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About Us & Our Church...
About Murray Unitarian Universalist ChurchOur History Our Mission Statement Our Affirmation of Faith Principles and Purposes The Living Tradition We Share
Murray Unitarian Universalist Church is a progressive community of over two hundred and fifty members and friends. As members of the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Ballou Channing District, we are part of a liberal religious denomination that stresses individual belief and reasoning. Instead of promoting a specific creed or dogma, we encourage members to develop a personal relationship with the Sacred. Members of Murray Church are devoted to individual freedom, reason, and tolerance. We are rich in diversity with members of all ages and life-styles. The Murray community includes agnostics, atheists, humanists, deists, theists, Christians, Jews, Pagans, and Buddhists. Some members prefer to set theological matters aside and concern themselves with philosophical, social, and ethical questions. We welcome all who seek an environment of mutual tolerance and friendship and a free faith in a free society.
As a self-governing democratic organization, members, who have an equal voice in all decision making, elect officers, governors, boards, committee members and approve budgets at our Annual Meeting in May. Day to day operations are handled by the Board of Governors, which consists of the Moderator and seven governors. The Board of Deacons and Deaconesses assist the Minister in advancing the spiritual interest of the church. The Board of Trustees manages and disburses the trust funds of the church.
Other committees include the Religious Services Committee, the Religious Education Committee, the Property Management Committee, the Finance Committee, the Holiday Fair Committee, the Welcoming Committee, the Advocacy & Service Committee, the Caring Committee, the Music Committee, the Board of Auditors, the Committee on Ministry, the Memorial Gifts Committee and the Memorial Garden Committee. Please see Church Government below for a more complete list of all boards, committees and their functions.
A personal narrative by Betty Clark, Member of Murray UU Church...
Unitarians have their roots in Europe's sixteenth century Reformation. The Universalists were established in the United States in 1779 by a former English Methodist, John Murray. In 1961, the two groups merged to form the American Unitarian Universalist Association.
Murray Universalist Church had its beginnings in May of 1875, when a group of Attleboro men invited those interested in establishing Universalist preaching in Attleboro to meet in Union Hall on Railroad Avenue in the building now known as Berard's furniture. At that time, North Attleboro already had a Universalist church in the Oldtown section of town, just south of where the Oldtown Congregational Church stands today.
Things moved much faster then (1870's) than they do today. After that first meeting in 1875, they drew up a constitution and by-laws, which were presented and adopted in June of 1875. Many of the business men who made Attleboro the "Jewelry City" signed the first membership book. One of their members, Edwin J. Horton, erected a building on North Main street, approximately opposite Academy Street (Rockland Trust) and allowed Murray Chapel to use the third floor.
The group grew and flourished over the next few years, and in 1884, they decided to build a church. The lot they chose was at the corner of North Main, County and Park Streets, across from where Morin's Diner is today. The women of the church, contrary to the custom of other churches, were first class members, and were "allowed" to raise as much money as they could. They sold ice cream from a tent on the lot to the high school students. (The high school stood on the corner of Bank and Peck Streets, where the Florence Hayward Sweet Clubhouse stands today. Florence Hayward Sweet and her husband J. L. Sweet were both members of Murray Church, and the parents of Attleboro's first mayor ). They made shop aprons for the jewelry shops and held rummage sales. Although the building was completed in 1885, the dedication did not take place until all bills were paid, on May 11, 1887. An addition called Murray Hall was added in 1908.
The Unitarian connection with Murray Church came some years before the two groups merged officially. Again, things moved along much faster than they do now. On December 24, 1900, a group of gentlemen met at Bates Opera House (where Elco Carpet is today) to consider the matter of holding religious meetings. A committee was formed to draw up a preamble. Two days later, on December 24, 1900, the preamble was accepted and the committees on Music, Printing and Ushers were formed. Two days after that, six copies had been procured and were ready for circulation and signatures. On the 29th, arrangements were made for more copies, signatures and subscriptions.
