The 8th Principle reads:

We covenant to affirm and promote: Journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.

The other seven Principles are contained in the bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association are:

· The inherent worth and dignity of every person; 

· Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; 

· Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; 

· A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; 

· The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; 

· The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; 

· Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. 

Over the next two years, other Unitarian Universalist congregations across the country will be adopting the 8th Principle. In 2023 and 2024, the Unitarian Universalist Association will incorporate the new language into its bylaws at its annual conference in June. The language will likely be different than that adopted by the individual congregations, but each congregation is likely to shift to the new language as passed by at the annual conference.

The passage of the 8th Principle is in alignment with long held values of countering oppression, and many years of working toward racial justice. At First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh, a large Black Lives Matter banner was installed on the side of the building in 2017.

As we wrap up this year’s pledge drive, a final reminder that rollover 2023  pledges will be recorded on November 1. If you would like to make a change to your 2023 pledge amount or need to record a new pledge, please do so by October 31 by using the online form or by contacting the committee at stewardship@first-unitarian-pgh.org.  

Over the course of the pledge drive, church members have shared their thoughts about what they value about First Unitarian Church and why they provide financial support to this religious community. Here are just a few: 

“We believe in the principles of Unitarian Universalists and understand the value of community in working for social justice and managing our own spiritual lives.”

“This church's values line up with me on a profound level. I connect deeply with the readings, songs, and messages on a weekly basis and the human connections feed a spiritual hunger I've had since leaving the Christian faith. I didn't believe that a place like this could exist, and I'm happy to call it my spiritual home.”

“This is my Forever Church - this old dog has found her forever home in a community which operates by principles that I've come to recognize as aligned with my own. There are people who, with scarcely concealed contempt, refer to people as "givers" and "takers." I have come to understand that we are all givers and takers, sometimes even at the same time. First Unitarian Universalist has shown me that I am welcome just as I am, and I am invited to give of my means, both material and otherwise. There is a real commitment to the first principle in this church, and I am so grateful.” 

Thank you for your generous support of our shared values and our religious community.

First U Sewing Circle

The Seven Sisters Quilters are hosting a sewing circle in the Undercroft Gallery on Thursday afternoon, November 3, and Thursday afternoon, December 1. We will start at 12:30 (immediately following Women’s Alliance in November, however, in December, the Alliance will meet the following week for its Holiday Luncheon). If this is a successful event, we will continue the program in the spring. In November and December, we will be making pillowcases for The Million Pillow Case Challenge. The pillowcases we have made in the past have been delivered to Children’s Hospital, where they brighten the rooms of the children spending time there. The Seven Sisters Quilters have been taking advantage of opportunities to get fabric for these pillowcases, often at very good pricing, and we have a collection of fabric for you to work with. Pillowcases need to be sewn by a sewing machine, so if you have a sewing machine, please bring it to the sewing circle. Also, bring an extension cord/surge protector for your sewing machine. (The Seven Sisters may have one or two loaner machines available on November 3). Besides sewing, together there is also ironing to be done, so if you want to be part of this group but do not sew on a machine, you could be an ironer. The primary task, however, is sewing on a machine. If you want to make a pillowcase with the fabric you have, the fabric must be 100% cotton of good quality. You need ¾ yard of fabric for the body of the case, ¼ yard for the casing, and a couple of inches for the decorative strip. All fabric should be approximately 42 inches wide. We will teach you how to make a “Quick-as a Wink” pillowcase with French seams. The fee to attend the Sewing Circle and cover the costs of materials is $10.00, or what you can afford. Join us for good conversation, good fun, and good work. Please send rsvp’s to Barb Gengler (bgengler@verizon.net).