Typically around an hour. Service is followed by snacks, coffee, and conversation in the social hall.

Unitarian Universalism (UU) emerged from protestant Christian traditions. While the focus on Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of God is not part of contemporary Unitarian Universalist practice, the structure of services remains familiar to protestants: Hymns, Readings, Recitations, Music, Meditation or Prayer, and focused Sermons are all elements of our weekly worship. In addition, the first portion of our service features a “Time for All Ages” story or activity in which everyone can participate.

Yes. Children breathe energy into the life of South Valley, nearly out numbering adults at some Sunday services.

Children are always welcome during service. Some children (or maybe their parents) don’t feel comfortable sending their little ones to classes, and that’s fine. For those that choose it, there is programming for newborns (nursery) up through high school.

Yes. We offer an active, planned Religious Exploration curriculum for Pre-K to 12th Grade. We also have fun and informative adult classes on Wednesday evenings where free child care is provided.

During nearly all services, there is a “meditation” which embodies the purpose of prayer–a centering time for thoughtfulness. Some congregants consider this a time for prayer, if that is part of their personal spiritual practice.  

During service, there is a water cooler located near the back of the sanctuary. After service, all are invited for light refreshments in the social hall. On the first Sunday of the month, the congregation joins for a full potluck. Visitors and guests are not asked to contribute but are encouraged to stay, eat, and get to know the community.

Most Sundays, yes. At times, there is a special service where the sermon is shortened, split into multiple parts, and/or replaced by other programming. In any case, a central thematic message is delivered.

The Bible is not regularly quoted but it is part of Unitarian Universalist roots and one of our many sources of inspiration and guidance. A Bible verse may appear in a reading or sermon, just as texts, both ancient and modern, from other faith traditions may be used.

Music is integral to our services, in the form of hymns, a professionally-led choir, and instrumental performances. 

Yes. We sing selections from two UUA Hymnals, Singing the Living Tradition and Singing the Journey. Some of these works were written specifically to enhance a UU service. Others emerge from a variety of faith traditions across the world. 

Absolutely not. We whole-heartedly welcome visitors and expect that individuals would get to know the community before making a commitment to membership.

Yes. We seek to create a community that is welcoming for bisexual, gay, lesbian, transgender, intersex and queer persons. The large rainbow flag on the front of our building proudly affirms this commitment, and about one-third of our membership identifies as LGBTQI. In 1995, SVUUS became the first official UU Welcoming Congregation in the Intermountain West.

Yes. South Valley aims to be welcoming and inclusive of all. As with all forms of diversity, having meaningful interactions with those with differing life experiences and views only serves to enrich our lives and deepen our personal search for truth and meaning. 

Yes. Approximately one-half of our membership is ex-LDS. In addition, we host a popular Religious Transition Group, an empowering and nurturing place for discussion about religious change, conflict, or disillusionment.

Yes. South Valley aims to be welcoming and inclusive of all. As with all forms of diversity, having meaningful interactions with those with differing life experiences and views only serves to enrich our lives and deepen our personal search for truth and meaning. 

There are dozens of ways to get involved at SVUUS. You can join our book club, hiking group, or Friday Night Out At The Movies. Teach in our Religious Exploration program or take a class for adults. Teach a craft you know well. Join our choir. Prepare a meal for homeless teens or participate in another Social Action and Climate Action activity. Make a prayer shawl. Or get busy on one of our teams, such as Communications, Facilities & Safety, Finance, Hospitality, IT, Library, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Social Action, or Welcome.

South Valley recognizes and has services devoted to many major holidays from faith traditions throughout the world. Typically, the associated traditional rites are placed in a historical or theological context and parallels are drawn to other similar traditions or to modern life.

Unitarian Universalists have many ways of naming what is sacred. Some believe in a God; others do not. Some believe in a sacred force at work in the world and call it “love,” “mystery,” “source of all” or “spirit of life.” We are thousands of individuals of all ages and backgrounds—each influenced by our culture and experiences to understand the universe in our own way. Among Unitarian Universalists, you will find agnostics, theists, pagans, atheists, and everything in between. This three-minute video may be helpful: We Are Unitarian Universalists.

There is no direct concept of “sin” in Unitarian Universalism. Morality, as constrained by sin in other faith traditions, is best attained by living our principles (see below) to the best of our abilities. Humans are human and do mess up. In our community, what might be considered “atonement” in Christian tradition typically looks like a conversation with the wronged party or, for large issues, a community discussion. Introducing fear or shame doesn’t serve anyone’s best interest.

Unitarian Universalism affirms Seven Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. Our spirituality is unbounded, drawing from scripture and science, nature and philosophy, personal experience and ancient tradition as described in the Six Sources. 

Historically, Unitarian Universalists have preferred to emphasize positive action in the world over purely spiritual practices. This has resulted in some UU churches calling themselves a Congregation, a Society, or a Fellowship as opposed to a Church. That said, many UU congregations around the world do use the word Church in their name.

Both congregations are part of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), which provides resources for congregations throughout the world, however, each of the churches operates independently of the other. Each offers a unique perspective, just as two Lutheran churches may provide their own take on the theology.

Our front entrance, lobby and sanctuary are fully wheelchair accessible from the sidewalk and parking area. There is an ADA-compliant restroom just off the lobby. Our kitchen, social hall and four classrooms can be reached via elevator from the lobby. Our annex, with two additional classrooms, is newly accessible via an outdoor ramp. Our backyard playground is level with the parking lot, although these paved surfaces are uneven in spots.

Please contact our main office at 801-944-9723 or email admin@svuus.org. You can also reach the minister confidentially at minister@svuus.org.