Called to the ministry after a 44-year career in the educational publishing industry, Reverend Tony Fisher is enjoying his 10th year at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples (UUCGN). “This is my first congregation. I went back to school at the age of 58 to become a minister, and this is my first church. I’ve been a lifelong Unitarian and considered entering the ministry at the age of 16 when I was inspired by the new minister that came to our congregation. I talked to him about it, and he suggested that I work and live my life for a while before making such a big decision,” says Fisher.

He is curious, and asks first-time visitors and congregants what called them to Unitarian Universalist tradition. “Many of those folks mention social justice and encountering our advocacy work in the public arena. Unitarians have a liberal mindset on multiple levels, and that attracts some people. We are religious liberals, open to new truths that originate in the latest science and historically from the wonderful words and deeds of men and women that throughout history worked for the common good. We’re non-dogmatic and non-creedal and always evolving. This carries over into the social and political world, where we speak out about issues around economical inequity, the environment, democracy and climate justice,” says Fisher.

Unitarians Universalists welcome diversity. “In the difficult and anxious time that we are living through, I think it’s very important for people to know that there is a safe place where a person’s individuality is honored in whatever identity they present in. Many people today report a sense of loneliness and isolation. Being cut off from community, which as a species, we have evolved in, means it’s difficult to learn who we truly are without input and feedback from other people. When we’re isolated, we have no one to tell our stories to or hear the stories of others, which is how we grow and mature,” explains Fisher. 

It is a natural human desire to be among people with similar values, but varied opinions and interests. “In our congregation, there is a diversity of opinions, however, we agree to disagree. We might skew a bit to the left in terms of spiritual practices and beliefs, but we accept and honor them all. This kind of safe place for self-expression is hard to find, and yet it’s what we offer and are known for,” Fisher advises.

UUCGN provides different avenues where people can connect. The Sunday service at 10 a.m. has great music in a wide range of genres. Sunday morning forums begin twice a month at 11:30 a.m. with a speaker and Q&A session, offering local and national topics for discussion.

Chalice Circles, a small group ministry consisting of eight to 10 people, meet regularly to take a deeper dive into subjects. These are similar to talk salons where everyone gets a chance to express their deeper thoughts, curiosity or surprise without being critiqued or feeling challenged. It is an opportunity to both verbalize something deeply felt and to hear from others that are responding. It is a safe environment where people can meet and create friendships that last a lifetime. 

Circle Dinners of eight to 10 people gather for a potluck meal at the home of a host that has has volunteered to create the main dish and everyone else contributes a side dish or dessert. Sometimes spirituality topics are discussed. 

On Saturdays, Mindful Meditation is offered in the gardens. If someone likes working with the earth, a volunteer garden crew has created beautiful spaces behind the church. They meet every Tuesday.

There are three more concerts this season featuring music co-directors, Shawn and Abby Allison. There is a reception following each performance with refreshments, including wine, for a small donation. Tickets are $25.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Naples is located at 6340 Napa Woods Way, in Naples. For more information, call 805-400-8019 or visit UUNaples.org.