When are Services?
Sunday mornings from 11am-Noon. We enjoy coffee, tea and conversation afterward. You are warmly invited to stay and get acquainted with us.
Where are Services?
Our services are held at our Fellowship location, 15980 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, California. This link will tell you How to Find Us.
What is a Sunday Service like?
Elements of our Service include: music, readings, a central message which holds up what is important and of value to us, and opportunities for building community. We also light a candle within a chalice during the Service. While there is no single interpretation of the Unitarian Universalist flaming chalice symbol, to many, the cup represents the nourishment of community, while the flame can represent many ideas including the flame of the spirit, the light of truth, the warmth of love, and faith in action.
Who leads Sunday Services?
As of July 2023, we are without a dedicated minister. UUFLG is in the process of identifying the best candidate for our congregation. Until then, Sunday services are lead by our gifted service associates, guest speakers and the lay ministry team. Our services continue to align with our Seven Principles and values. On occasion, the Sunday service will include a spiritual café, where the congregation forms small groups to discuss the spiritual theme of the month. Through guiding questions we deepen our understanding of the topic and strengthen the ties and friendships among us.
“I was looking for a community of like-minded individuals and the very first time I attended the UUFLG, I felt like I’d found a home. Wonders never cease!”
What do people wear to Sunday services?
People usually dress casually and comfortably, but respectfully, for services (in the corporate world, it would be called business casual).
What makes Unitarian Universalists different?
We don’t claim to have the answers to life’s mysteries; rather we share our individual unique journey of ongoing discovery in community. We value openness, diversity and have fun at the same time. We are a community that seeks balance between the spiritual and intellectual aspects of our humanity.
What is the religious background of the Los Gatos Fellowship members?
Many of our members were raised in another faith, but found they couldn’t accept the creeds, dogmas, or beliefs they were expected to adopt. Many members are not religious in the conventional sense; some do not believe in God, for example, but others do. We are focused on exploring the larger questions of life in the context of a supportive community.
“My wife and I were looking for a spiritual experience that was shared with others having values similar to ours.”
Is there a central organization?
Yes. Our Fellowship is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We govern ourselves, however, which means we hire our own minister, are responsible for raising and managing our own funds, create our own services, design our own religious education programs, and so forth. The UUA is a support organization, not a governing body.
Is everyone welcome?
Yes! One of our central values is respect for everyone. As a liberal religious tradition, we are welcoming, inclusive, and open to all, regardless of religious belief, sexual orientation, race or cultural background, family or other personal status. The only people who might find it difficult to fit in are those who are certain that their way is the right way, and demand that others follow suit.
Nondiscrimination policy: The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Los Gatos invites everyone into our community, without regard to race, gender, age, color, national origin, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
We are a Welcoming Congregation, intentionally and openly taking steps to welcome and include in our community people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, in support of LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
What if I need assistance or accommodation to attend?
Our facilities are accessible for those who are handicapped or have limited mobility. We will be happy to provide assistance or accommodation to allow you to attend our Services, if needed. Please let us know how we can make your visit a successful one, either by calling the fellowship office 408-358-1212 or by talking with one of our Greeters when you come to a Sunday Service.
“My partner and I were looking for a community that would help us support the growth of our child’s moral compass, a compass that would guide his conscience and mind to live with compassion and integrity.”
What do participants value about UUFLG?
Surveys tell us our members and friends value our community most of all. UUFLG is a place of comfort for people whose spirituality doesn’t always fit within the confines of traditional religion, or within any religion. UUFLG is a mixture of interdependence and independence. We help each other, while at the same time respecting each others’ right to conscience.
How does the UUFLG create a nurturing community?
UUFLG, as a spiritual community, practices a “covenant of right relationship” that governs how we work, worship and play together. We are committed to creating a community where all are safe emotionally, physically and spiritually. We uphold each person’s right to worship and to be in an environment free from intimidation or harassment. Our Safety Policy documents our commitment.
When was the Los Gatos Fellowship established?
Our Los Gatos Fellowship was founded in September 1949, by Madeleine Cutten, who brought her Unitarian affiliation with her when she moved to California from New England. We had a long period of lay-leadership before the congregation decided to engage professional ministry to encourage and support us in our spiritual development.
If I visit, may I bring my children?
We encourage you to bring your kids! We have childcare for infants and preschoolers plus staffed children’s Religious Education programs. Children join us for the first part of the Service before going to their program. If your children are hesitant to be apart in a new situation, they may stay with the adults if they are quiet. There is a “quiet room” available at the back of the Sanctuary for use by parents and small children.
“When I relocated, I found a loving, intergenerational, and liberal community at the UUFLG. I love gathering on Sunday mornings to celebrate and explore what’s true in MY heart and mind.”
How would I learn more about the Fellowship and Unitarian Universalism?
Our membership team offer fun, interactive workshops during the year in which we explore Unitarian Universalist principles and history. We also foster connections between newcomers and the membership team. The schedule for these activities is announced in advance in our What’s Happening emails, or you may call our office at (408) 358-1212 to find out when the next one will be held.
