Unitarian Universalist Society of Martha's Vineyard

Unitarian Universalist Society of Martha's Vineyard We are an intentionally welcoming congregation of diverse faiths and shared values, fostering spiritu We welcome new members and friends.

About this page:
The UUSMV welcomes all people to contribute to conversations on this page and to share content directly related to Unitarian Universalism. Wall posts, comments, photos, and other content posted on this page are expected to be relevant, respectful, and in keeping with the Unitarian Universalist principles. The UUSMV has the right to delete any inappropriate content from this page,

including but not limited to: irrelevant content, redundant content, hateful content, malicious content, uncivil or disrespectful content, attacks or complaints against an individual, financial solicitations, endorsements of a political candidate or party, and content that violates Facebook’s terms of use, code of conduct, or other policies. Content that violates Facebook’s policies may also be reported. The Unitarian Universalist Society of Martha's Vineyard has been providing an open, liberal religious presence on the island of Martha's Vineyard since 1860, when, on July 18 of that year, "a small group of men seeking religious opportunity" founded what was first called The Unity Church of Holmes Hole, Massachusetts. Now, 143 years later, we still share our founders' vision - to provide an opportunity where people are united in respecting the importance of each individual and in believing that the final test of a religious community is the service that community can give toward the enrichment of human lives. To become a member is simple – sign the Membership Book – and at the same time profound – you become an integral part of an active religious community. We are a member society of the Unitarian Universalist Association which emphasizes working principles rather than doctrines. It is a non-creedal religion which respects the diversity and intelligence of people.

We hope you can join us this Sunday, June 21 at 10 am for “The Flourishing Principle” with Rev. Vicky Hanjian“The Flouri...
06/19/2026

We hope you can join us this Sunday, June 21 at 10 am for “The Flourishing Principle” with Rev. Vicky Hanjian
“The Flourishing Principle” with Rev. Vicky Hanjian
One definition of monoculture is the agricultural practice of growing a single crop species over a large area. This offers high yields and operational simplicity. But it also presents severe long term drawbacks. It strips soil of specific nutrients, dramatically increases vulnerability to destructive pest outbreaks and destroys local biodiversity. Vast tracts of uniform vegetation offer little to no habitat or food for native wildlife, beneficial insects, or pollinators. This disrupts natural ecosystem services like natural pest control and pollination.
Tapping into a couple of ancient stories, this week’s sermon will explore the risks of “monoculture” in the human experiment.

Our New Wayside PulpitThe Wayside Pulpit offers a message of welcome, reflection, and inspiration to all who pass by or ...
06/18/2026

Our New Wayside Pulpit
The Wayside Pulpit offers a message of welcome, reflection, and inspiration to all who pass by or visit Stevens Chapel. Here is our current message.

We hope you are planning to join us in person or online today, Sunday, June 14th at 10 a.m. for "The Power of Music in D...
06/14/2026

We hope you are planning to join us in person or online today, Sunday, June 14th at 10 a.m. for "The Power of Music in Dementia Treatment" with Jodie DeSalvo
Internationally acclaimed pianist Jodie DeSalvo will explore the profound impact music can have on people living with dementia. Drawing on her decades of experience as a performer, educator, and advocate for the transformative power of music, she will discuss how music can unlock memories, foster connection, and enhance quality of life.
A graduate of the Hartt and Manhattan Schools of Music, Jodie has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and with major orchestras throughout the United States and Europe. Her distinguished career includes appearances on National Public Radio, numerous recordings, and collaborations with renowned musicians. Through this presentation, she brings her deep understanding of music's emotional and cognitive effects to a topic of growing importance for families and caregivers.
Join us for an engaging exploration of the ways music can reach the mind, heart, and spirit when other forms of communication may no longer be available.

We hope you can join us Sunday, June 14 at 10 a.m. for "The Power of Music in Dementia Treatment" with Jodie DeSalvoInte...
06/11/2026

We hope you can join us Sunday, June 14 at 10 a.m. for "The Power of Music in Dementia Treatment" with Jodie DeSalvo
Internationally acclaimed pianist Jodie DeSalvo will explore the profound impact music can have on people living with dementia. Drawing on her decades of experience as a performer, educator, and advocate for the transformative power of music, she will discuss how music can unlock memories, foster connection, and enhance quality of life.
A graduate of the Hartt and Manhattan Schools of Music, Jodie has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and with major orchestras throughout the United States and Europe. Her distinguished career includes appearances on National Public Radio, numerous recordings, and collaborations with renowned musicians. Through this presentation, she brings her deep understanding of music's emotional and cognitive effects to a topic of growing importance for families and caregivers.
Join us for an engaging exploration of the ways music can reach the mind, heart, and spirit when other forms of communication may no longer be available.

