Welcome to our website! I’m glad you are checking out UUC online. Below is a seasonal message from me that was published in our quarterly newsletter. – Rev. Pam Philips

As I consider the congregation entering into the fall season, I’m struck by a sense of beginning and newness — including how many new faces I’ve been seeing on Sunday morning. Some faces are actually familiar, but I haven’t seen them in a while, as people have been off on summer adventures or just taken a break from UUC for a variety of reasons. Something about the change in season, individual circumstances, or the state of the world is drawing folks back to this community. Whatever their reasons, I am grateful to welcome them back, because their presence enriches the congregation.

Likewise, I’ve seen brand-new-to-me faces of folks who have heard about our congregation or about Unitarian Universalism and are ready to check it out. I think back to my first visit to a UU congregation – back in White Plains, New York when I was a young teacher in an independent school. I was so nervous the first time I went, and so elated that I had summoned up the courage to go. I’m grateful that people are willing to risk trying something new and eager to get to know them and their stories. Their presence enriches the congregation.

Then there are folks who are brand-new to UUC but not to Unitarian Universalism, who have moved to the area, perhaps hoping to find the same kind of welcome and programming they had at their former congregations. Having my own experience in five different congregations, I’m aware that they are all different. Yes, most UU congregations light chalices, have flower and water services, and sing many of the same hymns – but each community has its own personality and way of doing things. I’m grateful for new-to-us UU’s because they bring those experiences with them, helping to enrich this congregation.

I’m also grateful that some of our members have offered to take up new roles in the congregation – offering leadership for groups working on the building, the grounds, the endowment fund and volunteering to teach religious education and to plan the upcoming auction, among other things. A vital congregation relies on both the longtime leaders and volunteers who have experience and institutional memory AND the newer leaders and volunteers who bring fresh enthusiasm and ideas.

I’m struck by a sense of newness and opportunity — opportunities to get to know many new people and opportunities for new engagement. If you missed the activities fair we had in August, where most of the groups and committees had a table to share information and sign up new members, it’s not too late to learn more about ways to serve and connect. For those who are relatively new to UUC, we’ll have a Newcomers’ Orientation on Saturday, October 24 (refreshments at 9:30 am, program at 10). Please come even if you’re a long-time UU; your perspective is a great one for new UU’s to hear. Our Annual Auction (the most fun FUNdraiser of the year) is coming up on November 7, and you’d be welcome to join the folks planning it. Likewise, the grounds committee will have a Fall Work Day on October  31, complete with a pizza lunch after, which is a great way to get to know people and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. I encourage you to check out the offerings for adult faith development and social justice activities, along with the usual social groups which are listed on the calendar and twice-weekly emails. 

If you’re having difficulty choosing which opportunities you might like to take up, I encourage you to heed the advice of Howard Thurman, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Here’s to a season of coming alive!

In faith, 

Rev. Pam