About Us

Unitarianism Universalism is often considered an unusual religious organization, or at the very least, an unorthodox one. Unlike many religions in North America, we do not require adherents to profess a specific creed or set of beliefs. Our members and friends include individuals who identify as Agnostics, Atheists, Buddhists, Christians, Humanists, Pagans, Wiccans, and many other religious and spiritual traditions. Many interfaith couples find a comfortable religious home here.

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon (UUFCO) is a liberal intergenerational religious community of over 350 members. Located in Bend, Oregon we draw congregants from Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver, Terrebonne, Prineville, Powell Butte, La Pine, and beyond. UUFCO is dedicated to lifelong learning, freedom of belief, caring fellowship, spiritually meaningful services, and engaged social action. Our members and friends hold an eclectic range of theological views. All are welcome.

Plan Your Visit

  • Sundays are the heart of our UUFCO congregational experience. They bring our all-ages community together for fellowship, spiritual nourishment, exploration, and renewal and are the first step on the path to involvement and membership. We welcome all who walk through our doors with love. Learn more.

  • Accessibility for all was one of the guiding visions in the design of our building. Learn more.

  • Maps and helpful information

  • What should I wear to this church?
    We encourage you to wear what you feel comfortable wearing. At a typical Sunday service, you'll see some people wearing their "Sunday best," and many people dress more casually. Jeans, hiking boots, biker shorts, and other athletic gear are not uncommon!

    Do you have programs for children and teens?
    Yes! For more details, see Religious Exploration for Children & Youth.

    Are there bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people in this congregation? Are they welcome?
    There are LGBTQ people in our congregation, and they are very welcome here! Our congregation is a part of the Welcoming Congregation program, meaning we have taken intentional steps to become more welcoming and inclusive of people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

    What goes on during the worship services?
    Our services resemble your typical church service in some ways. We begin with a gathering song, hear some announcements, have a special story or other time for children, have an offering, hear a sermon, and sing a closing song. Other UU-specific elements include lighting the Chalice and saying our Covenant. Read more about our worship.

    Is there a national organization for Unitarian Universalists?
    Yes, we are a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association. 

    Are there any books available for adults or children, about Unitarian Universalism?
    Yes, we have a book collection which has books for both adults and children. See our Library Collection information.

About UUFCO

  • Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. The values we share include all the following, which we hold as inseparable and deeply interconnected:

    • Interdependence: We honor the interdependent web of all existence and acknowledge our place in it.

    • Pluralism: We are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.

    • Justice: We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all feel welcome and can thrive.

    • Transformation: We adapt to the changing world.

    • Generosity: We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.

    • Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.

    The Chalice

    The flaming chalice is the official symbol of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Officially or unofficially, it functions as a logo for hundreds of congregations. It was created during WWII, first for use by the Unitarian Service Committee (USC) to help identify official papers as it served in relief efforts throughout the war. It was later adopted by the UUA as an official symbol.

  • Mission

    Together, we find meaning, celebrate life, and serve the spirit of love and justice in our world

    Vision

    We nourish lives through relevant worship, musical experiences, the arts, and opportunities for spiritual growth.

    Our diverse, all-ages community welcomes new people in, connects through authentic and meaningful relationships, and is dedicated to mutual service.

    Our social justice and environmental values are active within our fellowship and recognizable in the wider community through our work with local organizations, interfaith partnerships, and public witness

  • Our Relational Covenant is the commitment we make to one another. It expresses our promise for how we want to be in relationship with each other, so we can nurture and sustain loving community within our congregation and in the larger world. These promises are the very heart of our faith tradition, right along with the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism. The spiritual energy of this faith community is fueled by the way we approach, connect with, respect and treat each other. It is about loving relationships that strive to honor the integrity of each person.

    Adopted May 2013
    (Numbered Principles are drawn from the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism.)

    Love is the spirit of this fellowship
    We resolve to offer care to one another in our times of joys and sorrows.
    We resolve to treat others respectfully and to be treated as we would want others to treat us.
    We resolve to celebrate diversity in its many forms.

    And service is its law
    We resolve to practice compassion and shared ministry for each individual at UUFCO and also in the larger community beyond our walls.
    We resolve to have the courage to face and correct injustice wherever it may occur.
    We resolve to live our values as we work for liberty and social justice for all. (Principle 6)

    This is our covenant
    We resolve to be mindful that this covenant binds us together as a beloved community as we respect the inherent worth and dignity of every person. (Principle 1)

    To dwell together in peace
    We resolve to practice peace in our hearts as well as in the world.
    We resolve to sustain our Fellowship as a safe, sacred space for all who come here in a shared faith of liberal religion.
    We resolve to work out conflicts respectfully in a fair and clear conflict resolution process.
    We resolve to support the right of conscience and use of the democratic process within our congregation and in society at large. (Principle 5)

    To seek the truth in love
    We resolve to support one another in both our individual and collective free and responsible search for truth and meaning. (Principle 4)
    We resolve to nurture the ethical, intellectual, and spiritual lives of all ages.

    To help one another
    We resolve to help one another to live our evolving values with open hearts and minds.
    We resolve to honor the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

  • The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon (UUFCO) was established in 1958. UUFCO was a lay-led congregation for its first 45 years. Since 2004 when we hired our first minister, we have experienced steady growth from a small congregation without a building to congregation of over 300 members with many programs and a new church home, completed in 2015. We welcomed our settled minister, Rev. Scott, in August 2017.

    Learn more about our history.