Westside Unitarian Universalist Church 

Westside Unitarian Universalist Church Knoxville TN

Westside Unitarian Universalist Church 616 Fretz Road, Knoxville, TN 37934 (865) 777-9882 Contact Us 

Mission Statement

Westside Unitarian Universalist Church is a welcoming community where open minds and open hearts meet. A church where you can question, explore, and belong. A community for all seekers of truth and meaning. We strive to be a religious home for all people -regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, beliefs, or abilities - and to be good stewards of the earth. Westside is the church where Love Unites, Caring Connects, and Community Thrives.

About Unitarian Universalism

Unitarian Universalism is a progressive, non-creedal faith that encourages individual exploration of truth and meaning. Grounded in shared values like justice, compassion, and respect for all, it draws wisdom from many religions, science, and personal experience.

LGBTQ+ Inclusion

LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Westside UU Church is proud to be a safe, affirming, and celebratory space for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Our campus includes gender-inclusive restrooms, reflecting our respect for gender diversity and our commitment to creating a truly welcoming environment. Inclusion isn’t just a value—it’s something we live every day. 

Member Statement's Reviews

LGBTQ+ Inclusion

As one member shared, “I can sum up Westside in one word: inclusivity. Everyone is truly welcome here.” Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, social justice, or simply a place to belong, you'll find a compassionate and supportive community at Westside.

Another member, Courtney, writes, “I am so blessed by Westside U.U. This church is a place of love, acceptance, and understanding. You can come with questions and doubts and find genuine people who will walk with you as you search for answers. The people who attend this church are warm and welcoming. I am grateful for this faith community, and I would highly recommend this place to anyone!”

At Westside, we strive to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors is met with dignity, affirmation, and belonging—because everyone deserves a place to be fully themselves.

Rev Carol Bodeau

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Westside UU Programs and Services

Programs and Services

•  Sunday Services: Join us each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. for services that explore life’s questions with thoughtfulness, inspiration, and compassion.

•  Spiritual Practices: A 9:30 a.m. early service offers meditation, drumming, music, and gentle movement for spiritual connection. At 10 a.m. we transition to quiet meditation. Please arrive at 9:55 if only attending the meditation.

•  Religious Exploration: We offer childcare every Sunday, with monthly Religious Exploration programs designed to nurture children and youth in a values-based environment.

•  Earth Church: Our Earth-based spiritual gathering meets monthly on the fourth Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in nature, celebrating seasonal cycles and earth-centered wisdom.

•  Sound Immersion Concerts: We regularly host immersive sound bath experiences featuring live music, singing bowls, and gong - open to all and deeply restorative. Offered the first Thursday of each month.

Westside UU Church Community Engagement 

Community Engagement

•  Partnership with The Bottom: We actively support The Bottom, a Black- centered arts and cultural space in Knoxville, through collaborative events and resource sharing.

•  Support for Family Promise: As a host congregation, we provide hospitality, meals, and overnight shelter for families experiencing homelessness as part of Family Promise of Knoxville.

•  NAMI Meetings: Westside UU Church is a meeting location for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), supporting individuals and families navigating mental health challenges. Offered the first Wednesday of each month.

•  Justice & Generosity Projects: Our congregation is deeply involved in justice initiatives and community outreach through monthly social justice offerings and hands-on service.

•  Green Sanctuary: We are a certified Green Sanctuary congregation committed to sustainability and environmental justice.

•  Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): We provide space and volunteers each tax season to help community members file taxes free of charge.