Most visitors don’t realize that our church home occupies 9 acres, 4 of which are wetlands. Our beloved CVUU sits along a finger of the Eastern branch of the Elizabeth River, which is home to a crucial habitat for various waterfowl, including the Great Blue Heron.
When we moved from our former home, the Unitarian Church of Norfolk, in 2018, the church not only embraced a new location but also our new, more inclusive name, which reaffirms our commitment to open our doors to those seeking liberal and loving fellowship. And embracing a new name meant a new logo for us! The design, created by local graphic artist and church member Patrick McCarty of Evolv Design, was a near-unanimous decision when put to a vote. Patrick visited the building while it was still being transformed into our worship space. He took in the new natural surroundings for CVUU, and along with his knowledge of our UU principles, a new brand was born.
The heron has long been a symbol of mystery, wisdom, and calm. Known for its stillness and grace, the heron waits quietly before making its move — a powerful reminder that sometimes the best path is the one we take slowly and with intention, which is how UUs try to live up to our faith’s principles.
In the Christian tradition, the heron is sometimes seen as a symbol of Christ due to its reputation for catching serpents, or as a messenger representing calm, self-reflection, and God’s presence. For us, the heron makes a beautiful unofficial mascot for our Coastal Virginia Unitarian Universalist congregation because it embodies so many qualities that resonate with our Unitarian Universalist values and spiritual practice:
🪶 Patience and Presence — Herons stand quietly and attentively, reminding us to slow down, listen deeply, and be fully present with ourselves and others.
🪶 Balance — Often seen poised gracefully at the water’s edge, herons symbolize balance: between action and rest, justice work and self-care, solitude and community.
🪶 Adaptability — Herons thrive in many environments, reflecting the UU embrace of diversity, openness, and resilience in changing times.
🪶 Wisdom and Reflection — Their calm, observant nature evokes contemplation and discernment, values central to spiritual growth and thoughtful living.
🪶 Interconnection with Nature — As creatures of wetlands and shorelines, herons remind us of our Seventh Principle: respect for the interdependent web of all existence.
🪶 Gentle Strength — Herons are neither frantic nor forceful; they move with quiet confidence and intention. They remind us that strength does not always have to be loud. “Like the heron, may we find moments of stillness, balance, and quiet strength amid life’s rushing waters.”