The first meeting of the Society of Pilgrim Church in Attleboro, MA was held at the Bates Opera House on January 6, 1901. Their covenant, which was based on the original covenant entered into by the Pilgrims of Plymouth, was: "We join ourselves by a covenant of the Lord into a church estate in the fellowship of the gospel, to walk in all His ways made known or to be made known unto us, according to our best endeavor whatsoever it may cost us, the Lord assisting us". Pilgrim Church was not a first a Unitarian Church, but eventually it was decided that the ideas and beliefs of the Unitarian Church coincided with those of Pilgrim Church, and in 1909, they became Pilgrim Unitarian Church. By then they were settled in a beautiful stone building on the corner of North Main and Peck Streets. My grandfather, C.C. Grant, who was a local contractor and a member of Pilgrim, built the church in 1907. The Unitarians worshipped there until 1926, when the inside of the building was destroyed by fire. By then, the congregation had begun to diminish, and they no longer could support a building, so it was sold to the Episcopal Church. The members of Pilgrim Church went either to the Congregational Church or to Murray Church. A small group of Unitarian, including my parents and grandmother, my husband and his parents and grandparents, continued to hold annual meetings until about 1955, when plans were being made to erect the new Murray Church. At that time the group disbanded and gave part of their fund to Murray Church ($31,406.13). The Campanile is dedicated to Pilgrim Church.
Murray Church continued on North Main Street (center of Attleboro) until 1957, when the "Gothic Quonset Hut" (the current Murray Church) was built. We even tried for a traditional New England church with a spire - we even had a model made - but it was just too expensive, so we went along with the architects, Washburn and Luther's next idea. We continued to grow and had to build the church school addition in 1967.
Unitarianism and Universalism have undergone many changes over the years but the basic beliefs remain the same; the universal worth of each person, the freedom to search for truth wherever we may find it, and the value of the beliefs of others.
Murray Universalist Church voted to become a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association in 1962. In 1980, Community Church (Unitarian) of North Attleboro joined with Murray Unitarian Universalist Church. Murray Church is a member of the Ballou Channing District within the Unitarian Universalist Association.
We are an active congregation who 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.
Love is the spirit of this church, and service its law. This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in love, and to help one another.
Principles
and Purposes
of the Unitarian Universalist Association
We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association , covenant to 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.
The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the Association is to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions, and implement its principles.
The living tradition we share draws from many sources:
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 and deeds of prophetic women and men 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.
Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.
What Do Unitarian Universalists Believe?
We believe in the
freedom of religious expression. All individuals should be encouraged to develop their own
personal theology, and to present openly their religious opinions without fear of censure
or reprisal.
We believe in the
toleration of religious ideas. All religions, in every age and culture, possess not only
an intrinsic merit, but also a potential value for those who have learned the art of
listening.
We believe in the
authority of reason and conscience. The ultimate arbiter in religion is not a church, or a
document, or an official, but the personal choice and decision of the individual.
We believe in the
never-ending search for Truth. If the mind and heart are truly free and open, the
revelations which appear to the human spirit are infinitely numerous, eternally fruitful,
and wondrously exciting.
We believe in the unity
of experience. There is no fundamental conflict between faith and knowledge, religion and
the world, the sacred and the secular, since they all have their source in the same
reality.
We believe in the worth
and dignity of each human being. All people on earth have an equal claim to life, liberty,
and justice - and no idea, ideal, or philosophy is superior to a single human life.
We believe in the
ethical application of religion. Good works are the natural product of a good faith, the
evidence of an inner grace that finds completion in social and community involvement.
We believe in the motive
force of love. The governing principle in human relationships is the principle of love,
which always seeks the welfare of others and never seeks to hurt or destroy.
We believe in the
necessity of the democratic process. Records are open to scrutiny, elections are open to
members, and ideas are open to criticism - so that people might govern themselves.
We believe in the
importance of a religious community. The validation of experience requires the
confirmation of peers, who provide a critical platform along with a network of mutual
support.
-David O. Rankin; Used with permission of the Unitarian Universalist Association
Murray Church's Bylaws state:
"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."
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.
