Our Mission
The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley is a welcoming congregation that nurtures spiritual growth, cares for every person, and serves justice and the earth with joy and love
Congregation

We are a medium size church with a membership usually between 120 to 150. The people of our congregation come from a variety of religious backgrounds. We are united by our shared values.

Our members come from Stephens City, Winchester and Front Royal, as well as the surrounding counties and West Virginia.

Leadership and Minister

Our church is governed by a 7-member volunteer Board. Board members serve 3 years and are elected by the congregation at our annual general meetings.

One key aspect of Unitarian Universalism is our belief that ministry of the congregation does not belong exclusively to ordained clergy, but to everyone. Our faith is not hierarchical; we do not get assigned a minister by our national denomination. This aligns with other aspects of being a UU in which each congregation is self-governed. In Unitarian Universalism, the gathered congregation gets to choose our minister.

UU Shenandoah has throughout its history been lay led, had full-time ministers, and most recently part-time contracted ministers (the latter appointed by the Board). We are currently searching for a minister, while thriving as a lay led congregation.

Meet Our Team

Elaine Wright
  • Pianist
Our History

Early Beginnings and Name Changes

The congregation began with eight interested individuals in January 1973. In October 1973 this fellowship was officially recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association as the First Unitarian Fellowship with its 22 charter members.

The name changed in September 1980 to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winchester, and in November 1987 the official name was changed to the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley. Since the COVID pandemic, we commonly use a shorter form of our name, UU Shenandoah.

Current Church Building Development

The fellowship held their early meetings at various locations including members’ homes, the Beth El Temple, the Memorial Building at Jim Barnett Park, Handley Regional Library, and other locations. As the membership grew, the fellowship desired a larger and more permanent facility, and in November 1987, began services in a new home, the former Cedar Cliff Presbyterian Church located south of Stephens City.

As membership increased, the congregation outgrew its small home, and in May 2004 moved to its current home, a purpose-built facility located on 20 acres generously donated by its members Dierdre Cochran and Dan Couch.