In our Unitarian Universalist congregation, you can bring your whole self: your full identity, your questioning mind, your expansive heart.
Our beliefs are diverse and inclusive. We have no shared creed. Our shared covenant is expressed through the inseparable and deeply interdependent shared values of interdependence, pluralism, justice, transformation, generosity, and equity—all centered around love. Although Unitarianism and Universalism both have origins as liberal Christian traditions, today we embrace diverse teachings from many different global religions and philosophies.
Our community is a warm, loving group of individuals, couples, and families who care for each other, share with each other, and bring our individual personal beliefs to create a force more powerful than one person or one belief system. We celebrate life, and we have fun! Unitarian Universalists do not have to let go of personal experiences, practices, or beliefs to be part of this community. We welcome you to join us on a journey that honors each of our individual backgrounds and experiences.
OPEN • ACTIVE • WELCOMING • DIVERSE • INCLUSIVE • LOVING
• OPEN
• ACTIVE
• WELCOMING
• DIVERSE
• INCLUSIVE
• LOVING
The Memorial Garden
A spot for reflection, commemoration, and celebration of our congregational community
The Memorial Garden is a place to honor deceased members, friends, and loved ones of UUSV. Formally dedicated to the Congregation of UUSV on June 2, 2019, the garden is located behind the RE classroom wing. It is based on an original design by UUSV member Scott Conklin and funded by the estate of George Ellis. It has also been perpetually funded for on-going maintenance.
The garden is a tranquil spot for reflection, and a lovely spot for everything from meditation to a quiet lunch. It is also available for memorial services and meetings. For more information, contact admin@uusv.org.
Members may choose to memorialize a loved one by purchasing an engraved brick, having a name engraved on the granite stela, or scattering the remains in the garden. These arrangements can be made as a part of estate planning.
Please contact the UUSV Office Manager:
(828) 669-8050 | admin@uusv.org
Weighing over 2,000 pounds, the monument was designed with a large shelf at its base for loved ones to place mementos. This Quaker Grey marble stela was quarried by Tennessee Marble Company of Friendville, TN, an Earth-friendly quarry with excellent environmental practices.
The following deceased persons are eligible to have their names engraved on the monument:
· A member or former member of UUSV
· A sustaining friend or former sustaining friend, of the church
The garden may be used for a memorial service through coordination with the minister.
Lining the path to the rear entrance to the building, the engraved bricks honor:
· A member, past or present, of UUSV
· A spouse, partner, parent, child, or other relative of a church member
· A sustaining friend of the church
· A cherished pet
Cremated remains may be placed in the scatter garden—a permanent and irretrievable choice. In coordination with a garden committee member, cremains must be mixed with a soil amendment and allowed to sit for six months prior to scattering to prevent harm to existing vegetation.
Eligibility includes:
· A member, past or present of UUSV
· A spouse, partner, parent, child, or other relative of a church member
· A sustaining friend of the church