To make a "a recorded financial contribution," at least one of your financial gifts to Murray Church should be made by check or by cash placed in a numbered Murray Church Pledge Envelope with your name(s) written on it. (Evelyn in the Church Office can give you a supply of Pledge Envelopes). 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 of that cash.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
OFFICERS RESPONSIBILITIES
| Moderator | Chief executive officer and Chairperson, Board of Governors. Ex officio member of all committees |
| Vice-Moderator | Assistant to the moderator and assumes the duties of the Moderator in his/her absence. |
| Clerk | Record proceedings of Annual Meeting and meetings of the Board of Governors. Custodian of Church records. |
| Treasurer | Receives and disburses church funds under the direction of the Board of Governors. |
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
|
The Board of Governors meets the second Tuesday of every month. It consists of seven Governors as well as the Moderator and Vice Moderator. The Clerk, Treasurer and Minister also attend. The Governors are of Property, Worship, Adult Activities, Religious Education, Finance, Trust Funds and Membership. The Moderator chairs the meeting, which always opens with a reading, chalice lighting and brief check-in. The minutes are reviewed from the last meeting and accepted. The Minister gives a report of activity during the previous month. The Treasurer also reads a report of financial information. Each Governor gives a brief report of activity within their particular discipline. There is an open forum opportunity at 8 p.m. for anyone wishing to address the BOG who has spoken to the Moderator ahead of time. This past fall we discussed many subjects. We began the year with an all day retreat to help us identify areas we would like to concentrate on. We are developing a strategic planning group. We have discussed financial matters and some new fundraising ideas. Our minutes are available in the church office and are also posted on the bulletin board. |
|
| FINANCE |
Responsible for
Church finances, canvass drive, fund raising. Chairperson of the Finance Committee.
|
| RELIGIOUS EDUCATION |
Responsible for
religious education programs for children, youth and adults.
|
| ADULT ACTIVITIES |
Responsible for adult
social activities.
|
| WORSHIP | Oversees Sunday worship, and is responsible for greeters, ushers and floral gifts |
| PROPERTY |
Responsible for
general upkeep of the church property and for arranging use of property by church and
other groups.
|
| MEMBERSHIP |
Responsible for
attracting and encouraging new members; and with encouraging active participation of
existing members.
|
| GOVERNOR OF TRUST FUNDS | Responsible for legacies and bequests received and monies held in trust for Murray Church. |
ELECTED GROUPS, BOARDS & COMMITTEES |
(The Minister & Moderator are Ex Officio members of all boards and committees.) |
| AUDITORS | Responsible for examining books and financial statements. |
| BOARD OF DEACONS & DEACONESSES |
Advance the spiritual
interests of the church.
|
| NOMINATING COMMITTEE |
Nominates officers,
board and committee vacancies to be filled at the Annual Meeting.
|
| RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COMMITTEE | Determines and administers the religious education program in co-ordination with the Board of Governors. Click here for the latest RE news. Click here to visit the RE Committe home page. |
| BOARD OF TRUSTEES |
Responsible for
legacies and bequests to the church.
|
NON-ELECTED COMMITTEES, GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES |
| ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION |
Classes, Discussion
groups offered throughout the church year.For more information, see the current church calendar or contact the Director of
Religious Education through the Church Office.
|
| ADULT ACTIVITIES |
Organizes activities
for adult members and friends. Committee members are always needed. Current activites are
listed in our newsletter.
|
| ADVOCACY & SERVICE COMMITTEE |
Organizes and involves
the Murray community in social outreach projects. Current activites are
listed in our newsletter. FOr
general information avout Advocacy & Service,
click here to
visit their homepage.
|
| CANVASS COMMITTEE |
Organizes and carries
out annual canvass for pledges.
|
| CARING COMMITTEE |
Offers support, love
and help to members of the Murray community who are ill, shut-in, hospitalized or in
crisis. Click here to visit our web page that has
more information
|
| CHOIR |
Thursday evening
rehearsals. Open to anyone who wants to sing and is willing to attend rehearsals.
|
| CIRCLE OF SPIRITS |
Pagan Study Group
meeting on the Wednesdays closest to the full moon to explore earth centered spirituality.
