Speaker: Rev. Dr. Neal Jones

Rev. Dr. Neal Jones is a clinical psychologist for the Pisgah Institute in Asheville,
North Carolina, though he presently lives in Bluffton, South Carolina. Born and raised
in North Carolina, he earned his B.A. in Political Science from Wake Forest University,
where he was a summa cum laude graduate. He earned his Master of Divinity degree
from Southeastern Seminary and his doctorate in psychology from Baylor University.
He has served as the minister of five congregations in North and South Carolina,
Texas, and Pennsylvania, including the UU Congregation of Columbia from 2004 to
2015. He has also served as the chair of the national Board of Trustees of Americans
United for Separation of Church & State, of which he has been a member for 25 years.

What is White Christian Nationalism?

Apr. 14, 2024 at 11 am Rev. Dr. Neal Jones

This sermon is something of an extended definition. We will explore an increasingly popular ideology which combines religion and patriotism and which is threatening the survival of our democracy.

An Undeclared War

July 23, 2023 11:00 am Rev. Dr. Neal Jones

While our UU denomination focuses on racism, homophobia, and transphobia and the Right Wing foments a culture war and attacks our democracy, a war is occurring right underneath our noses which hardly anyone is talking about. On July 23, we will. Here’s a clue: you can’t achieve racial, gender, or civil justice without economic justice.

The First Thanksgiving

Nov. 13, 2022 11:00 am Rev. Dr. Neal Jones

The real history of the first Thanksgiving deviates sharply from the rosy image many of us grew up with. We’ll look at that history as realistically as possible, with an eye on what we can learn from this history lesson.

My Definition of Spirituality

Jan. 31, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Dr. Neal Jones

More and more Americans are describing themselves as “spiritual but not religious,” but what does that mean?

To Love Despite All

July 19, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Dr. Neal Jones

Our current uncivil civil discourse needs an injection of empathy. Yet just because we may be empathetic is no guarantee that others will be. Then what?

The Difference between “Freedom From” and “Freedom For”

July 14,, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Dr. Neal Jones

We UUs celebrate our freedom, but there are different kinds of freedom, and ideally, they are age-appropriate.

Bouncing Back

August 19, 2018 at 11:00 am Rev. Dr. Neal Jones

Bouncing Back August 19, 2018 Why is it that when life knocks some people down – a layoff, a serious illness or injury, a breakup or divorce, the end of a friendship, the death of a loved one, the loss of a physical ability, a failure at something that matters – why is it … Continue reading Bouncing Back

Dan Cook

Best Church:
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

“A church where skepticism is welcome and adherence to dogma is suspect? A church where all religions are invited but none are beyond introspection? A church that regularly presents nationally touring singer-songwriters? A church where half the congregation might have been at Hunter-Gatherer the night before? Now that’s a church we can support.”

Jane and Bob Gillespie, Members

For much of our married life, we were without a church home, but felt our lives would be enriched if we could find a place where we were part of something greater than ourselves. The UUCC became that place. There, we’ve made great friends, enjoyed meaningful fellowship and found a sense of peace. It’s just what we were looking for.

Carita Barr, Member

Carita Barr, Member: Growing up in a Lutheran state-taxed church, I never was very religious. But 40 years ago, I heard about Unitarian Universalism through friends. I found a home here where this diverse religious community really works to better our world. Respect and honor for the “other” is the main ingredient in our cooperative efforts as a movement.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia