Our Mission Statement
We are a welcoming, supportive, and inquisitive spiritual community, actively living our liberal values – transforming lives as we reach out in love, celebrate diversity, and advance justice.
Our Congregational Covenant
As members of the congregation of Community Unitarian Universalists in Brighton, we have associated ourselves together, not as agreeing in opinion, not as having attained universal truth in belief or perfection of character, but as seekers of Truth and Goodness. We, therefore, covenant to be a welcoming and inclusive community in which we shall:
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Foster spiritual growth;
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Create safe emotional space for children and adults;
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Share and seek opinions openly and respectfully, especially when we disagree;
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Respect and adhere to the democratic process and our procedures for decision making and communication;
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Communicate grievances only through appropriate channels established by the Board;
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Share our resources of time, talent, and treasure generously as we build and strengthen our congregation as a force for good.
We promise to strive, alone and together, to practice the principles of Unitarian Universalism in our lives, in our congregation, and in our world.
Welcoming to All
Unitarian Universalism has made a commitment to opening its doors to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. First launched in 1990, the Welcoming Congregation program grew out of an understanding that widespread prejudices and ignorance about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people existed within Unitarian Universalism, which resulted in the exclusion of LGBTQ people from our congregations.
Today, 66% of U.S. Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations and 94% of Canadian UU congregations are recognized as Welcoming Congregations. The program is supported by LGBTQ Ministries. CUUB is proud to be a welcoming congregation.
We're Green!
In 2016, CUUB became a recognized Green Sanctuary Congregation, a program developed through the Unitarian Universalist Association. This accreditation was granted after a three year process of congregational study, reflection, assessment and action in response to environmentally-related issues.
As Unitarian Universalists, we strive in our daily lives to make decisions which reflect the values described in our seventh principle "Respect for the interdependent web of all existenceof which we are a part". Our ongoing participation in the Green Sanctuary program provides us with a path to continue to reflect and live our lives in manners that support and honor this principle.
Our History
Community Unitarian Universalists in Brighton, affectionately called CUUB, was founded in 1998 in the homes of a few people who wanted a safe place to explore their beliefs with their children. They gathered and grew, and realized that they wanted to create something permanent for other residents of Livingston County. CUUB services were held on Sunday mornings in rented space in the Brighton Education and Community Center for years, until CUUB purchased our current home, located at 3333 S. Old US 23 in Brighton, in the spring of 2012.
CUUB filled a great need — for liberal religious tolerance, understanding, and growth — in greater Livingston County, and continues to do so today. Chartered in 2000, we are a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, an association of over 1,000 churches in the U.S. and Canada. We are a joyful, caring, curious, intergenerational community doing our best to live out our shared values.
Social Justice
We have a legacy of “deeds not creeds.” Our work for a better world calls us to unexpected places as we harness love’s power to stop oppression. From grassroots community organizing to interfaith state, national, and corporate advocacy; in protest marches, prayer vigils, and press conferences; in homeless shelters and in prisons, Unitarian Universalists put our faith into action.
Our justice efforts are grounded in our congregationally-driven social justice statements and our call to break down divisions, heal isolation, and honor the interconnectedness of all life and all justice issues. We model these commitments by creating just, welcoming, and inclusive congregations. We act in partnership with groups and communities most impacted by injustice on local, state, national, and international levels.
Our justice ministries focus on key priorities for our congregations and communities:
Our ministry includes service, education, advocacy, and public witness (the spiritual practice of taking a public position in support of justice). Our Side with Love campaign harnesses the power of love to end oppression. Our UU College of Social Justice provides experiential learning opportunities to deepen the work of justice for people of all ages. Our work is led by our denominational staff, congregational leaders, and a wide variety of coalition partners and UU groups focused on justice and identity.
Facilities
CUUB facilities are available for member and community use. We have many rooms available for different sized meetings and events. Rental fees are dependent on rooms / dates needed, type of event and membership status.
Rooms available:
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Sanctuary
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Social Area
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Kitchen
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Boardroom
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Childcare Room
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Classrooms
Please send your requests for your meeting or event to facilities@cuub.org or click the button below to fill out the form.
