Our Fellowship Programs
At the Durham Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, our Sunday morning programs are a cornerstone of our community, reflecting our commitment to diverse perspectives and meaningful engagement. Join us each Sunday from 10 – 11:00 AM near downtown Durham, as we explore a rich tapestry of insights and connections.
If you are searching for greater meaning, and connection to community, please join us Sundays from 10 – 11:00 AM, followed by a coffee hour with conversation and refreshments. We meet the first Sunday after Labor Day through the last Sunday in May, and hold our annual picnic during May.
What to expect?
During the first hour enjoy music, the sharing of joys and concerns, and unique, community-based programs with local speakers, artists, musicians, civic and spiritual leaders. All programs include time set aside for participant comments, questions and discussion. The program is followed by an opportunity to collaborate and socialize over coffee and snacks.
Upcoming Services
Jan 4
Betty Crepeau — “Find the stillness”
“Find the stillness” is the first line of the UU hymn, “Find the Stillness. Hold the Stillness.” During this service, we will have the opportunity to reflect on our gratitude emanating from the holiday season, on the difficulties we may have encountered, and on the challenges of the coming year.
Jan 11
Michelle Wagner — “Holding on to Hope: A Spiritual Look at Mental Health”
This talk will explore how spirituality and mental health overlap, intersect, and sometimes collide in a world where depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Through personal stories of living with depression and anxiety, and parenting children with serious mental health conditions, we will name both the stigma that still surrounds these challenges and the impact of global turmoil on our collective psyche. Grounded in Unitarian Universalist commitments to inherent worth and compassion, we will explore practical, spiritually rooted ways to resist despair and instead nurture hope, connection, and mental well-being.
Michelle Wagner is a former registered nurse who went on to earn a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from SNHU and a Master of Theological Studies from Boston University. Shaped by her own and her family’s lived experience with mental health conditions, she has spent the past decade working in the mental health field, delivering direct care and helping with systems improvement. She recently founded Wagner MindHealth, a company that partners with organizations to provide mental health education, resource navigation, and employee support.
Jan 18
Betty Crepeau, Mary Downes, Larry Vogelman and Dawn Meredith—
“Dr. King’s ‘Letter from a Birmingham Jail.’ “
We will expand on themes and consider progress relative to Dr. King’s pivotal letter from the civil rights movements.
Jan 25
Thomas Pistole — “Death Cafe”
“Death Cafe” provides a safe, interactive environment for discussing death. This program will focus on what each of us wants for our own death.
Exploring Diverse Perspectives
As a lay-led congregation, our Sunday services are a dynamic fusion of voices. From clergy representing various faiths to speakers from academic, civic, environmental, and social justice backgrounds, our programs embrace a wide spectrum of perspectives. This diversity enhances our understanding of the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism, guiding us in the pursuit of wisdom, spirituality, and impactful daily actions.
A Haven for Friendship and Connection
Our fellowship goes beyond spiritual exploration; it’s a haven for friendship, connection, and shared values inspired by Unitarian principles. Experience a safe and inclusive environment that encourages genuine connections, community events, and a profound sense of belonging. Despite our modest exterior, our interior boasts a beautiful sanctuary, gifted by the Marjorie Milne Estate.
Our Gallery
Enriching Families and Children
One of our primary goals is to enrich individuals and families with young children. We provide a space where children can learn from their elders, explore spiritual topics, and understand the importance of inclusivity, equity, and justice.
Welcoming All Voices
We seek to be a place where each person’s unique worth and beliefs are acknowledged and respected, and where each person’s voice may be heard. Committed to providing a welcoming and safe space for all, we recognize the valuable perspectives of our LGBTQIA+ communities and allies.
Community Engagement
Beyond the sanctuary, our fellowship is a hub for community involvement. We prioritize sustainability within our sanctuary, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all. Guided by the principle of “respect for the interdependent web of all existence,” we actively participate in local charitable efforts. From fundraising and volunteering to providing community support, we extend our principles into tangible actions.