Member Testimonials
I left the church I grew up in when I no longer felt included in anything the minister was preaching. Friends introduced me to their UU church, where I immediately felt at home with the seven principles – and appreciated that they were not commandments, but guidance for living responsibly. After finding a job in Dubuque, I was concerned about how Catholic the city seemed to be, and I was relieved to find the UUFD here. My children got to learn about world religions, while I was able to spend time with open-minded, spiritually seeking people – my people!
There is a warmth to this congregation and a wide-ranging array of topics addressed on Sunday that fill my need for spirituality without dogma or supernatural beings. I am an atheist, but I appreciate and enjoy the fact that other fellowship members have widely varying beliefs. It is a truly welcoming church, extending a warm invitation to speakers of many faiths and persuasions (including Muslim and Jewish leaders, and people with backgrounds in science, philosophy, sociology, and the arts) to help us to question and understand many ways of encountering the world. Having grown up in a Protestant church, I appreciate the hymns and rituals, all of which have much more meaning than what I encountered as a child.
I have attended UU churches in New England, Denver, Davenport, and Omaha, but always like returning to the fellowship in Dubuque. While we are small, this means we all have opportunities to lead, to give a “sermonette” (as I call them) on Sunday, to be involved in social action around our community, and to live out our convictions in meaningful ways. This is a church I attend not because I “have to,” but because I choose to.
Pam Kress-Dunn
After many years of choosing not to attend a church, my husband and I visited the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Dubuque. People were friendly without being pushy. We kept attending.
Our beliefs were not questioned, but we learned about many views from outside speakers, a part-time minister and other members. We did not feel compelled to believe a certain way.
The Fellowship congregation is very involved with social action organizations from which you can choose those that are of particular interest.
I find it a comfortable place where many subjects are discussed and various beliefs are accepted – as long as they are not destructive and hurtful.
Come join us.
Sheila Schaul
My family joined the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Dubuque several years ago when our daughter wanted to attend the religious education with a friend. She learned so much about world religions and other topics that expanded her world view. The same wonderful teacher is still teaching religious education.
The fellowship has become an integral part of our lives. The Sunday programs are varied and always enlightening. The fellowship comprises a great group of people who are committed to being active in the community in relation to Unitarian Universalism’s seven principles.
Carol Smart
Gail and I moved to the Platteville, Wisconsin area several years ago and although we attended several churches, we did not find one that we wanted to join. Our son and daughter-in-law invited us to attend a service at UUFD with them and we were very impressed.
We felt very welcome from the first time we attended and we soon decided this is where we wanted to join. In addition to the friendly reception, the services offered varying points of view on a wide variety of current topics.
We continue to look forward to the activities offered at UUFD and the opportunities for our participation.
Jerry Guenther