A HUUC Gratitude Story
by Barbara L. Barnes
Years ago at a “meet & greet” event, a UU leader (who was a newcomer to HUUC) asked me in a somewhat accusatory tone, “If you don’t have kids or grandkids in the Sunday school, why are you at Heritage?” Aghast, my jaw actually dropped. Was this UU official insinuating that I wasn’t welcome and included? Did this person really believe that the only reason anyone came to Heritage was for their kids’ religious education? This oblivious HUUC neophyte obviously didn’t know us.
Sure, religious education (RE) for the next generation is one of many valid needs and reasons for attending Heritage. Yes, there are those parents/grandparents among us who come to our gatherings solely to expose their kids to a religious experience. Unfortunately, some of those adults disappear if they decide that their youngsters have “aged out,” gained other interests, or no longer want to attend HUUC RE programs. These leaving people may reflect potential weaknesses in our community. These adults might have started attending for their kids’ benefit, but they didn’t find in HUUC a personal benefit to keep coming without their children.
Perhaps I’m literally “preaching to the choir” by proclaiming my continual gratitude for how HUUC meets my personal interests/needs. Perhaps readers of this musing have also found in HUUC a connection through the many and varied offerings to adults for religious deepening, for intellectual stimulation, for civil interaction with others holding diverse values, for community, for friendship, or for just plain fun.
So, what did I say to that unobservant HUUC novice as to why I’ve stayed at Heritage for decades? I could have mentioned the adult religious education programs that I found intellectually stimulating. I could have mentioned the worship services that expanded my thoughts and perspectives. I could have mentioned my bonding with other HUUC congregants through each Sunday’s Candles of Community and interactions at various events. I could have mentioned our monthly potluck lunches – my best meal of the month! I could have mentioned our impressive choir and music program. I could have mentioned the joy, camaraderie, and ribald hysterics of the Babes with Books (BWB), the Heritage women’s book club. I could have mentioned the aid and support provided by the Caring Circle and the HUUC Sisterhood. I could have mentioned the community’s appreciation of my various contributions beyond the financial, exemplified by my personal involvement.
Intentionally ignoring that ill-informed newcomer’s position as a UU leader, I mentioned none of those items for which I am continually thankful to Heritage. I just replied, “I’m here because of the people. Once you get to know Heritage, you’ll experience that for yourself.”
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