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Back to Homepage September 10 Weekly Update September 13, 2026 Join us for Worship this Sunday, at 10:30am! The Changing Waters Welcome Home! Dean Ornish writes "The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water, and food." As we begin our new church year, how do our connections sustain us? In the ever-changing waters of life, how can we keep steady our boats? Worship to be led by: Rev Mark Robel Come to our Sanctuary to join us in person - OR - View the livestream on our new website's homepage! Archived services can be viewed on our YouTube channe l . Click here to access the Fellowship Hour Zoom on Sunday mornings . Complimentary Childcare is now available from 10am-noon every Sunday! We have elevator access to Parish Hall, the Sharp Room, and the Sanctuary. Visit us at uuwellesleyhills.org . Announcements and Updates Plate Collection This week's plate collection will benefit Future Chefs. Read More Weekly Update Submissions If you have news to announce, an event to publicize, or a pastoral joy or concern to share, please send it to info@uuwellesley.org . The deadline for Thursday publication is Wednesday at noon. Concert Committee Seeking Suggestions Did you go to a cool concert over the summer and can't stop talking about the music? The Concert Committee would love to hear from you. Please email concert suggestions to Bill Fenstemacher . Sunday Hospitality Volunteers Needed Please sign up to serve as an usher or hospitality volunteer--see post below for details. Water Ritual Reminder Don't forget to bring a vial of water from a place that is meaningful to you as we recommit our support for one another during Sunday's worship service. UUWH Events and Activities Go to our website's Events Page for these and more upcoming event details! Ingathering Potluck Dinner Fri, Sep 11 UU Wellesley Hills Courtyard Kickstart the church year with a potluck dinner in UUWH's courtyard. Share Learn more Multiple Dates Men's Breakfast Club Mon, Sep 14 Maugus Cafe The Men's Breakfast Club is meeting on the second Monday for September, instead of the first Monday of the month. Share Learn more UUWH Women’s TGIF Fri, Sep 18 At the home of Joan Parrish Hope you can join us on September 18 in Weston! Share Learn more Multiple Dates Bristol Lodge Cooking Sun, Sep 20 309 Washington St Join us in the UU Wellesley Hills kitchen to prepare a meal for the Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen. Share Learn more Multiple Dates Food for Thought Sun, Sep 27 Sharp Room A place for college students to eat, connect, and explore life's big questions. Share Learn more News and Partner Events Go to our website's Blog Page for these and more articles! Sunday Morning Hospitality Volunteer to keep a warm and welcoming spirit alive at UU Wellesley Hills! 1 min read Join the Resistance Learn about upcoming protest opportunities in the Greater Wellesley area. 1 min read Non-Violent Training Program The Wellesley Friends Meeting is hosting a "Non-Violent Training Program" on September 26. 1 min read World-Class Jazz Returns to the UU Urban Ministry Greenspace The UU Urban Ministry will be hosting the last Makanda Project jazz concert of the summer season on Sept. 12. 1 min read Open House at the UU Urban Ministry UU Urban Ministry is offering tours of its renovated Roxbury Meetinghouse. 1 min read Stay Connected Stay up to date with UU Mass Action 's legislative initiatives. Find out the latest updates from Family Promise . Stay up to date on upcoming events at the UU Urban Ministry . Go to UUWH's website to view our Calendar . If you are a UUWH member, go to our site's Member Page for handy links. We accept gifts via our website's Give Page , or you can still mail checks for pledge payments or plate contributions to the church office, as well as drop them into our collection plates each Sunday. They will be deposited on a weekly basis. This includes personal checks as well as checks from Donor Advised Funds. If you have any questions, email our Treasurer . Rev. Mark's Office Hours Rev. Mark is typically in Wellesley on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Please reach out via phone, text, or email to schedule an appointment. Back to Homepage

