Welcome!
We are Unitarian Universalists, people of many backgrounds who have different beliefs, but shared values. Together, we offer a guided path towards a better you and a better world. In Unitarian Universalism, you can bring your whole self: your full identity, your questioning mind, your expansive heart. Each time we gather we create a home for Open Minds, Loving Hearts, and Helpful Spirits.
The Mattatuck Unitarian Universalist Society (MUUS) is a spiritual community that celebrates the individual and challenges your very concept of what a congregation can be.
We honor each person’s spiritual path and challenge each other to grow beyond preconceived notions of faith.
We are a boundless organization. Having members of different race, physical ability, and sexual orientation is what makes our congregation so special and unique.
We have an impressive religious education program that teaches our children respect of all faiths and nourishes their own spiritual paths.
We have multiple adult programs that nurture our faith.
We are involved in our community and are active in current events that are affecting us all.
We have a Religious Exploration program that endeavors to create a space where young people and their families can find the courage and confidence to develop answers to life’s big moral and ethical questions. Children and youth have big questions, joys, and concerns, too!
If you are looking for a place that celebrates individual faith and the value of spiritual community, MUUS may be just what you are looking for!
Welcoming Congregation
We celebrate the presence and participation of all people. Whatever your sexual orientation or gender identity, you are welcome here. MUUS is proud to be a Welcoming Congregation that publicly and successfully welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) people.
Learn more about what it means to be a welcoming congregation here.
we are gathering together in person
We are currently sharing space with the United Church of Christ at 283 Main Street North in Southbury, until we can move into our new Meetinghouse in Woodbury that is planned for construction later in 2024. Our Sunday Services are held each week on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m., and Religious Exploration for families is provided September to June.
What should I wear?
Whatever is comfortable for you. Depending on the season you will find sweaters and blue jeans, shorts and t-shirts, shirts and ties, pants and blazers, skirts and blouses, or “Sunday best” attire with even a hat or two. Children should wear comfortable clothing; you may see kids in everything from play clothes to special outfits.
What will I experience on my first visit?
You can expect a warm welcome from folks who are glad to get to know you, and will show you to the coffee and snacks!
What are the services like?
We gather for worship to connect with that which is bigger than any one of us - some of us call that God, others call it Spirit of Life or Great Mystery, others simply join in the energy that happens in the community. We gather to be renewed and re-centered on the ultimate purpose and meaning of life. Our services are open to a variety of religious and ethical traditions.
Each Sunday service and sermon is unique and by attending more than once, you will be able to get a better feel for who we are and what we do. A typical service may include stories, readings, and activities and music selections from a variety of traditions. There is a sermon or message, a time for meditation and prayer, and several opportunities to join together in singing. Our minister Rev. Tony Lorenzen preaches two Sundays each month. At other services you will hear from guest speakers, who may be members of the congregation or guests from beyond our congregation.
What about my children?
We are a multi-generational community and worship begins with all ages together. On most Sundays, after sharing the first part of the morning together children have the option to go take part in hands-on programming with our Religious Exploration theme. Children are always welcome to choose to remain with their families for the full service. We know that children’s learning and faith formation happens in many ways, from being part of traditional services to engaging with ideas through embodied play, art, and storytelling.
Please visit the "Grow With Us" tab to find out more.
how is the Mattatuck UU Society different from other churches?
We are a pluralistic faith community, meaning we each bring our own understandings of Life – these might or might not include God, great spiritual teachers, or other elements. Unitarian Universalism emphasizes deeds, not creeds. We are a covenantal people, meaning that we make agreements about how we want to live lives that help to heal the world and “build heaven on earth,” as our Universalist heritage teaches. Our Unitarian heritage teaches us to be open to wisdom wherever we might find it, and to use our reason and experience of life to guide us in living out that wisdom.
Please visit the “What We Believe” tab to find out more.
