Who We Are
In 1996, the Buffalo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (BUUF) began when eight people gathered at the home of Luke and Louise Markve, and decided to establish an identifiable Unitarian Universalist presence in Wright County. Bylaws were written and officers elected. After the first year, there was a program at each meeting. Most programs were presented by members of BUUF. Programs have included humanism, spirituality, science, ancient religious beliefs and practices, and current events.
At the beginning of each meeting, it is clearly stated that everyone is welcome. Each meeting contains a time when those present are invited to share their joys and concerns. Programs are often scheduled using a format called Socrates Café. The group has had Sunday morning services, weekend camping, 3 summer socials and a Holiday Social event each year.
Our View of the Future
BUUF has grown from a Circle Supper of eight people and has been as large as a membership of 21. Because of a need for more room we moved to the larger space of the Buffalo Community Center.
It is our goal to someday be a full-fledged church with all the services of a church including Sunday morning services, religious education for children and the services of a part-time minister. We will continue to have interesting programs on the second Wednesday of each month, September through May, with frequent outside speakers to augment our many competent members who present programs.
Beliefs and principles:
Unitarians are a diverse bunch of individuals. They include people of all ages, beliefs, races, economic standing and backgrounds. Our beliefs are probably best said in our Seven Basic Principle which support “the free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” You will also find that Unitarian/Universalists support learnings from Christianity as well as Eastern and Western religions. It is a liberal and accepting religion.
Our Seven principles are:
1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Covenanting Community
We became the first “Covenanting Community” of The Unitarian Universalist Association in March of 2015. This link to the UUA explains what Covenanting Communities are:
We are an alternative Unitarian Universalist spiritual community which may take many forms and maintains formal ties to the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Our Leadership
We will hold an election for Vice President at our next meeting on October 9th,
President: David Boyer
Vice President: Marie Smith
(763) 295-3732
[email protected]
Secretary/Denominational Affairs: Vacant
Treasurer/Administrator: Duncan Fowler
Marie Smith
Newsletter Editor
Pattie Dorf
Facilities
Louise Markve
BUUFalo Gals Coordinator
Recognized
The Buffalo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship was the first Covenanting Community recognized by UUA.
We are a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization with Internal Revenue Service.
We do not have a creed. We do affirm the 7 UU principles, the separation of church and state, and the goal of providing opportunities for exploration in an atmosphere in which each person can develop and grow.
