Our Greetings to You
Welcome to the web site of the Universalist National Memorial Church, "a liberal Christian church in the heart of the city." We hope to answer your questions, spark your curiosity, and encourage you to visit with us in person.
Our church building is at 16th and "S" Streets, NW,
where the
Washington, DC neigborhoods of Dupont Circle and Logan Circle meet.
Sunday worship starts at 11 a.m.
The Rev. Lillie Mae Henley is our eighth settled minister. You can read a selection of her sermons here.
from the heart...
I’m moving this month from Silver Spring to Lorton, Virginia. The rent is considerably less and the amenities much nicer. There is a yard for my little dog, and my landlady has two young Yorkshire Terriers that will keep Skeeter company.
Skeeter has rarely taken to other dogs, but for some reason he willingly, if not eagerly, likes these two, small bundles of energy Cheeto and Sassy. Perhaps he is amused by their antics, and perhaps, in his old age, he likes to see other dogs play, even when he would rather sit by the fire—so-to-speak!
As I become old enough to have grandchildren, although you know I don’t—yet—I, too, find a great deal of delight in how young adults and young families live today. I enjoy observing, conversing and sharing time with these fine young people, but I don’t seem to have the energy I once had to stay up late and watch all the “good shows” they watch, or go out for social events as late as they do.
January 2009 Anchor newsletter
January 2009 Anchor newsletter
From the heart...
Services for January
Congregation Notes
UNMC Prayer Ministry
Chancel Flowers
Religious Education
Transportation on Communion Sundays
UNMC Family Christmas Concert
Let's Talk About Haiti
Thanks from Jambo Africa
The UU - Channing - Brazil - UNMC Connection
Musical Notes
Welcome & Membership Committee
Sharing our Plate
Attracting Young Adults to UNMC
Interweave - UUA's LGBT Concerns
Around UNMC
"Into the World Came Jesus"
At the beginning of chapter twenty of second Chronicles enemies are preparing to invade the kingdom of Judah. King Jehoshaphat is afraid. He calls all the tribes to the temple at Jerusalem and says we have to fast and pray. God promised us this land and we need to show our faithfulness in that promise.
While they were gathered, one of the musicians is inspired, and preaches in a prophetic voice. He says the enemy is gathering at one end of the valley, and Yahweh will help Jehoshaphat’s army defeat these gathering tribes.
The story is symbolic of the Hebrew tribes’ relationship with Yahweh. The people are faithful and unfaithful to the laws of Moses. Sometimes they believe, sometimes they doubt Yahweh. Throughout the hundreds of years of their existence they have claimed one God who was vengeful and merciful. On this day, their God helped them defeat their enemies; but that was not always true.
"Hope for Christmas"
I am sure everyone here has climbed a mountain, hiked through the woods, or walked on a sandy beach. Recall for a moment, if you would, the feelings and sensations of being in nature. Remember the sound of the wind rushing in your ears on the beach or the stillness as you moved through quiet woods. What about the elation of standing on the top of a mountain?
Perhaps we all seek Nature because we want to get away from the challenges of our lives. Perhaps we find communion with God in Nature. Human beings know that life is hard, no matter in which culture or geological age we find ourselves.
We have been told that the people of the northern climates of Old Europe were fearful of the shorter days of winter. Eventually, they learned that the seasons always change. As their knowledge expanded, the seasons became predictable. They were grateful for the cycle of growth and harvest, and they celebrated the return of longer, lighter days on the winter solstice. They needed the Light, just as we do.
From the heart...
On these shorter, darker, and colder days; it is a good time to ruminate. Stay in, meditate, contemplate, and in general, let go of the “busyness” of our lives.
Yet, it seems December is filled with parties, shopping, concerts, and travel. All of us, have our challenges this time of year, from “seasonal affective disorder” to “holiday blues,” to simply being tired of the pace of our lives.
So this year, I invite all of us, in the midst of our activities, to take time to see this as a holy season. A time to appreciate what Nature gives us and a time to celebrate the coming of a genuine light bearer. That is what Jesus was—a light bearer—and his ministry brought hope to a conquered and hopeless people. It can also bring hope and light to our lives.
December 2008 Anchor newsletter
December 2008 Anchor newsletter
December Christmas Calendar
Services for December
Hot Chocolate Labyrinth
From the heart...
UNMC Prayer Ministry
Building One's Own Holiday Traditions in Washington D.C.
Brown Bag for the Hungry
Young Adults Participate in Food Ministry to Leland Place
Religious Education
Housing for UU Inaugural Visitors
UNMC Bookshelf
Chancel Flowers
Halloween Costume Concert and Party
Start Your Online Shopping at the Church Web Site
Sharing our Plate
Around the Church
A Musical Note
A Family Christmas Concert
Interweave - UUA's LGBT Concerns
marina v
Jambo Africa!
Construction Update
UNMC bookstore benefits PDF
Through Amazon.com's affiliate program, a small portion of the sales price of any item that you purchase after clicking the link below will benefit the church's Pastoral Discretionary Fund, which the minister can use to address unmet needs of church members and the wider community.
Visit the UNMC bookstore at Amazon.com
Here's how the Amazon.com affiliate program works:
When you click any Amazon.com link on the church web site, you'll be taken to the appropriate page on the Amazon.com site, and Amazon.com will note that you arrived there from the church web site. Any purchase that you make -- books, music, household items, clothes, etc. -- will result in a small percentage going to the church, designated for the Pastoral Discretionary Fund.



