Unitarian Universalists of Sterling

Why did you become a Unitarian Universalist?
Throughout my early adult years, I had a nagging feeling that there was a way for me to have the spirituality I wanted and a faith community to grow through and raise a family in, but everywhere I turned I was told to think and feel a certain way in order to fit in. I 2000 I came acrossan ad for UU Sterling and read a sermon online and realized I'd found the perfect place for me.

Why did you become a member of Unitarian Universalists of Sterling?
This was the fist UU church I ever came to and loved the experience so much I never wanted to go somewhere else.

Why did you become a member of the Board?  What do you hope to accomplish?
I have always loved contributing to this special community and helping it grow. I feel that my enthusiasm for what this faith provides is something worth sharing and through my work on the board I hope to help us grow into an even more vibrant community of faith.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love to visit with friends, read and dance!

Why did you become a Unitarian Universalist?
Though raised Roman Catholic, I have always been a spiritual seeker. A year or so after moving to Northern VA, I was surfing the net and discovered UUS. At the first service I attended, I knew I had found a spiritual home. I hadn’t known that it would be so much more: haven, solace, comfort, champion and challenge. I signed the book at UUS in January 2009. This is the home I didn’t know I had.

Why did you become a member of Unitarian Universalists of Sterling?
Okay, this may be astonishing but I’ve never attended a UU service other than here at UUS. I’ve just never wanted to miss a service here in order to go somewhere else.  I was raised Catholic and though there are many things about it that will always mean so much to me, I never felt accepted or recognized like I do here.

Why did you become a member of the Board?  What do you hope to accomplish?
They (Bryan George of the Nominating Committee) seemed desperate to find someone. (See my predecessor’s bio – Jeff Chandler. He said the same thing. Is this a coincidence or reflective of the joys of being Secretary?! ) I became a member of the Board not only because I want to give back to this congregation in some small way but also because I firmly believe that this next year will be a turning point for us. This year we will face the unique challenge of thriving in one of the worst economy’s since the Great Depression. We will face the continuing challenge of growing and not losing our identity - all the things that make us unlike any other UU congregation.  I want to be a part of how we answer these and all the other challenges we will face.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Honestly, as a relative newcomer to the area, I talk on the phone with family and friends a lot! I enjoy movies, books, “The Closer” and “Saving Grace.”  I like to brag about my two sons, Ian and Martin, and my three cats.  I like to work out (never thought I’d say that!) and I like wine (which is probably why I need to work out so much!)

Why did you become a Unitarian Universalist?
I was raised in a Brethren church (protestant), but as a teenager, I had a lot of questions that were never fully answered.  I've always had a problem with any one religion claiming to have a corner on the truth.  It seems obvious to me that people from all over the world would have different approaches to answering life's biggest questions, and I feel like there is value to be found in many different religions.  Anyway, as it turns out, my roommate in college was a Unitarian Universalist.  We had many late night discussions about religion and the meaning of life, and I realized that I was basically a Unitarian already and didn't know it.  It wasn't until I had children of my own that I sought out a Unitarian church to attend.  I was delighted to find such an active and caring community at UUS.

Why did you become a member of Unitarian Universalists of Sterling?
I have attended since 2003, and became a member in 2007 when Rev. Anya comes on board as our minister.

Why did you become a member of the Board?  What do you hope to accomplish?
My background is in finance, so it seemed like a good fit for me.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy music, reading, running, hiking and spending time with my family.

Why did you become a Unitarian Universalist?
Many years passed since I was involved in a church and was feeling a sense of need for more spiritual growth.  Unitarian Universalism allows me to share with others in my search for meaning and at the same time respecting my own theology.  The seven principles which Unitarian Universalist promotes all ring true to me.

Why did you become a member of Unitarian Universalists of Sterling?
From the moment I walked thru the door to the time I left from a service, I felt welcomed at UUS.  The services always leave me feeling alive, whether in reflection on the sermon, the songs from the choir, the rock of the band, and the friendship greeting me each time I am at church.  This was not a difficult choice for me :>).

Why did you become a member of the Board?  What do you hope to accomplish?
After spending a little time at UUS, the sense of community and involvement to get things done is very evident.   Getting the opportunity to be on the board and apply my services as best as possible is a privilege.  I hope to be a steward to the congregation and at the same time keeping the congregation aligned with its vision and mission.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy reading, hiking, trail maintenance in a couple parks in VA, and spending time with family and friends.

Why did you become a Unitarian Universalist?
I became a Unitarian Universalist because the emphasis on engaging with and trying to heal our world and each other really resonated with me. It makes sense to me to focus on what we can do to help each other here and now instead of worrying about what happens after we die. I also appreciate that there is no inherent conflict between science and spirituality in this faith.

Why did you become a member of Unitarian Universalists of Sterling?
Unitarian Universalists of Sterling is the first UU church I attended. As soon as I walked in, I was struck by the warmth of the people greeting me. I loved that people trusted each other enough to share their joys and sorrows during that part of the service. Once I heard Rev. Anya speak, there was no sense trying anywhere else!

Why did you become a member of the Board?  What do you hope to accomplish?
I became a board member because I wanted to make a contribution to this community which I cherish so much. This is my first time on any sort of board, so my goals are to learn how a board functions and help in any way I can.  I also have a strong interest in social justice, and serve as the liaison between the Social Justice Committee and the Board.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Much of my spare time is spent with my husband, Martial, our son, Xavier, and our three cats. I love reading, and am usually in the middle of multiple books. I'm an anachronism in the sense that I love to send (and receive!) real (aka “snail”) mail. I adore ballroom dancing, but haven't had much opportunity to do it lately. Whenever I have the opportunity I visit with my mom (in Fredericksburg) and my sister and her family in NJ.

Why did you become a Unitarian Universalist?
I have always been a Unitarian Universalist although I didn’t know it until the 5^th grade when my dad found a Unitarian church and he and my mom realized that’s where they belonged. I attended RE classes and services until I left for college. I attended UU churches on and off in different places I lived after I joined the work force but didn’t become active with a congregation for perhaps 15 years. Living near and working on a US Air Force Base in Germany, I joined with five or six other UUs in establishing a fellowship.

Why did you become a member of Unitarian Universalists of Sterling?
UU Sterling was the first UU church I attended when I moved to Virginia in 1997. I felt at home from my first visit. UUS has proved to be the right choice, supporting me through the sorrows and sharing the joys I’ve experienced in my 12 years of membership.

Why did you become a member of the Board?  What do you hope to accomplish?
I’ve served on the board three times before, twice as a member at large then last year as Vice President. I’m honored this year to be serving the congregation as President as we work with Rev Anya to welcome new families and seek ways to accommodate our growing membership.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Bob and I like to travel. We do so by Winnebago, plane, and cruise ship for square dancing, family, and the fun of seeing new places. When I’m home, I like to read and sing with the UUS choir.