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 a...

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. ...

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 an...

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 ...

The First Unitarian church is my church family, with all the joys and sorrows that relationships bring. I continue to be so impressed with the skills, knowledge and thoughtfulness I feel from all the members and friends.   Wendy Innis First Unitarian makes me a better person. When I sit in the pew and listened to a thoughtful and inspiring sermon I think about what else can I be doing in my life to make the world better - How can I relate to people so that we all get along better? What else can I do for someone I am struggling with to smooth our relationship. How can I be a better person? How can we in this wonderful church family grow and share this safe and comfortable space? I need to talk further about being in a safe place. This is the only place in my life where I am free to be myself as an out lesbian. I am very out in much of my life but here I know my church family loves me for who I am as a person. It is not part of the equation to define me as a lesbian or not. I...

There are many diverse perspectives, opinions, political views and experiences within our community.  I value the opportunity to engage with new ideas and I appreciate the trust and acceptance we share that allows us to speak honestly about our convictions.  Seth Popinchalk    I feel very fortunate to be part of the First Unitarian Church community.  Sue and I joined the church in 2009 after we registered Kate and Lauren for the Religious Education program.  Both Sue and I grew up going to church, and I think we were looking for a place where our children could gain the valuable experience of having a faith community. At First U, I feel we share intentionality in our relationships with each other that we don't always find in the rest of our life. I see an emphasis on living the covenant that defines our UU faith.  Specifically the first three principles: We affirm and promote: The inherent worth and dignity of every person; Justice, equ...

Draw the circle. Draw the circle wide. No one stands alone. We'll stand side by side. Draw the circle.  Draw the circle wide. ~  Draw the circle wide. Draw it wider still. Let this be our song. No one stands alone standing side by side. Draw the circle. Draw the circle wide. ( from Mark Miller )  Lee Bona I first heard that song in a worship service this past June during the UUA General Assembly in Providence, RI. I saw optimism, faith, hope and strength in that song. I saw us in the words of that song and I saw what First U means to me. A couple of years ago, I would not have been able to say that. But here I am, and here we are. Twenty-four of us showing up and waving our banner at a city-wide Vigil for Unity...forty-six more signing a Unity Proclamation...standing on our steps with our minister, 30 strong, to support the glbt community...being vocal in meetings because we're believing our voices should be heard – need to be heard...showing up at worship a...