First Universalist Society of Salem, UUA

Marjorie Matty is the most amazing minister ever! Her services are fresh and inspiring. If you haven’t been to a service here, I encourage you to attend. It will change your life.
Lisa C.
Beverly, MA

When I first came to First Universalist (FUSS) over 10 years ago I immediately felt welcomed and instinctively knew I had found the spiritual home I had been looking for. All faiths and religious persuasions are embraced and accepted and we are a very broad church.
Since I joined I have had 2 children and have found the RE program to be excellent. It is reassuring that in an increasingly polarized world that the children are taught about, and taught tolerance for, all faiths so they can choose their own spiritual path, or not, when they are ready. There are also a number of families at FUSS who are involved in foster care.
I have made many good friends and found a place where I can grow in so many ways as well engage in social action.
So in conclusion — come on down and give us a try.

I do not like organized religion so when I attended my first service at the First Universalist Society of Salem a few weeks ago I wasn’t sure of what to expect and honestly I was a bit anxious. OK, more than just a bit anxious, I was down right terrified but very curious to find out what Unitarian Universalism was all about and if it would be a good fit for my life and spiritual growth.
So what can I say, there I was… in a beautiful building and even more beautiful sanctuary. It is a growing congregation that genuinely cares about the church and the community. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that this is a liberal congregation that welcomes and values everyone regardless of your sexual orientation or religious or spiritual beliefs and it is non judgmental and dogma free which is what makes it just awesome!
I find the sermons about real issues thought provoking, enlightening, mind stretching and inspirational complemented with absolutely beautiful music through out the service
I am looking for lifelong spiritual growth, I even want to explore my beliefs and doubts and I know I can go on my spiritual journey in good company so I now find my self looking forward to every Sunday’s service and to sharing some time with the people I have met there so far.

What happens when you take Romper Room and combine it with Liberal Humanism? You get First Universalist Society of Salem. Like most UU churches services start with the lighting of the chalice, except the cutesy rhyme and childish hand gestures of this congregation’s ritual made me expect any minute the minster would pull a wire loop out of her robes and start chanting «Romper Bomper Stomper Boo…»
The rest of the service consists of what could best be described as a «no-​talent show» consisting of poorly rehearsed poetry readings and the worst musical ensembles this side of the «Gong Show.» The service culminates in an uninspiring, vapid, and superficial sermon. One can experience a more mature and inspiring hour on a Sunday morning by popping in a South Park DVD.