Unitarian Universalist Pamphlets

Visiting a congregation for the first time, or even the first few times, can be intimidating. Whether you are a Unitarian Universalist (UU) new to a particular congregation or a seeker curious about Unitarian Universalism, it can be hard to even know what your questions are about this religious community. What are the beliefs and customs here? Am I welcome? Will my family feel comfortable here? What does this community and/or religious tradition have to offer me as I navigate the journey of life? And what about the big questions I have about the meaning of it all? Is it alright to talk about my uncertainty here?

That's why many Unitarian Universalist (UU) churches have a pamphlet rack right in the front lobby, with short, accessible, and clear introductions to Unitarian Universalist beliefs and theology; statements of affirmation for people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and identities; and explanations of what you can expect to find in most UU communities. Pamphlets also offer short lists of other resources that you can go to for more in-depth information.

Drawing on the many voices that make up our rich and diverse denomination, the pamphlet team creates pamphlets for spiritual seekers, new Unitarian Universalists, those who are curious about Unitarian Universalism, and those asking how Unitarian Universalism can meet their spiritual and pastoral needs. The pamphlets introduce readers to a bold, compassionate, reverent, and inclusive Unitarian Universalist faith; invite them into spiritual growth; and offer messages of transformational love.

UU pamphlets are available from inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop along with a wide selection of bookmarks, wallet cards, and posters to help congregations and UUs offer a welcoming introduction to our faith. Buy 10–19 assorted pamphlet packs and you will get a 10% discount. If you buy 20 or more assorted packs, you will get a 20% discount. For questions, please email bookstore@uua.org or call the bookstore at 1-800-215-9076.

A Bold New Vision for Your Pamphlet Rack

How to reinvigorate your pamphlet rack to introduce readers to a bold, compassionate, reverent, and inclusive Unitarian Universalist faith. Written by Corie Jason, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Membership Professionals (UUAMP) from 2015-2019. To learn more visit UUAMP.

Visiting a congregation for the first time, or even the first few times, can be intimidating. What did you see when you first walked into your congregation? What messages about values and ministry did you see represented? Did your fellowship have material that spoke to you?

An easy way to be as welcoming as possible and provide a short, accessible, and clear introduction to Unitarian Universalism and your community is to curate your pamphlet selection from the Unitarian Universalist Association’s newly redesigned and updated pamphlet series. Instead of just re-ordering the old standbys, I’d like to offer this resource to help you reinvigorate your pamphlet rack to better speak for your congregation and to the members of your congregation’s wider community.

Why Pamphlets?

• Easy for a visitor to grab and take home and for congregants to share with people in their lives who are curious about Unitarian Universalism and their congregation

• Highlight the values and commitments of your individual congregation

• Let visitors and members know that they are welcome here and that we offer support for the changes and challenges they are facing in their lives

• Redesigned with a fresh and consistent look, the new UUA pamphlets will help your congregation look organized and professional

Selecting Pamphlets

• Talk to your leadership teams and decide which pamphlets best represent your community and ministries and choose together.

• Consider those who come into your building, whether for congregational programs or community events. At which entrances should pamphlets be placed for those groups?

• The optimal number of pamphlets is 8–18 depending on the size and interests of your congregation.

• Keep your selection up to date by learning about new pamphlets as they come out. You can do this by following inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop on Twitter or signing up for the bookstore email newsletter.

• A list of recommendations for a “beginning pamphlet rack” is below!

More Pamphlet Ideas

• Take pamphlets to local events and businesses and ask if they can be displayed.

• Bulk order with a neighboring church to receive a discount.

• Rotate the pamphlets every few months.

• Choose one or two you love and hand them out at Visitor and Member classes.

• Include them in visitor packets.

• Place one or two in unexpected areas where people gather in your building. Order extra copies to have on hand for large or high-traffic events, such as craft fairs or concerts.

• Look for neat, clear brochure holders to best display the topics of the pamphlets.

• Use relevant pamphlets in your activity and learning groups.

• Be creative and find what suits your fellowship.

