First Unitarian Stewardship

My personal goal is good stewardship – accepting and preserving what past generations have provided for us, and preserving and enhancing what we received for the benefit of those who follow us.  John Mirick I grew up in this Church, initially attending Sunday School in the house at the corner of Main Street and State Street (now the lower parking lot), having parts in the Christmas pageant, presenting plays in the Youth Group (Unity Hall then had a real stage), and going to services when I was home from college.   When Diane and I moved to Worcester with our two boys (then one and three), it was natural to reconnect with First Unitarian, and to give our sons the same opportunities.   Diane became increasingly involved with the Sunday School, and ultimately became the Director of Religious Education, while I served in a series of leadership positions and on committees, including the Search Committee that brought Rev. Barbara Merritt to Worcester, and became moderator after she accep

Being UU is a way of life.  I continuously seek to align my actions to our shared UU principles.  Laura Kirshenbaum A friend recently asked me, “What is a Unitarian Universalist?” Obviously, we are well beyond small talk with a question like that!  As I often do, I stumbled through a pitiful attempt at an explanation.  I can easily tell anyone who wants to know, what UU is not. However, I find it a constant challenge to articulate what it is and more importantly what difference First U makes in the world and more importantly in my life. To be UU goes beyond words.  After all, the principles “are not dogma or doctrine, but rather a guide for those of us who choose to join and participate in Unitarian Universalist religious c ommunities,” says Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove.   In my life, it is not something that I say, it is more what I aspire to do and be.  It is how I try to make my way through life. Being UU is a way of life.  I continuously seek to align my actions to our s

This church is an important and central part of my life.  I treasure it deeply.  Rick Silva “How do I love thee, let me count the ways" is a line from the 43rd sonnet of Sonnets from the Portuguese , written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning .   When I think of how this church has made a difference in my life, I think of this line, “…let me count the ways…” I look forward to every Sunday service, from the sermons that are inspirational and thought provoking, to the music that still gives me chills when the choir sings descant.   This is the time to slow down, put the task lists aside, and pause and reflect   about all that we have for which to be thankful.   Most of my close friends are members of First U.   We have shared important milestones together.   We have shared our closest thoughts. We have had lively discussions and debates that have helped me build and refine my personal theology. This community has helped me grow and mature. Working on committees ha

Sunday “church going” gave us a feeling of belonging to something precious beyond our busy work lives .   We are a community of people who may or may not be different, yet we appreciate our diversity as essential for vitality of the spirit.    James C. Dolan I was involved in five Unitarian Churches and Fellowships prior to our family’s move to Worcester. We were drawn to Worcester by word-of-mouth interest in the new minister: Rev. Barbara Merritt.  Our relationship was cemented by her telephone call to us to offer assistance when our family was going through a very difficult loss.  Thereafter, Rev. Merritt’s sermons were so inspiring that we became dedicated members. To us, First Unitarian was a large metropolitan church with a permanent choir, a well directed Sunday school program, and a well organized congregational based leadership committee. With many diverse programs we quickly became involved, first as Sunday school teachers, joining pot-luck suppers, and Sunday Coff