Many Unitarian Universalists come from different faiths. With the holidays upon us, I particularly appreciate being a UU. I have written before that Unitarian Universalism helps me to live the Catholic values I grew up with in a way that works for me. This season of giving, more than at any other time of the year, allows me to live our mission statement, to “seek transformation in our hearts, our homes, our community and our world.”
On a global level, the UUSC “Guest at Your Table” fundraiser is upon us again, which we have always participated in at a very high level. Much closer to home, we had our special offering for the Human Needs Food Pantry on November 24, and our MESH program is thriving – we are having a huge dinner the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and the MESH program is already one of UUCM’s largest ministries.
We wouldn’t be able to take care of others unless we take care of ourselves. The Amazon Associates program is a way for us to give back to UUCM while buying for the holiday season (buying locally is always the highest priority). This year I especially value the program. I am in the process of purchasing inventory for my new business, and you can be sure I will buy from Amazon whenever I can.
Since it is Thanksgiving, let me give thanks for the many special people in our community, without whom we wouldn’t be who we are right now. I am grateful to people like Markus Hauck, whose natural enthusiasm and love of music brings us so much joy; Jason Brome, Tech Guy Extraordinaire, who has been so generous with his time, and has helped us function more efficiently in so many ways; Laurice Farrell-Grae, who has significantly increased our visibility on Facebook; Mike Premo, whose leadership in the fight for Marriage Equality has been an inspiration to us as well as to other states, one of which is taking him away from us; the members of the Orange congregation, who have allowed us to embrace them as we engage in an exploratory process of possibly merging the two entities together….I could go on, but space here is limited. Know that I value each of you and am thankful that you are a part of my life.
Teresa DeSousa
President, Board of Trustees