Who goes to the Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church?
We are a theologically diverse group. If you ask a member of our congregation to put a label on her or his theology, you may get any of the following responses: liberal Christian, agnostic, Jew, humanist, atheist, mystic, and any combination of the above -- just to name a few! To cite an old Universalist maxim, "We do not need to think alike to love alike."

Our diversity is reflected in other ways, too. Among us there is a diversity of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, occupation, and political affiliation. At a family service you will find single parents, widows, never-marrieds, blended and multi-racial families.

No record indicates that lions and lambs have ever sat together at our church, but Republicans have rubbed elbows with Democrats, vegetarians have broken bread with steak-eaters, managers have sipped coffee with union members, surgeons have sung hymns with weavers, and those in military service have sat side by side with pacifists.

We come from Detroit, Harrison Township, St. Clair Shores, Warren, and many other communities as well as the Pointes.

We are drawn by the founding covenant of our church, which celebrates the unity in our diversity. In part, our covenant reads:

We unite for the purpose of creating a church home for
ourselves, and our children, to which we can welcome all
of like spirit, and from which we can send out an enlightened
and uplifting influence into the world.

We believe in and would be guided by the universal principles
of religion and morality as interpreted by the growing
knowledge and conscience of mankind.

We invite to our fellowship all who sympathize with our
ideas, who are helped by our worship, or who wish to work
with us in promoting human welfare.

How many people are currently members of  GPUC?
Ours is a medium-sized congregation of approximately 200 adult members.
What will my children get from the religious education program at GPUC?
Our religious education (RE) program is strong and popular. In fact, it's the reason many families first join GPUC. Students meet in classes according to age or grade level. The emphasis is on teaching respect and compassion for others.

RE classes meet for an hour at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays while their parents attend the regular worship service. Most Sundays, our children attend a "Gathering Service," a time for sharing, praying and reflecting. Several times a year, children spend the first 20 minutes with their parents in the "big church" before going to their own classes. Many parents help teach or provide other input to the RE program.

Our four basic areas of instruction are: Judeo-Christian heritage, Unitarian Universalism, world cultures and religions, and putting religion into action. The program includes social events, field trips and community action projects. For example, our high schoolers spend one Sunday a month working at COTS, the Coalition on Temporary Shelter, in Detroit.

What worship services are offered?
The regular church worship service is at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, led by Rev. Shelley Page. Several times a year, the main speaker will be a member of the congregation or someone from the greater Detroit community. Occasionally, we offer all-music services. We have a special family worship service on Christmas Eve. Following each service, we offer coffee, tea, and fellowship so those attending can meet and greet each other informally.
What else does GPUC offer?
We have many activities, including:
  • An extensive Adult Religious Enrichment Program that sponsors seminars, forums, lectures, classes and discussion groups. Topics range from child-rearing to creative aging, the Bible to best-sellers, private prayer to public policy.
  • An engaging and vibrant choir that welcomes all participants.
  • GPUC also offers book clubs, musical shows, various fellowship activities including specialty dinners, and an especially spirited social/service group, The Alliance.
  • In addition, the church sponsors a resale shop operated by volunteers.
How does one officially join GPUC?
First, attend our services to see if we are a good fit for your spiritual needs. After your first Sunday, your own name tag will be waiting for you. Over time you will be able to learn more about us and meet our members. Our Newcomers' Circle, a short post-service gathering, is offered several times a year. This is a great chance to learn more about Unitarian Universalism as well as this particular church, and to ask questions about it. For specific Newcomer's Circle meeting dates, pick up a copy of our newsletter, check our website, or call (313) 881-0420.

When you feel ready to commit yourself to the ongoing work of the church, contact Rev. Page or one of the membership greeters. Becoming a member is as easy as signing a card of intent.