote at any congregational meeting
At Murray Church’s Annual Meeting in May, we vote on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, elect new officers, governors, trustees, and members of standing boards and committees.
If you are interested in voting at the Annual Meeting and are not yet a member of Murray Church, you may want to consider signing the Membership Book during February or early March in order to meet the 45 day membership requirement.
Membership requirements to vote
From the bylaws: “To be entitled to vote at any congregational meeting of the Church, a person must be at least sixteen years of age, have been a member for at least forty-five days, and have made a recorded financial contribution to the Church during the fifteen months preceding the meeting.”
To make “a recorded financial contribution,” at least one of your financial gifts to Murray Church should be made by check or cash and be placed in an envelope with your name(s) written on it. There must be a note on the envelope or inside the envelope explaining what the funds are for. If paying by check, there should be a clear note on the “memo” line. All financial gifts to Murray Church are greatly appreciated, but we are unable to record gifts given by members who place loose cash in the offering plate each week since we are unable to determine the origin or purpose of those contributions.
Financial Support
Support Murray UU Church
Please consider supporting Murray Unitarian Universalist Church by
- Sending your pledge checks in the mail
- Arranging to have a regular check sent through online banking
- Making an online payment through REALM Connect