Welcoming the Newcomer: Part 2

Connecting with others is a rich, rich part of being in the First Unitarian Community.  Anyone who loiters after the service is probably someone you would like to get to know.  It may be just the warmth they need.

--Vivian Shortreed, former Moderator and current Caring Circles co-Chair

I  remember well the first time I attended a worship service at First Unitarian.  We had lived in Worcester nearly 5 years, but I was still working in Connecticut.  Uprooted from my Connecticut community, and not having had the time or the place to make new friends, I felt as if I didn’t belong anywhere.  I was advised to come to the First Unitarian Church “for the music.”

I was immediately awed by the simple grandeur of the sanctuary.  And I connected with every bit of the service, starting with the quote at the head of the Order of Service.   It was a quote from Friedrich Nietsche, something about the only god worth worshiping being a dancing god.  But I was wary of any kind of commitment and scuttled away as soon as the benediction was sung.

I came back.  After a while I began to loiter after the service, and on one of those days Nancy Wilson approached me and said, “You look like someone I would like to get to know.”

I was blown away.  I don’t remember what we talked about, of course.  But I am still warmed whenever I think of that affirming moment of introduction.  That introduction was the first of many at First U which have led to deep and fulfilling friendships.  Some of those introductions were ones that I initiated.  All of them were important.

Connecting with others, more broadly and deeply, is a rich, rich part of being in the First Unitarian Community.  Anyone who loiters after the service is probably someone you would like to get to know.  Letting them know may be just the warmth they need on a Sunday morning.

[Stewardship Team Note:  You never know the positive contributions a newcomer may may make in our community.  Vivian became moderator at a time of great upheaval over religous symbols. She calmed the waters by instituting a practice we still use today to reflect upon changes in policy or personnel: the listening sessions.  After her time as moderator, Vivian formed a special Governance Task Force which streamlined the Prudential Committee and created the Lay Leadership Council.]