Unitarian Universalists of Sterling

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.

Why did you become a UU?

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 UUS?

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 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 born and raised a Roman Catholic in Boston but became "un-churched" in my teens.  When my wife and children moved to Virginia we began looking for a church that would provide some religious education for our children and spiritual nourishment for us without all the baggage of our previous churches.  At the same time I happened to read Emerson's essays on Self-Reliance, and Address to Divinity Students.  Agreeing with everything he said I noticed he was Unitarian so we tried the Reston UU Church.  We have been UUs since 1990.

Why did you become a member of Unitarian Universalists of Sterling?

I was one of the original founders of UUS in 1994.

Why did you become a member of the Board? What do you hope to accomplish?

I said yes to being co-treasurer because as a CFO I have budgeting and financial planning skills which I once again have the time to put to use for the church. I hope to help the Board and Finance Committees do short and long term financial planning, to husband our resources to ensure a financially healthy church, but also to encourage some risk-taking.  Once before we grew dramatically to over 100 members.  I think we will do this again when Anya comes on Board.  I want to be there to help.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy music, genealogy, and sports.

Send me a message. 

Why did you become a Unitarian Universalist?

I came to UUS through the back door, so to speak. I got involved with the UUS book club back in the day, and thought the people were interesting. I knew a little bit about Unitarianism and nothing about Universalism, but the more I learned, the more I realized I was already a UU in spirit. It was just this organized religion thing that kept me back. My mantra was "I have nothing against religion until people get involved!"  However, since joining UUS, I have experienced for the first time the true meaning of fellowship.

Why did you become a member of Unitarian Universalists of Sterling?

I had been involved for several years as a "friend." I just wasn't sure about this membership thing (you might say I have "low affiliation needs"). I signed the book the Sunday after 9/11. I think those feelings of loss and uncertainty moved me towards a better understanding of what a spiritual community can mean.

Why did you become a member of the Board? What do you hope to accomplish?

I always knew that eventually I would be on the Board because running our church is a shared responsibility. We all try to do our fair share, so I do feel an obligation to serve. However I also believe in the adage that the more you put into something, the more you get out of it. There is much to be experienced and learned. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I am getting started on a new chapter in my life since my two sons are now young adults (well almost). I have become an avid reader, making up for all those Cliff Notes that got me through school. I love running and hiking and also admit to being a political junkie. I was in India in March visiting the Khasi Hills where our partner church of Kut is located, and I plan to stay actively involved with the partner church program.

Why did you become a Unitarian Universalist?

When I was living in Fairfax 14 years ago, someone from my Mom’s Group was very involved in the Fairfax UU Church, and was handing around a survey. One of the questions was, “What are your beliefs?” And the choices included agnostic and atheist. This was intriguing to me, because I had always liked what most churches offer people and do for the community, but I did not agree with their concept of spirituality. The UU church seemed like they understood my dilemma.

Why did you become a member of Unitarian Universalists of Sterling?

When I moved to Sterling, and my second child was born, I decided that I wanted my children to have an understanding of religion and spirituality. I also wanted them to have a way to help others, without having to follow one version of spirituality. The people at UUS were so welcoming, and the sermons were so inspiring, that I decided it would be a wonderful way to introduce my children to religion, and a great opportunity for me to feel spiritual and give back to others. (Not to mention the adult conversation and break from my darling children!!)

Why did you become a member of the Board? What do you hope to accomplish?

I have been on the board before, and I feel strongly about supporting the Unitarian faith. It is a great way to stay involved with the details of the church, and give back to the church since it has been such a wonderful worship space for me over the past 13 years. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

 I play tennis, swim, hike, bike, camp, read, garden, and attend my children’s various sports, music, and drama events.

Why did you become a Unitarian Universalist?

Though nominally raised a Presbyterian, I’ve always had an independent streak in matters of philosophy and religion.  About 20 years ago when we looked for a religious (with a small r) community for spiritual sustenance and education we came across Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church in Mt. Vernon, Virginia and have been attending and learning in UU ever since.

Why did you become a member of Unitarian Universalists of Sterling?

I became a member in 2008 to “legally” serve on the board after attending for 5 years.

Why did you become a member of the Board?

With the spiritual, philosophical, and personal benefits I have had from UUS, it seemed only right to “give back” in some way.  With the point the congregation has come to on growth and ministry it is such an exciting time to participate, I couldn’t say no.

What do you enjoy in your spare time?

When there are a few odd moments my interests are aviation and history.

Why did you become a Unitarian Universalist?

Why did you become a member of Unitarian Universalists of Sterling?

Why did you become a member of the Board? What do you hope to accomplish?

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?