About TriUU
Who we are and what we value
New to TriUU?
We are the Tri-County Unitarian Universalists (TriUU) in Summerfield, Fla. Unitarian Universalism is a centuries-old movement that truly welcomes people—no matter who they are or what religious or nonreligious beliefs they hold. We are brave, curious, compassionate, and a bit feisty, too. Most important in the Unitarian Universalist philosophy is the free and responsible search for individual meaning.
TriUUers come from diverse backgrounds and may maintain connections with other religious communities—from Christian and Jewish to Buddhist, Humanist, Pagan, agnostic, atheist, and other philosophies—that make the world so interesting. As an LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation, TriUU offers all people a comfortable and supportive home.
Committed to deeds, not creeds, TriUU has a rich history of social justice activism and offers activities and classes to meet the many interests of our members.
Sound intriguing? Please browse through our website, then consider a visit to our congregation in Summerfield, Fla.
Come visit with an open or a skeptical mind, with a bruised or a joyful heart, because you will indeed be welcomed. Your adventure starts here!
We Are Unitarian Universalists
This short film from the Unitarian Universalist Association introduces who we are: brave, curious, and compassionate people of many paths, gathered as a house without walls and a congregation without spiritual limits. It describes Unitarian Universalism as a faith that honors your mind, your heart, and your journey — a guided path toward a better you and a better world.
The video celebrates the diversity at the heart of our movement — agnostic, humanist, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, pagan, Muslim, atheist, and those who let the great mystery be — all gathered around seven principles that uphold the worth of every person, compassion and fairness, a personal search for truth, democratic spirit, justice, and the understanding that everything is interconnected. It closes with an invitation to live your deepest values out loud and join this extraordinary adventure of faith.
Who We Are
The Tri-County Unitarian Universalists congregation (TriUU) was formed in 1982. Ever since, our vibrant, open-minded, and diverse group continually strives to support and love one another in the pursuit of spiritual growth and social justice.
With a current membership of around 100—plus many who participate without formal membership—we welcome full-time and seasonal Florida residents, as well as people of all ages in one of the nation's most highly concentrated retirement areas.
We are diverse in background and belief. Many have come from traditional Christian backgrounds, some Jewish, and others from other world beliefs and non-beliefs. Unitarian Universalism encourages each of us to search for individual spiritual meaning that comforts and challenges us to become our best selves. Guided by our Values and Covenant, we keep Love at the Center.
We draw inspiration from history, nature, science, and our congregational family, and we put our values into action through social justice initiatives and community programs.
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission
"We unite in religious community to seek spiritual growth, live with integrity, and serve with compassion."
Our Vision
"We will be an influential voice for progressive religious values in a diverse community."
How We're Different
Each UU congregation independently sets its own rules. Creating the documents by which we govern ourselves is both a spiritual duty and a challenge. We work together to form our unique guidelines.
Guided by covenantal principles such as "the worth and dignity of all," we draw inspiration from science, history, and all world religions.
On issues like immigration reform, marriage equality, environmental change, and LGBTQIA+ rights, we live out our values every day.
Whatever you believe about God, or don't, you will be welcomed here—and challenged to become your best self.
Our fellowship encourages freedom of belief and the search for advancing truth. We strive to offer a warm, open, and supportive community for those who believe that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion.
Values and Covenant
As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant, congregation-to-congregation and through our Association, to support and assist one another in our ministries. We draw from our heritage of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love.
Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love.
Inseparable from one another, these shared values are:
We honor the interdependent web of all existence. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it. We covenant to protect Earth and all beings from exploitation.
We celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology. We covenant to learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive. We covenant to dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression through inclusive democratic processes.
We adapt to the changing world. We covenant to collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically. Openness to change is fundamental to our Unitarian and Universalist heritages.
We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope. We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources, connecting us to one another in relationships of interdependence.
We declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and worthiness. We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build fully accessible and inclusive communities.
Direct experiences of transcending mystery and wonder are primary sources of Unitarian Universalist inspiration. We draw upon sacred, secular, and scientific understandings that help us make meaning and live into our values.
We pledge to replace barriers with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual respect. We strive to be an Association of congregations that truly welcome all persons who share our values.
Congregational freedom and the individual's right to conscience are central to our Unitarian Universalist heritage. Congregations may establish statements of purpose without requiring adherence to a particular creed.
Additional Activities
You needn't be a trained singer—just a passion for celebrating through song. Musicians of all kinds are welcome.
From book clubs to potluck dinners, explore a variety of activities that cater to diverse interests.
Join us every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. for service—followed by refreshments and friendly conversation.
Our vibrant social justice team spearheads activities from community marches to local advocacy, embodying our commitment to change.
Many members find that the Chalice Circle inspires fresh ideas and deepens their spiritual journey.
Tailored for central Florida's diverse age groups—especially retirees—our Lifespan Education activities provide ongoing support and enrichment.
UU History
Famous Authors & Influential Figures
Celebrated voices such as Louisa May Alcott, Ray Bradbury, e. e. cummings, Charles Dickens, Ralph Waldo Emerson, T. S. Eliot, Herman Melville, May Sarton, and Kurt Vonnegut have shaped our cultural heritage. Influential leaders like John Dewey, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Juliet Ward Howe, Arthur Schlesinger, Adlai Stevenson, William Howard Taft, and Daniel Webster also grace our history.
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition that emerged from the consolidation of Unitarianism and Universalism. With roots in Europe and the establishment of the Universalist Church of America in 1793 and the American Unitarian Association in 1825, our faith has evolved significantly.
In 1961, these traditions united under the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Today, over 1000 congregations across the US and around the world continue to champion progressive spirituality and social justice.
The TriUU Congregation Today
Today, TriUU thrives as a diverse, welcoming community dedicated to social justice, spiritual growth, and communal care. We invite you to experience our warmth firsthand.