Please refer to the newsletter
for current information.
|
| CLARA BARTON GUILD |
Meetings held four
times a year in October, December, April and June. Two rummage sales per year – fall
& spring. Occasional speaker and some social times. New members welcome.
|
| COFFEE COMMITTEE |
A sub-committee of
Membership, this committee makes bulk purchase
of coffee and other supplies and reminds those who have volunteered to prepare Sunday
morning Coffee Hour. Volunteers are needed each week.
|
| COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY |
Serves as a support
group for the Minister and as a communication channel between the congregation and
Minister. Comments and feedback are welcomed.
|
| DENOMINATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE |
Acts as a liaison
between the congregation and the
Ballou Channing
District and the Unitarian Universalist
Association.
|
| FINANCE COMMITTEE |
Oversees the finances
of the church.
|
| FOOD PANTRY |
Donations of
non-perishable, in date food are always appreciated.
|
| GREETERS |
Welcome members,
friends and visitors to the Sunday morning service.
Encourage visitors to sign the Visitors Sheet.
|
| HISTORICAL/ARCHIVES COMMITTEE |
Organizes, restores
and maintains files, records, documents and other items relating to the history of Murray
Church.
|
| HANDS AROUND THE MOON |
Pagan book study group.
|
| HOLIDAY FAIR COMMITTEE |
Organizes and
co-ordinates the Annual Church Fair, held on
the first Friday and Saturday in November. Members and active fair workers are always
welcomed and needed.
|
| MEMORIAL FLOWERS |
Responsible for floral
displays in the sanctuary. Memorial gifts of flowers for Sunday Services are welcome.
|
| MEMORIAL GARDEN COMMITTEE |
Operates the Memorial Garden, a permanent sub-committee under
the Board of Deacons and Deaconesses.
|
| MEMORIAL GIFTS COMMITTEE |
Receives, deposits,
manages and distributes funds received in memory of deceased members and friends of Murray
Church.
|
| MIRACLES GROUP |
An open group
interested in "A Course in Miracles"
|
| M.O.S.T. |
Murray Office Support
Team. Assists with various office tasks.
|
| MURRAY BOOKSTORE |
An opportunity to
purchase Beacon Press books during Coffee Hour.
|
| MUSIC COMMITTEE |
Oversees the music
program and reports to the Board of Governors through the Governor of Worship.
Current music committee information is
listed in our newsletter.
|
| MUSIC TRAINING |
An opportunity for
young people to develop singing voices and learn musical literacy skills.
|
| NEW UU |
The New UU program is
an interactive workshop that meets periodically where new members, long-standing members
and visitors have an opportunity to learn more about Murray Church and Unitarian
Universalism while getting to know other members of the church. As a participant, you will
be given the opportunity share your spiritual story and to help mold the workshop
agenda to match your interests and needs.
|
| PRINCIPLES IN ACTION COMMITTEE |
Sub-committee of the
Religious Education Committee involving Church School and congregation in enacting our
principles in our everyday lives.lick here for more information.
|
| PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE |
Works with the
Governor of Property to oversee the buildings and grounds.
|
| PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE |
A sub-committee of
Membership, this group addresses Murray
Church’s public relations needs. Oversees newsletter and website. |
| READING GROUP |
Meets at 8:45AM on
Sunday to discuss selected books. All are welcome.
|
| RELIGIOUS SERVICES COMMITTEE |
Coordinates Sunday
worship services.
|
| SERMON RESPONSES |
Various Sunday
mornings at 11:30AM in the John Murray Room. Meet with other Murray members and friends to
discuss issues raised in the morning’s sermon.
|
| 3F FAIR |
Spring Fair consisting
of Flea Market, Flower and Plant Sale, Food and rental of craft tables to local artisans.
Help is always needed.
|
| USHERS |
Distributes Orders of
Service and seat those attending worship services. Ushers are always needed. Please see a
member of the Deacons and Deaconesses to volunteer.
|
| WELCOMING COMMITTEE |
A sub-committee of
Membership, this committee attracts, encourages,
organizes education and activities for new members. Encourages active participation from
existing Murray members.
|
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