Meet Our Staff
Rev. Vilius Rudra Dundzila
Consulting Minister
Rev. Dr. Vilius Rudra Dundzila uses his middle name “Rudra” as his given name. He taught as Professor of Humanities and Comparative Literature at Harry S. Truman College (City Colleges of Chicago) for 19 years until early retirement. He has served as the Seniūnas (elder, i.e., minister) of the Kaunas, Lithuania and Chicago congregations of Romuva (Lithuanian Ethnic Religion). He has served a series of Unitarian Universalist and United Church of Christ congregations in and around greater Chicago. He holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and German with an emphasis on religious-mythological literature, and a D.Min. in spirituality. He has authored various articles on Baltic mythology and religion. He likes to sail, kayak, bike, camp, lift weights, and walk his and his partner’s Mikie’s dogs. He loves baking whole-grain breads, cooking soups/stews and fermenting mead, esp. during the fall and winter months. Meditation a.k.a. Contemplation is his core spiritual practice.
Jeanne
Voltz
Administrator
Jeanne Voltz graduated from Cleary University with a Bachelor Degree in Business with a major in Accounting. She has worked mostly for nonprofit organizations. She worked for United Way, The Salvation Army, LACASA, the University of Michigan and Washtenaw Intermediate School District.
Shuntaro
Sugie
Pianist
The Japanese-born American pianist, harpsichordist, and fortepianist, Shuntaro Sugie, grew up in San Diego, California and started playing the piano at age 9. Since then he has won many prizes including the 1st Prize at the 2007 Southern California Junior Bach Festival. He studied at the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg (Germany) and the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California (2007-2013). He is currently a doctoral candidate at University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance in Ann Arbor.
Shuntaro is active worldwide performing all around the USA, Europe, and Japan. Recent engagements include the Schlosskonzerte in Bad Krozingen, Germany and the Fringe Concerts as part of the Utrecht Early Music Festival in the Netherlands. He currently lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Jenn Zibbell
Spiritual Exploration
Coordinator
Jenn Zibbell is the experienced and dedicated SE Coordinator at CUUB, where she is responsible for creating engaging programming, lesson planning, and events for the children and youth programs. With a strong background in volunteer management and curriculum coordination, Jenn plays a pivotal role in the spiritual education and community involvement of CUUB's younger members.
Jenn holds a BBA in Finance from Eastern Michigan University and has attended seminary, which deepened her understanding of spiritual leadership. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Counseling at Spring Arbor University, further enhancing her ability to support and guide youth and families.
Before joining CUUB, Jenn served as the Children and Youth Director at First Presbyterian Church of Northville, where she excelled in planning and implementing community-wide events, coordinating Sunday School, and leading youth programs. Her ability to design comprehensive curriculums, recruit and train volunteers, and communicate effectively with parents and staff has been key to her success.
Jenn's extensive experience also includes roles such as Gymnastics Team Coach and Office Manager at Tatiana Gutsu Gymnastics Academy, where she managed both athletic training and office operations, and Youth Director at First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys, where she led a vibrant youth program.
Her passion for fostering positive environments, combined with her strong organizational and leadership skills, makes Jenn an invaluable asset to CUUB and the spiritual growth of its children and youth.
Leadership Teams
These are the leaders who have stepped up to manage everything from the care and management of our building and grounds to creating meaningful Sunday services and everything in between! Consider attending one. Many hands make light work!
Tech Team
Small Group Ministries
Small Group Ministries meet regularly to share our lives and interests. Go to the calendar tab above to see our schedule.
A Course in Miracles, a spiritual self-study program that teaches that the path to universal love and peace is through forgiveness and healing relationships.email
CUUB Camping CUUB families camping together over a summer weekend. email
Kindred Spirits
Kindred Spirits is a welcoming support and social group for members and friends of CUUB who identify with feminine energy. Events include, but are not limited to, daytime hikes, outdoor campfire parties, and attendance at local community events.email
Men’s Group, Men's Group is for male indentifying people to gather socially and to share our lives. email
Pottery Studio, All experience levels welcome! email
Red Tent This is s a monthly meeting on the 2nd Friday of each month, and you can attend as you are able. It is a time of bonding with other women, and new, enriching experiences. email
Keep up to date on all things happening at CUUB by subscribing to CUUB News.