Palomar Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Tucked away in the hills of Vista, you’ll find a great gathering of people, with an inspiring guide — Rev. Beth.
Since Unitarian Universalists (UUs) don’t have a single credo, you’re as likely to hear a Sunday morning sermon including Christianity as you are to hear one featuring Buddhism, Paganism, Judaism, Humanism, or Atheism.
Basically, UUs encourage everyone to have and develop their own beliefs while respecting those of everyone else.
If you’ve been to a church before, it might seem familiar: there’s the usual Sunday school for kids, coffee hour, and choir. (Actually, the choir is beyond usual!) However, it also has some things that might be new: meditation groups, forums for open discussions on everything from social to political issues, movie nights, and social action.

I love this place! I didn’t think I’d ever find a religious community that fit my eclectic mindset. Having been raised Catholic, but never really fitting in there, I didn’t think I’d ever fit in anywhere. It turns out UUs have spiritual beliefs of every stripe, from Judeo-​Christian to pagan to humanist to Buddhist. It’s a non-​dogmatic religion, meaning it’s not about adherence to a belief. My experience with it is that it’s much more about being part of a community of caring people.
Palomar UU is an incredibly vibrant place – quite an oasis of liberal religion here in North County. It’s a place that accepts all people, regardless of their spiritual beliefs (or lack thereof). Also, don’t let the term «liberal religion» fool you – we have Republicans in our congregation, too, although the majority of the members are probably on the left side of the political spectrum.
My husband and I started going about a year ago, and a big part of the reason it worked so well for us is that it is also super kid-​friendly (we have a six-​year-​old). There are lots of kids of all ages, and a wonderful nursery program for little ones, as well as «Sunday school» classes for kids up through high school. You won’t find indoctrination in our Sunday school, though – it’s all about learning about different beliefs and celebrating our kids’ uniqueness.
The Reverend Doctor Beth Johnson is the minister, and she is a gem. Reverend Beth gives thoughtful, inspiring sermons. She’s deeply committed to the community at Palomar, in addition to being committed to the broader community. Not only does she challenge the congregation to be active in social justice (take that, Glenn Beck!), but she walks the walk herself. She’s been at immigration rallies, health care town halls, and marriage equality events. In UU speak, we call it «standing on the side of love,» meaning we try to take action from a place of joy and compassion, rather than from one of aggression and anger.
The Palomar UU community is notable for its friendliness and open doors. One visiting minister said «you guys just love to be together,» and it’s true. In addition to Sunday services (at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 every Sunday), there are all sorts of social gatherings – potlucks, campouts, holiday festivities. It’s an active, lively, many-​colored sort of place, and I feel so lucky to have found it.