The huge For Sale sign on the Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains’ building in Grass Valley marks a transition, not an ending.
After 30 years on South Church Street, the growing congregation has purchased the former home of New Covenant Baptist Church on Squirrel Creek Road in Grass Valley. The congregation’s big move is scheduled for early June.
“We are thrilled to be growing and thrilled to be moving to a wonderful new facility,” said Gail Johnson Vaughan, co-chair of the congregation’s current capital campaign. “So many people are looking for what we offer—community, inclusion, compassion, and a deep commitment to justice.”
The congregation was founded 30 years ago by a small group of Unitarian Universalists who met in local living rooms and rented spaces. Eventually they were able to purchase a former mortuary on South Church Street and turn it into a home, but that home is now bursting at the seams.
“We feel extremely fortunate that we were able to purchase the Squirrel Creek campus,” said Gail Schulz, the congregation’s treasurer. “The new building includes a spacious sanctuary, meeting spaces, classrooms, parking, a large kitchen, and acres of outdoor space. We plan to create an active, welcoming community hub.”
To launch the congregation’s three-year capital campaign, members and friends attended a catered dinner on February 28 with the theme of “Imagine.” Guests were asked to dress in the colors of the rainbow and to share their ideas for the new building.
“People suggested adding everything from children’s play spaces to gardens, walking paths, rooms for music, art and meditation, outdoor movie nights, and much more, Schulz said. “The congregation also hopes to offer space to organizations that share our values.”
The Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains, currently located at 246 South Church Street in Grass Valley, welcomes everyone to its weekly Sunday services held at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
For more information about the congregation and its many ongoing activities, visit the website at https://www.uugrassvalley.org.