If you are new to WUUC or are looking for a church to visit, you will find a warm and active community here.  You might wonder what our Sunday services are like or what other things we do as a community.

Let me begin by saying that, having historical roots in the Protestant tradition, in many ways we look like any other church you might know. We sing hymns and share readings, we light candles and listen to a sermon. But there are ways in which we are different. We are no longer exclusively Christian. Here you will find people with a variety of perspectives on faith sharing in the work of creating community and helping to heal the world. We are not bound by creed but by covenant. That is to say, we do not have to say we believe the same thing to share some core values and agree to treat each other in good ways. For more information on how we live together in covenant, you can look at our Behavioral Covenant or the UUA Principles and Purposes.

Beyond the church walls, we work to support a variety of local charities through our “share the plate” program and assorted volunteer opportunities for direct service. Our teen group has taken significant leadership in social justice projects over the years and I am proud of the young people at WUUC.

I was called to be the minister of WUUC in 2007. I have always experienced this community as a small church with a big heart. I hope you will too!

Blessings,
The Reverend Mitra Jafarzadeh
Minister, Westside Unitarian Universalist Church

One of the great privileges of ministry is being present with people when they publicly declare their commitment to one another in marriage or holy union. Yet, my joy for the couple before me has long been tempered by a deep awareness that not all couples are allowed full legal rights and recognition associated with marriage. Because my ordination holds me accountable to concerns beyond those which can be legislated, I have never been comfortable acting as the state’s agent in signing marriage licences.

Therefore, I no longer complete paperwork for the state, but I still publicly bless and celebrate the rite of holy union between people who wish to declare their love before their God and their community.

If I can help you and yours, please contact me through the church office, 865-777-9882.

Thank you,
Rev. Mitra Jafarzadeh