I imagine we’re all in a church for connection– to community or to the Divine– and for growth in spirit or knowledge. A few years ago I was fortunate to participate in a 2-year program for UU social justice leaders across Maine. Our final assignment was to name our social justice calling. I felt that my call is to help others to find their place and path toward being connected and creating justice. In my 25 years at UUCSB, I have grown in my confidence in myself, my faith and my place in the world. I want to be a part of helping us all to strengthen and celebrate our connections in every way we can.

I agreed to join the Board, after some serious recruitment, because I want to help the church as it has helped me. The Sunday after the 2024 election I felt a compelling call to attend UU services to settle my soul. I attend the church to sit and be with friends, to find peace and quietude, to sing familiar hymns, and to hear inspiring sermons. I have found this joy at UUCSB and am eager to contribute my recompense. As a judge for more than 30 years, I believe that I have lessons to share about the beauty of quietude, tolerance, mercy and love.

I have been attending this church for 40 years! 

The people are warm, caring and wonderfully supportive. 

I hope to be here for many years to come.

Betsey and I first came to UUCSB the Sunday after moving to Old Orchard in 2004. We were welcomed so warmly by the Gerkens and others that we immediately felt at home, signed the book, and became active members. Here we have found a spiritual home, a justice seeking community, and a church that accepts who we are. I have always been encouraged to find my place, to share my time and talents, to say yes and jump in, or to say no when the timing or the opportunities were not right for me. Because of that, I have participated in a variety of committees and programs, building deeper connections and relationships. I’m excited now to serve with an enthusiastic group of church members on the newly elected Board of Trustees. This church is my spiritual home.

Bio coming soon.

Having been stationed in so many places over 25 years teaches one to be patient and flexible, to build bridges and to appreciate when one sees the good, with supporting hands and sincere words. That might be what a member at large does. I will do my best to do that.

In the thirty-five+ years since I joined the church, I have done just about everything BUT serve on the Board of Trustees (BoT). I have led Committees, Coffeehouse, Choir; I was even Church Secretary at one point. When it came to the BoT, though, I guess I always figured “better minds than mine” had it under control. But, over the past few months, I have contemplated the term congregational church… it means we run it ourselves; and that takes work. Sometimes it takes sacrifice. So, when my turn to serve came around this time, I said, “Time to grow up and step up, Myra!”  And, I’m so glad I did! I don’t know what took me so long to see the light, but now that I have, I’m excited to walk this journey with other members of our wonderful community. As a Member-at-Large, I vow to listen to your ideas & concerns and take them to the Board for review; and to vote on issues with our UU principles in mind. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of (finally) serving on the Board!