UU Wellesley hills is a welcoming Unitarian church that inspires spiritual growth, just and responsible action, and lives of compassion, purpose, and hope. Alert! UU Wellesley Hills will worship in Marshfield on May 31! There will be no service in our Sanctuary, and no livestream. Contact info@uuwellesley.org for more information. Our only creed is love. Visitor FAQs About Us Calendar Next Service: September 13th 10:30a - 11:30a C lick here to access the Fellowship Hour Zoom on Sunday mornings Worship to be led by: Rev. Mark Robel Preaching: Rev. Mel Pace Watch a Previous Service Watch our Livestream (only click at time of service) Welcome to UU Wellesley Hills Building a Community of Faith that inspires spiritual growth, just and responsible action, and lives of compassion, purpose, and hope. Whatever path has brought you here, UU Wellesley Hills welcomes you! Learn More the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared Unitarian Universalist values. UU Shared Values adopted at General Assembly, June 2024. Love is... See our Newsletter for summer service and event information Announcements Events. Ingathering Potluck Dinner Fri, Sep 11 UU Wellesley Hills Courtyard Kickstart the church year with a potluck dinner in UUWH's courtyard. Share Learn more Multiple Dates Men's Breakfast Club Mon, Sep 14 Maugus Cafe The Men's Breakfast Club is meeting on the second Monday for September, instead of the first Monday of the month. Share Learn more UUWH Women’s TGIF Fri, Sep 18 At the home of Joan Parrish Hope you can join us on September 18 in Weston! Share Learn more Multiple Dates Bristol Lodge Cooking Sun, Sep 20 309 Washington St Join us in the UU Wellesley Hills kitchen to prepare a meal for the Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen. Share Learn more Load More Plate Collection for September 13 - 2 days ago Sunday Morning Hospitality - 2 days ago Join the Resistance - 2 days ago 1 2 3 4 5 Read More! Blog. Get Involved We welcome newcomers with the promise that we will learn and grow together, whatever our circumstances and stage of life. Our community is what we make it. Join Us Social Media Follow us (select your calendar view using the options to the right) Contact First name* Last name* Email* Message I want to attend the next Membership Day! Submit 309 Washington Street Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 9:30am - 3:30pm Tue, Sat, Sun: Closed 781-235-7423 info@uuwellesley.org [...] For years I’ve been trying to reconcile my faith and my desire to express it in a community of people also passionate about social justice, unconditional love and affirmation of all walks of life, and a genuine spirit of community. My first few services I tearfully felt everything I cared about finally coming together in a spiritual space. There is no pressure, and the people are welcoming and friendly. Bethany S. If you believe in justice and compassion for all, this is the congregation for you--warm, welcoming and grounded in love. Whatever your past religious affiliation (or none!), you will find a home at UU Wellesley Hills. Kathy K. See more Google Reviews Rev. Mark and Terry set a welcoming tone, which members appreciate. The spirit of community provides a great relief from the stress of challenging times, and a valuable opportunity to connect with others. Tom A. Up

Worship services are the primary way our faith community gathers and connects over shared Unitarian Universalist values. Worship Worship services are the primary way our faith community gathers and connects over shared Unitarian Universalist values. Watch a Recent Service Lifecycle Celebrations Service Info Read Past Sermons in our Blog Music in Worship Last Sunday... Watch our Livestream UU Wellesley Hills Sunday Service June 16, 2026 Play Video UU Wellesley Hills Sunday Service June 14, 2026 Play Video UU Wellesley Hills Sunday Service June 7 2026 Play Video UU Wellesley Hills Sunday Service May 17 2026 Play Video UU Wellesley Hills Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close Watch on YouTube Our Services During our regular program year from September through mid-June, Sunday morning services begin at 10:30 and last an hour. The week’s theme is announced in our blog ; music (including hymns and choir selections), readings, and the sermon reflect that theme. Other spoken elements are repeated weekly, including chalice lighting and extinguishing words and an invitation to light candles of joy or concern. Themes often come from the Soul Matters program, which is used by over 145 Unitarian Universalist congregations. In summer, lay-led chapel gatherings begin at 10:30 and last 30 minutes. The time together is informal, with music, candle lighting, readings on themes, and discussion. Holidays & Traditions The September ingathering features a Water Celebration, mingling water collected during the summer. On Father’s Day we close with a Flower Communion Ceremony, exchanging blooms. Special services include Blessing of the Animals, Remembrance (All Souls’) Day, a December Holiday Pageant, Easter, and World Pride Day. Christmas Eve features “Lessons and Carols,” choir pieces, and candles. Our Renowned Music Program Lifecycle Celebrations at UUWH... As a faith community embracing multiple generations, we mark milestones through special rites of passage. Up Wedding Ceremonies Weddings Ceremonies are held in our Sanctuary or Chapel. Our ministers are glad to serve as marriage celebrants, for members or friends of the congregation, or for couples from the wider community. As a Welcoming Congregation, we joyously celebrate same-sex marriages. We also honor religious pluralism and approach interfaith marriages with sensitivity and respect. Our ministers happily join with co-officiants to share in solemnizing and celebrating the couple’s commitment. Child Dedications Child dedications usually take place during regular Sunday worship, with the congregation pledging support to the child’s family. The ritual involves a thorn-free rose dipped in water and a blessing. Families can request that the minister perform this rite of passage at any age, whether in infancy or later. Youth Passages Youth passages are available to teens when they graduate from high school (a “bridging ceremony”) and, when numbers permit, a Coming of Age program which culminates in a spoken Credo (statement of faith). Memorial Services During a tender time of mourning, our ministers work with family and friends to craft a Memorial Service or Celebration of Life that is a fitting tribute to the one who has died. These are often held in our Sanctuary or Chapel, but can also take place at a local funeral home or graveside. More Info on Space Rentals