We hope you can join us this Sunday, June 7 at 10 a.m. for "Honoring and celebrating our Magical and Bright Souls with P...
06/04/2026

We hope you can join us this Sunday, June 7 at 10 a.m. for "Honoring and celebrating our Magical and Bright Souls with PRIDE" with Rita Brown
We are a Welcoming Congregation, committed to creating a spiritual home where people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are embraced, celebrated, and cherished. Here, every identity is sacred, every story honored, and every person is welcomed in love. We call them magical because they reveal something sacred that many of us were never taught to see. They remind us that diversity is not a problem to solve-it is a wonder to celebrate. Our faith is more faithful when it celebrates the full spectrum of human possibility.
Rita Brown has been a proud member of this congregation for 24 years. Fulfilling a dream of President Sarah Shepard, she served as co- leader with Judy Crawford to develop the process for UUSMV to become a UUA recognized Welcoming Congregation in 2004. Rita served as our President from January 2018-January 2026 and now serves as a Trustee. The privilege to serve this diverse congregation, with many other members, has been her greatest joy. Prior to coming to MV, Rita spent 20 years directing 2 YWCA’s in New York State. In 2001, with her partner in life and work, Rita and Jan (Casey) embarked on a new mission buying a bakery in OB and became known as the “donut ladies”. They worked to make the island the sweetest place to get (Back Door) donuts and apple fritters for 17 years.

We hope you can join this upcoming Sunday at 10 am for "Why Sing" with Roberta KirnRoberta Kirn is a song leader, percus...
05/26/2026

We hope you can join this upcoming Sunday at 10 am for "Why Sing" with Roberta Kirn
Roberta Kirn is a song leader, percussionist, and dancer who has been leading community singing on Martha’s Vineyard and around the world for over 25 years. She is the founder of BeWellSing and The Song Exchange Project, through which she brings singing in community to as many people as she can. Her most important teachers have been Ysaye Barnwell and Bobby McFerrin. Roberta has traveled to Haiti, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Brazil and Europe as part of her Song Exchange Project, teaching and collecting songs to share at home and wherever she travels. She has recently become certified as a Community Health Musician by the Berklee College of Music.

Please join us on Sunday, in person or online for "Remembering (To Be Human)" with Rev. Scot HullWhen did life become so...
05/21/2026

Please join us on Sunday, in person or online for "Remembering (To Be Human)" with Rev. Scot Hull
When did life become something to optimize instead of inhabit? Did we trade wonder for productivity, curiosity for efficiency, and presence for distraction?
Rev. Scot Hull, the co-minister of First Parish Brewster, will explore these thoughts this Memorial Day at the Universalist Unitarian Society of Martha’s Vineyard, looking at memory, meaning, and the possibility that the people we honor on this holiday just might want more for us than mere survival.
The Universalist Unitarian Society of Martha’s Vineyard invites you to join us and stretch your mind a little.
Rev. Scot Hull bio: After a 25-year career in technology and sales, Rev. Scot Hull attended seminary to pursue life-long interests in Christian theology, Buddhist philosophy, and comparative religion. A student of philosophy and political science, a fan of sci-fi and hi-fi, he has famously bad taste in TV and movies (a claim he cheerfully disputes). Along with his wife and partner, the Rev. Julia Jones, they are the new co-ministers at First Parish Brewster, arriving on Cape Cod in the summer of 2025.

Best time to be on MV for Black Culture!
05/21/2026

Best time to be on MV for Black Culture!

We hope you can join us on Sunday, May 17 at 10 a.m. in person or online for “Ordinary Wonder - Full People” with Rev. V...
05/14/2026

We hope you can join us on Sunday, May 17 at 10 a.m. in person or online for “Ordinary Wonder - Full People” with Rev. Vicky Hanjian.
The Jewish mystical tradition affirms that the brokenness, disharmony, and confusion that clutter the universe are illusory, for everything in the world was fashioned by the same artist, which is to teach that everything is related to everything else and that if we would but look carefully enough, we could discern the work of the One Source. As Rebbe Nachum suggested, “… the Presence of the Creator can be found in all creation.” One glistening thread joining all being. (adapted from Eyes Remade for Wonder by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner)
Using both sacred stories and scientific metaphors, Sunday’s sermon will wander through realms of wonder, twin sister of curiosity, to explore our wonder-full human nature.

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238 Main Street
Vineyard Haven, MA
02568

Telephone

+15086938982

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