By Wendy Stasolla, President, Board of Trustees
As another calendar year winds down amidst the holiday hubbub, members of the Board of Trustees weigh in on why they’re grateful to be part of the action at our beloved UUCWC.
In the words of Board Vice President, Karen Kent: “As the world continues to evolve in ways I don’t always understand, I am extremely grateful for my beloved community here at UUCWC. From the moment I first entered the doors, I knew I had found a special place to worship.
“I am grateful that my daughter made friends and learned valuable lessons about being a kind and empathetic human being. I am grateful for our truly caring staff, for our magical tech team keeping our online community connected to us, and for our sexton Roberto who takes great care of us and our facility.
“I appreciate my wonderful fellow board members who deliberately and thoughtfully consider every aspect of how to keep this church running. I am grateful for the ministries that further our values within and outside church walls and I love my job as host because I get to personally welcome everyone who comes through the door. I am grateful for the connections I have made. I love UUCWC, and I’m so glad it’s my spiritual home!”
In pondering why he’s a member of UUCWC, Board Trustee Bob Busch said that it has been so long since he and his wife made that decision that he’s not sure he can retrace the steps that led them here. But he is sure about what keeps him here. Bob appreciates that UUs stress justice, equality, generosity, progress towards a better self and a better future, and above all else, love for our fellow citizens regardless of their differences. He adds that with Unitarian Universalism, there is less mumbo jumbo and more love and justice. This is how it should be and how we foster a better world.
Bob continued, “I agree with Unitarian Universalism teachings, but that is only partly why I am a Unitarian Universalist. Just as importantly, maybe more importantly, UUCWC is where I found my friends. We share laughs and concerns, confide about troubles, and grow older with shared emotional support. It is as though I have joined a friendly tribe in the wilderness, and my tribe gives me the confidence to journey into an uncertain world. Whether for a Sunday service, committee meeting, auction, or potluck, returning to UUCWC is always a joyful homecoming. Oh, and sometimes there is beer. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
In the words of Board Trustee Maria Baratta: “I’m very grateful for the community we continue to create at UUCWC; a community of thoughtful, compassionate people all working toward making the world better. I’m grateful for the inspiration and dedication of each staff member who helps nurture the individuals, families, and communities that make up our larger UUCWC family. I’m grateful for everyone who chooses to support our congregation through financial and volunteer giving. I’m grateful for everyone who has come before us and will come after us, who has made this special place vibrant and welcoming.”
I echo many of the sentiments of my fellow board members. As a long-time congregant of 25ish years, I’ll just add that it simply feels like home to be sitting in the sanctuary or zooming in on Sundays. I love being surrounded by people with warm hearts, curious minds, and a dazzling variety of talents and interests.
I hope I speak for all when I say that the sermons stimulate our intellect, the music and choir nourish our soul, and the actions and dedication of those involved in keeping our beloved community alive and relevant continue to amaze me.
Our beautiful newly renovated building now adds a tangible home base to what was already a solid structure for all of us to hatch new dreams of changing the world together.