The Function Hall mural depiciting man's quest for meaning was painted and donated by parish member and artist, Gobin Stair.

As with most American religious traditions, much of our attention and energy is focused on shared worship. In keeping with our non-creedal identity, there is no “test of faith” in the words and rituals we share, and the varied forms of liturgy reflect that. Instrumental music, inclusive congregational hymns, and popular songs serve to set an emotional tone for quiet moments of reflection and meditation. Inspirational words and readings from many traditions are complemented by a brief topical and timely message from our chosen Minister or occasional guest clergy or lay speakers.

Our Mission Statement
"We, the members of the First Congregational Parish in Kingston
 Unitarian Universalist unite to:

• Create a safe place in which to nurture our spirituality and celebrate life's passage

• Build on our heritage and bequeath it to the future.

• Welcome and gather strength from diversity.

• Sustain and promote the Unitarian-Universalist principles and purposes and participate in the larger fellowship of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

• Be a forum for the discussion of contemporary issues and a catalyst for social action.

• Find joy in our coming together as we explore and journey on our spiritual quests."

Voted on and adopted at a special meeting of the parish on March 12, 1995

 Unitarian Universalist Association 
Principles and Purposes

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, 
covenant to affirm and promote 
The inherent worth and dignity of every person; 

• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; 
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; 
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; 
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; 
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; 
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part; 

The living tradition which we share draws from many sources: 

• Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life; 

• Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;

• Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life; 

• Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;

• Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.

• Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and 

• Instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support. 

The Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association 

The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the Association is to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions and implement its principles. 

The Association declares and affirms its special responsibility, and that of its member societies and organizations, to promote the full participation of persons in all of its and their activities and in the full range of human endeavor without regard to race, color, sex, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, or national origin and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief or creed. 

Nothing herein shall be deemed to infringe upon the individual freedom of belief which is inherent in the Universalist and Unitarian heritages or to conflict with any statement of purpose, covenant, or bond of union used by any society unless such is used as a creedal test.   Top