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

Feb 1

“…and when I die,” a Death Cafe discussion led by Thomas Pistole, a long-time fellowship member

Many people avoid conversations about death, yet they often have strong feelings about their own death. In this interactive program, participants will be invited to share their hopes and expectations about events and activities leading up to and following their passing. Participants will be encouraged to write these down and share them with those likely to be directly involved in their death.

 

Feb 8

Poetry Sharing

Volunteers from the Fellowship will read and reflect on a favorite piece of poetry. 

 

Feb 15

Maria Pinto – “What Fungi Have Taught Me”

“Love one another well and beware the coming flood, fire, or famine. Learn from me how to work with those who appear vastly different from you. Learn to relish the interspecies dens that some of you have worked so hard to abolish.” That is how Maria Pinto answered the question “if you could speak [with] the voice of a mushroom…what would it most want to tell us right now?” asked by a journalist from the Harvard Divinity School Center for the Study of World Religions.
 
Ms Pinto is a writer, naturalist, and educator based in the Boston area. She was born in Jamaica and raised in South Florida. She is the author of the recently released book Fearless, Sleepless, Deathless: What Fungi Taught Me about Nourishment, Poison, Ecology, Hidden Histories, Zombies, and Black Survival (UNC Press, 2025), about which Publishers Weekly had this to say: “Naturalist Pinto celebrates the interconnectedness of the natural world in this joyful mix of memoir, science, history, and adventure.”
 
After reading an excerpt from her book, Maria will engage in a discussion about her work both on and off the page.

 

Feb 22

Lee Webster – “Sustainability After Death”

How we care for our dead has a tangible impact on the earth. From industrial body care outsourcing, to concrete vaults, to flame cremation, we have distanced ourselves from processes that are having an impact on our culture and environment in significant ways. Join us as we explore the principles of sustainable funeral options that seek to promote climate resiliency, address funeral poverty, and create community. We’ll also learn about what’s happening here in New Hampshire to bring sustainable burial to our area.
 
Fellow UU Lee Webster is a nationally recognized public speaker and author of several books and articles on funeral reform, including home funerals and green burial. She has served in major leadership positions of the Green Burial Council, Conservation Burial Alliance, National Home Funeral Alliance, National End-of-Life Doula Alliance, and is the director of New Hampshire Funeral Resources & Education, President of Natural Burial New Hampshire, and is a co-creator of the Funeral Partnership.

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.

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.