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Our lovely and spacious UU Wellesley Hills campus is available for rent. Rentals Our lovely and spacious UU Wellesley Hills campus is available for rent. See below for info on our individual rooms or send us an email . We provide meeting space for groups of all sizes and shapes. We have hosted weddings and memorial services, musical recitals, concerts, dance classes, summer camps, educational programs, and board meetings. Rental Inquiries If you are interested in renting one of our spaces, please review our Facilities Usage Policies, which can be found HERE . General rental inquiries may also be sent to info@uuwellesley.org . Facilities Usage Policies Sanctuary Capacity: 250-300 Chapel Capacity: 70 Multipurpose Room Capacity 30 Up

We voted unanimously in June 2022 to adopt a Land Acknowledgment to recognize the ongoing erasure of Indigenous Peoples’ experience and culture into the present. UUWH Land Acknowledgment View the PDF We voted unanimously in June 2022 to adopt a Land Acknowledgment to recognize the ongoing erasure of Indigenous Peoples’ experience and culture into the present. Our Indigenous Peoples' Task Force UU Wellesley Hills formed an Indigenous Peoples’ Task Force in 2022, following the Town of Wellesley’s vote to honor Indigenous Peoples on what was formerly Columbus Day. The congregation voted unanimously in June 2022 to adopt a Land Acknowledgment to recognize the ongoing erasure of Indigenous Peoples’ experience and culture into the present. The task force has promoted greater understanding of Indigenous concerns and contributions by leading worship services and community reads, publicizing educational opportunities, and sponsoring Sunday plate collections for Indigenous-led initiatives. Up

Give to UUWH UU Wellesley Hills welcomes your generous financial support! Use the Plate Collection, Pledge Payment , or Unspecified Gift tabs below to send your gift. ACH payers, please use the "pay with Breeze " tab. OR you can send a check to: UU Wellesley Hills 309 Washington Street Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 Click here to commit to your pledge for the next year. Plate Collection Pledge Payment Unspecified Gift Pay with Breeze Plate Collection Gifts Thank you for your generosity! Frequency One time One time Weekly Weekly Monthly Monthly Amount $ Donate I'd like to add $0 to cover transaction fees. Pledge Payments Thank you for your generosity! Frequency One time One time Weekly Weekly Monthly Monthly Yearly Yearly Amount $ Donate I'd like to add $0 to cover transaction fees. Unspecified Gift Thank you for your generosity! Frequency One time One time Weekly Weekly Monthly Monthly Yearly Yearly Amount $ Donate I'd like to add $0 to cover transaction fees. To give using Breeze, use the portal below or click here , login, and go to the Giving tab to process your gift from your Breeze member page. Using Breeze is the only way to give via ACH, use the other tabs at the top of this window to pay via credit card. Up

We would like to hear from you! Please send us a message by filling out the form below and we will get back to you shortly. Contact Us We would like to hear from you! Please send us a message by filling out the form below and we will get back to you shortly. Address 309 Washington Street Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 Phone 781-235-7423 Email info@uuwellesley.org Social Media First name* Last name* Email* Message I want to attend the next Membership Day! Submit

If you are interested in renting one of our spaces, please review our Facilities Usage Policies form and complete our inquiry form. Rental Inquiries If you are interested in renting one of our spaces, please review our Facilities Usage Policies form, which can be found below. General rental inquiries may also be sent to info@uuwellesley.org . Facilities Usage Policies Your Info: * First name: * Last name: Organization name (if applicable): Phone number: * Email: * How should we contact you? Phone (SMS) Phone (call) Email Event Info: * Event Type/Description: * Single choice Repeat use of space Single use of space * Event/Activity Dates: Start time (including set-up): Time : Hours Minutes AM End time (including clean-up) Time : Hours Minutes AM * Age group of participants: * Approx. number of participants/attendees: Name of Responsible Person at event (if different from name above): Phone # of Responsible Person at event (if different from name above): Special consideations/notes: Yes, subscribe me to the UUWH newsletter/blog. Submit Up

