The Unitarian Universalist Community of Frankfort is Liberal People of Faith embracing our Community through Education, Service, Social Justice; Promoting Acceptance and Diversity with Open Minds and Welcoming Hearts.*
*A brief history of UUCF
In the late 70’s a diverse group of people in Frankfort decided to start monthly potlucks, an evening for parents to socialize with other adults. Hosted in member’s homes, they proved popular and grew.
Within this group were people who attended the Lexington UU church. Fast forward a couple of decades. The UU members who traveled to Lexington every Sunday decided they were ready to start their own church in Frankfort and the time seemed right. Ruby Layson, John Carson and others along with UUCL minister, Cynthia Cain, got this new church off the ground.
The first public organizational meeting of what was to become Unitarian Universalist Community of Frankfort was held at Farmer’s Bank in 2007. There was a short notice in the State Journal welcoming anyone interested in UUism or just a different faith path. The first year was a time to map how the church would move forward.
The group met monthly at various places around Frankfort and ultimately at the Yoga studio downtown. Services were increased to twice monthly on Sunday afternoons. After 2 years at the Yoga studio the church made a leap of faith and moved to a large space on East Main St. It was a comfortable space with room to grow. At that time services were moved to 11:00 every Sunday. There were guest speakers and guest ministers. Members did services. And some services were discussions in the round. There was an ebb and flow of congregants as with all churches. We lost Mr. Carson during this time when he relocated.
The church saw changes, families relocated, schedules and obligations changed and sadly through deaths. These changes lowered the number of members so that big space was too much and the congregation moved to a smaller place nearby. There, five original members welcomed new people and the congregation changed many times but always with these 5, including Ms. Layson.
A unique opportunity was offered a couple of years after moving into the smaller space. One of our founders had a family member offer a house on Wilkinson Street. The congregation moved, and it was a great time for growth and new traditions. The church was there for 2 years until the owners sold the house.
Luckily space in the office building next door was available. That space is where UUCF is today. Sadly Ms. Layson, the matriarch, passed away shortly after this move.
UUCF has never been a large congregation; the early goal was 20-25 people. It has always been a close knit group of people who come to church, take part in services, volunteer and do outreach; who come to monthly church potlucks to socialize and generally get to know each other beyond Sunday church.
Services, potlucks and all church activities have always been open and welcoming to anyone who comes with an open mind and heart; who is looking for a church home of acceptance and support and those looking for a different faith path with like-minded people. That mission continues today.
Seven Unitarian Universalist Principles
1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.
3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.
4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
5. The rights of conscience and the use of the democratic process in our congregations and in society at large.
6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.
7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol during his work with the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. To Deutsch, the image had connotations of sacrifice and love. Unitarian Universalists today have many different interpretations of the flaming chalice, including the light of reason, the warmth of community, and the flame of hope.
The Six Sources of UUism that we affirm and promote:
*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 of prophetic people 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 which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Unitarian Universalism is a religion characterized by support for a "free and responsible search for truth and meaning." Unitarian Universalists do not share a creed; rather, they are unified by their shared search for spiritual growth and by the belief that an individual's theology is a result of that search and not obedience to an authoritative requirement. Unitarian Universalists draw on many different theological sources and have a wide range of beliefs and practices. We welcome all to share in the search.