Reports & Articles
Mary Lavo Ford shared this reflection: “When our sermons and hymns re-state our common belief in
‘the interdependent web of existence,’ they validate the awe and gratitude I feel looking from a high
ledge to distant horizons framing the earth’s surface. They honor the fun I find sitting on a woodsy log
watching nearby insects work while birds provide background music. When our worship speaks of humanity in nature, it pushes me way beyond ecology lessons toward a felt moral obligation. Daily do I
choose convenience or a mutual future? I come not alone to these tasks. I require this place of beauty,
shared spiritual nourishment, and strength.”
Flora Majumder told us: “There is hardly any committee or activity in which I have not participated
over the years, and it has been a very rewarding experience. YOU must find the Sunday services inspiring, or you wouldn't be in these pews, but I am here to tell you that this is just the tip of the iceberg
(maybe not a good metaphor). If you can take the first step and ‘get involved’, you will meet and be met
by others at a deeper level. We have heard many times that it is better to give than receive, but, in this
case, you also begin RECEIVING immediately.”
Joan O'Brien said: “One of the many things we do that matters to me is that we are a presence in the
larger community. We lend support to many local groups such as Safe Passage, the Cot Shelter and the
Survival Center, and we also work for change in our support of Trans Pride Day, climate action, and
the Living Wage campaign, to name a few. Another of the many things we do that matters to me is that
we have a partner congregation in Transylvania because, if I may borrow from Reverend David Bryce
of Belmont, it expands my vision and connects us through that congregation to a world of people – beyond the false categories of separation.”
Jan Nettler shared this reflection: “I recently read this quote: ‘Life is not measured by the number of breaths
we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.'’ When I come here every Sunday, my breath is taken away. When I greet new people, as part of my spiritual practice of welcoming, and part of our mission to make this a welcoming and caring community, my breath is taken away. Whenever I spend
time with our youth in my role as a Youth Group adviser, helping to fulfill our mission of creating a
safe place for children and adults to learn and grow, sometimes I even hear the mermaids singing to
me. When I show my support to our members who are going through difficult times, as part of our mission to make this a caring community, my breath is taken away. When I witness our members showing
each other our mutual trust and respect, a part of our Unitarian Universalist covenant, my breath is taken away. When I and others work to develop our own theologies, searching for our truths, and accepting and encouraging each other on our spiritual paths, my breath is taken away.”
So, what do we do here that matters most to you? What are your hopes and dreams for the Society?
The stewardship committee (myself, Bob Barker, Janet Bush, Cathy Lilly, David Nelson, and Jon Sass)
would be happy to hear from you. Please find us at an upcoming service and share your thoughts with
us. Then come to Stewardship Sunday on March 2 and celebrate our amazing vibrant committed community together.
For more information on this year's stewardship campaign, please visit
www.UUNorthampton.org. and click on community life/stewardship.
The Pioneer 5