We invite you to take time to explore what our website and community offers and enter through whatever door feels right to you. Join Us! Who We Are Unitarian Universalism Who We Are Up UU Wellesley Hills is a community, a place where we walk through life together. The glue that holds us together is the Unitarian Universalist faith, centered on love, acknowledging the worth of every person. We teach each other through word and example, share joys and sorrows and offer support, and bring our values into the wider community through witness and service. Each of us finds our own way to express and nurture what is core to our being. Each individual is free to form their own beliefs based on personal experience. Our only creed is love, and our religious practice is love. We welcome believers, seekers, and doubters of all backgrounds, and are a hospitable space for multi-faith families and LGBTQ+ people. Our Land Acknowledgment More on UUWH's History Our recent Social Activism Our Bylaws Unitarian Universalism UU Wellesley Hills is a self-governing member of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Our Partners in Faith: UU Wellesley Hills has a long history of engagement with Unitarian Universalist organizations. We maintain partnerships with local, national and international Unitarian/Universalist groups to promote our shared values and principles. Our current affiliations include the UU Service Committee (UUSC) the UU Urban Ministry (UUUM), UU Mass Action , and the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Office of Global Connections and Emerging Communities . Our global connections include our Unitarian Partner Church in Torockó, Romania, and the Unitarian Church of Burundi, Africa. We routinely support all of these organizations through our active involvement and through plate collections funding their work.. Additionally, we contribute regularly to the UUA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide emergency assistance to congregations across the US. Up Join Us! At UUWH, we find inspiration, purpose, and hope through engagement with worship, justice work, music, and more—an antidote to isolation in these fractured times. We invite you to take time to explore what our website and community offers and enter through whatever door feels right to you. Sign up to be notified of the next... Membership Sunday! Paths to Membership Visitors are always welcome to participate in our broad range of activities, but a special covenantal relationship forms when someone commits to congregational life and becomes a member here. Formally joining UU Wellesley Hills entails signing a membership book we have kept since our incorporation in 1871. Anyone considering membership is encouraged to discuss their interest with our Senior Minister, Rev. Mark Robel, who will schedule a time to meet for a deeper conversation on what it means to become a member. Up About Us Who We Are / Join Us Our Ministers Our Staff Contact Us FAQs Our Ministers Over its lengthy history, UU Wellesley Hills has had several ministers who offered distinguished service to the congregation and to the community. Our congregation has been proud to serve as a teaching congregation that has graduated many Intern Ministers; we have a dedicated endowment named after our Minister Emeritus, Rev. John Nichols, to fund their stipends. Rev. Mark Senior Minister Rev. Mark Robel mrobel@uuwellesley.org Rev. Mark began his tenure at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Wellesley Hills as contract minister in January 2022, and was called as our settled minister in February 2023. See Full Bio Minister Emeritus uujhnichols@gmail.com Rev. Dr. John H. Nichols UU Wellesley Hills voted to confer the title of Minister Emeritus to the Rev. Dr. John H. Nichols and held a ceremony celebrating that in November 2015. See Full Bio Summer Lay Minister terrydixon@hds.harvard.edu Terry Dixon Terry will be providing pastoral care coverage for July and August 2026. Up Our Staff At UU Wellesley Hills, we are fortunate to have dedicated church staff working alongside our capable lay leaders and ordained ministers to build an inspiring community of faith. Music Director Suzanne Cartreine music@uuwellesley.org Suzie has been the Director of Music at UUSWH since 2016. See Full Bio Administrative Associate Olivia Thompson info@uuwellesley.org Olivia grew up in the Greater Boston area and deeply connects with UU Wellesley’s values of inclusion, equity, and justice. See Full Bio Sexton Steve Fogg sexton@uuwellesley.org Steve Fogg is a long time member at UU Wellesley and resident of the town who has served on many committees including Building and Grounds. See Full Bio Section Leaders Staff Choral Section Leaders Soloist - Tenor Ethan Bremner Ethan Bremner has been a Unitarian Universalist for the bulk of his adult life and has sung with a UU church for more than 15 years. See Full Bio Soloist - Soprano Christine Teeters Soprano Christie Teeters voraciously takes hold of roles both vocally and theatrically. See Full Bio Soloist - Soprano Rebecca Teeters Rebecca Teeters is an emerging soprano said to be a “moving performer worth watching." See Full Bio Soloist - Alto Bailee Green Bailee is a teaching assistant for the Boston Children’s Chorus, a singer, and educator originally from Mississippi. See Full Bio Soloist - Baritone Chris Rubén Winters Chris Rubén Winters is a seasoned choral performer with experience ranging from worship services to symphonies. See Full Bio Up