Beginning Pamphlet Display Suggestions

A Complete List of All of Our New and Newly Redesigned Pamphlets

Check out these wonderful new and newly redesigned pamphlets

Addiction and Your Faith Community, edited by Ken and Cathlean
A compassionate resource for those coping.
Belief and Belonging by Christine Robinson
A perfect introduction to our open, inclusive, and creedless community.
Death and Grieving by Natalie Maxwell Fenimore
Addresses Unitarian Universalist beliefs about death and grieving and offers comfort and support.
Engagement with the World by William F. Schulz
The link between faith and social justice.
A Faith Home for Elders and Caregivers by Esther Hurlburt
A warm welcome from Unitarian Universalist congregations to elders and caregivers.
The Faith of Unitarian Universalist Buddhists, edited by Kathleen McGregor
A collection of reflections from Unitarian Universalist Buddhists on their faith.
The Faith of Unitarian Universalist Christians, edited by Robin Barlett
A collection of reflections from Unitarian Universalist Christians on their faith.
The Faith of Unitarian Universalist Humanists, edited by John Hooper
A collection of reflections from Unitarian Universalist Humanists on their beliefs.
The Faith of Unitarian Universalist Jews, edited by Marti Keller
Honoring two religious and cultural backgrounds.
The Faith of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, edited by Jessica Zebrine Gray
A collection of reflections from Unitarian Universalist Pagans on their faith.
Family Prayers, edited by Irene Praeger
Sixteen short prayers, graces, and chalice lightings.
Finding What We Believe by Adrian L. H. Graham
What unites Unitarian Universalists?
The Flaming Chalice by Susan J. Ritchie
Teaches the important history and meaning of the Flaming Chalice, the symbol of Unitarian Universalism.
A Home for Multifaith People and Families, edited by Sarah Gibb Millspaugh
Buddhist-Jewish, Atheist-Christian, Hindu-Muslim—every combination is welcome.
Journey to Belonging by Marie Blohowiak
A helpful map on your journey to belonging.
Making a Home in Unitarian Universalism by Connie Goodbread and Richard Speck
Turn your congregation into a real faith home with this collection of suggestions and ideas.
Science and Religion, edited by Gary Kowalski
Five personal testimonials by UU scientists.
A Spiritual Home for LGBTQ People by Annette Marquis
A warm welcome to the whole spectrum.
The Spirituality of Service by Nic Cable
With thoughtful questions and wisdom, this pamphlet can help guide the ways you share your gifts
To the Point, edited by Alicia LeBlanc
Quick! What's Unitarian Universalism? Here is a diverse collection of responses to that question.
Unitarian Universalism and Sacred Texts by Erika Shadowsong
A helpful introduction to how Unitarian Universalists connect with the sacred.
UU Justice Partnerships by Susan Leslie
Interfaith and community partnerships for social justice.
UU Kids Say Church Is . . . edited by Beth Graham
Children describe unique relationships to their Unitarian Universalist spiritual homes.
UU Mystical Experiences, edited by Susan Maker-Seale
Personal stories of encounters with the transcendent.
UU Religious Education and Your Child by Gaia Brown
Illuminates the unique approach Unitarian Universalist congregations bring to religious education.
UU Views of God, edited by Paul Rasor
Seven UUs share their different beliefs.
UU Views of Evil by William F. Schulz
Unitarian Universalists reflect on evil.
UU Views of Jesus , edited by Joy Berry
Six Unitarian Universalists share about their connections with Jesus.
UU Views of Prayer, edited by Erika Hewitt
Unitarian Universalists reflect on prayer and their personal relationships to this sacred way of connecting.
Values in Our History by Gail Forsyth-Vail
A helpful introduction to some highlights of Unitarian Universalism’s history and the long-held values that make up our faith.
We Are Unitarian Universalists by Carey McDonald
An introduction to Unitarian Universalism including our beliefs, our history, and our community.
Welcome to Our Community by Shana Lynngood
Introduction for newcomers includes seven Principles and six Sources.
You Are Not Alone by Paul Langston-Daley
It can be can be lonely holding countercultural values or identities. Unitarian Universalist congregations aspire to be a spiritual home for all.