Welcome to First Unitarian Universalist Church of Berks County!
Our inclusive religious community welcomes individuals with diverse spiritualities. Our shared values include the use of reason in matters of faith, freedom from dogma and fundamentalism in religion, commitment to lifelong spiritual growth, and engagement in social justice. We live our faith through acts of compassion and justice, believing the world can be transformed by love. Our community has been a liberal religious presence in downtown Reading, PA, since 1832.
The Next Strategic Plan 
The board is beginning a process that will culminate in a new strategic plan for the church. Church members are invited to share their ideas. Where do you think our church should focus its energies and financial resources for the overall well-being and vitality of our church and the larger world? Send your input to Mike Mannix at mmannix@tvsd.org.
Worship Services
Sunday services begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a fellowship hour. Children and youth participate in the first 15 minutes, followed by religious education classes. Childcare is available for infants and toddlers.
Jan 22 Dance of the Dragon: Celebrating the Lunar New Year
Rev. Sandra Fees, Keith Orts, Worship Associate, Elizabeth Kaufmann, Director of Religious Education, and Susan Pena, Pianist
Join us for a UU style celebration of the Lunar New Year. We’ll hear Chinese stories, readings, and music. And the children will create a dragon for a festive processional.
Jan 29 Creation
Rev. Sandra Fees, Lisa Frank, Worship Associate, Tracy Blunt, Music Director, and the UU Berks Choir
Each culture and religion has a creation story to help explain the beginnings of life. This morning we will explore some of these myths and consider which ones best express our UU faith.
February 5 To Tell the Truth – or Not
Rev. Sandra Fees, Joanna Groebel, Worship Associate, Elizabeth Kaufmann, DRE, Tracy Blunt, Music Director, and UU Berks Choir
Telling the truth and living authentically are important ethical principles. Are there times when the truth is overrated? We often talk about speaking the truth in love? How well do we do at it?
February 12 An Honest Religion
Rev. Sandra Fees, Elizabeth Kaufmann, Director of Religious Education, Tracy Blunt, Music Director, and Julia Smith, Song Leader
Unitarian Universalism is sometimes described as “an honest religion.” Our fourth principle calls us to “a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” How do we search for and identify the truth in a world of multiple truths? What kind of truth-telling is required of us – especially when it comes to the difficult things – like sex, money, conflicts, addictions?
February 19 Re-Connecting in the Moment
Michael Clipman, Worship Leader, Randy Newnham, Worship Associate, Elizabeth Kaufmann, Director of Religious Education, Tracy Blunt, Music Director, and UU Berks Choir
Join us for Music, Poetry, and Sound Meditation focusing awareness on being present and connecting to what each moment has to offer. Michael Clipman, a friend of First UU Berks, will lead us in this service. He is a singer/songwriter, poet, percussionist, performer, and educator. He performs and records original Acoustic World music and conducts Drum Circle programs in a variety of settings, including schools, treatment centers, and community organizations.
February 26 God, Religion, and Other Dangerous Ideas
Rev. Sandra Fees, Matt Owen, Worship Associate, Elizabeth Kaufmann, Director of Religious Education, Caroline Simonson, Pianist, and Raissa Berger, Song Leader
With social media, the spread of ideas has reached viral speed. Some philosophers are particularly concerned about the spread of what they consider toxic ideas, like God and religion. This morning we’ll look at what hastens the transmission of ideas, whether ideas can be morally neutral or not, and what consciousness we might bring to our own sharing of information.
