50th Anniversary Stewardship Campaign

Below are the testimonies, talks, chats, sharing of folks for the 50th Anniversary Campaign.

Mike Robinson Talk Mar 14

Good morning. I am here as a stand-in for Lelane Schmitt. We are all the poorer for not being able to hear her words as she is, for me, a passionate member of our congregation. I’m sure the choir misses her also, this morning, She is a stellar member of the alto section.

Anyways, I would also like to start with a disclaimer. Anyone who considers himself or herself perfect or all-knowing will probably not relate to what I am going to say. Why do I pledge money to TUUC? For me, the more pertinent question is why do I come to TUUC. You see, I grew up in a big Presbyterian church. We had pledge envelopes in the church school, and I pledged and paid my 10 or 25 cents per week. For me if I come here, I pledge to support the mission and the turning on of the lights and the ink for the copier, etc.

So why do I come to TUUC? First of all, TUUC is Unitarian Universalist, a place where my Muslim wife and I could attend with our son and, perhaps, find a common god or support the notion (the “first principle of our faith tradition, actually) that each person has worth and dignity and is worthy of salvation and all that is good (as in universal salvation of Universalism).

As I am here, before you, 25 years later than that time, being at TUUC has helped me continue my efforts to listen, to try to understand, to commune with and to try to accept beliefs and perspectives different than my own. It has helped me learn about and treasure vocal music, as I became a member of the choir and have sung requiems, madrigals, cantatas and original works. It has helped me witness and learn about the personal courage of our forebears in this faith tradition: Susan B. Anthony, Dorothea Dix, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Norbert Capek, James Reeb and the publishers of the Pentagon Papers, etc. I have been able to witness comparable courage of many among us here who have lived lives of truth and integrity daring to speak against the prevailing wisdoms or persevering with a dying loved one or the care of sick children. TUUC may not have always had shining moments or enabled noble human interaction. Nevertheless, coming here encourages me to continue to try to act better, learn more, share more and be more patient and tolerant of the differences of and with others and, at times, my own shortcomings or ignorances.

I might have done some of this, very occasionally, without TUUC; but, perhaps, my pledge is the closest thing to a guarantee that I have an opportunity as a husband, father, citizen of Baltimore and the USA and as a human being to have a life that is well-lived. Thank you for listening.

Mike Robinson 

Judi Clague Talk

When I moved to Baltimore from Minnesota in the fall of 2003, I was a staunch Episcopalian. I began looking around for a church home and visited a few Episcopal churches in the area. The receptions I received were not particularly warm and friendly. I really loved the music of the Anglican Church, but had begun to question my faith and my belief in the Trinity, Virgin birth, etc. The liturgy was “comfortably” familiar, but had started to lose its meaning for me.

I had also joined a few singing groups. One of the choirs was rehearsing for a performance of “Elijah” in a Jewish synagogue. It was there that I met two lovely women, Marilyn Thorn and Andree Maslen. They mentioned that they were members of TUUC and also sang in the church choir. I had some knowledge of Universal Unitarianism through friends in Minnesota and knew that it was compatible with my liberal beliefs. (I once attended church with my former husband, who was an active UU in the Seattle area. At the time of his death in 2002, he was attending a meeting there and surrounded by caring friends.)

The first time I walked into TUUC, I was welcomed warmly and felt very much “at home”. I met Alta Haywood, who invited me to join the choir. Later on, Len Proctor introduced me to Improv and the TUUC singles group. I began attending services off and on during the winter of 2004. It was about this time that the choir was undergoing major changes, so I decided to wait a while before taking on another choir commitment.

Meanwhile, my daughter was curious about the church and wanted to know more about my experience here. She had been raised in the Episcopal Church and her husband was a former Catholic. They were married in an Episcopal ceremony, but, since then, had never attended church regularly. Now that they had started a family, they were beginning to think it would be nice to find a church home.

On Easter Sunday in 2005, my daughter, granddaughter and I attended TUUC together for the first time. It was obvious that they felt as comfortable here as I had. My granddaughter was just 4 at the time, but she had no fear of taking the microphone, introducing herself, and announcing her “joys and sorrows” to a roomful of complete strangers. It wasn’t long before my son-in-law and grandson joined us, and we began attending church as a family.

I officially became a member in April 2005, almost 5 years ago. I finally joined the choir in the fall of 2005, where I met many new singing friends and a wonderful music director, Joe Gascho. Nancy Hannah introduced me to an excellent voice teacher, who has helped me in many ways. Two years ago, Lelane Schmitt asked me to take over as chair of the Music Committee, which has further enriched my life at TUUC.

Through the Improv and Singles groups, I have met some really good friends, and we socialize on a regular basis.

Some of the other activities I’ve enjoyed being a part of are the annual Treasure Hunt, the Silent Auction, The Holiday Shoppes and occasional volunteering at the Banner Reading after school program. A few weeks ago, I did some Creative Dramatics with the younger children. I read them a story and then had them take various roles and act it out. It was fun to see them really get into their characters. These exercises really help to build self-esteem.

In the same way, I have found the Improv group increases my feelings of self worth, rather like a form of group therapy. Suzanne Walker, one of my Improv friends, introduced me to a Writer’s Group, which I joined this past fall and enjoy tremendously.

Another bonus is that I can still sing some of the music I love such as Christmas carols, familiar hymns (albeit with some wording changes) and classical favorites (usually sung in Latin or some other language).

I can still be comfortable with my staunch Episcopalian friends. I spent last week in Florida with some Minnesota snowbirds, and we sang the Doxology before dinner each evening. For those of you not familiar with this piece, it concludes with “praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost”. I don’t necessarily have to believe the words to enjoy the harmony!

My grandchildren really enjoy coming to RE. This is so different from the experience I had when raising my own children. (Sunday mornings were often a real struggle.) From what I have observed, the TUUC RE classes are lively and filled with enthusiasm. My son-in-law is one of the leaders in his children’s class.

I am also very impressed with the youth group. The services they have led are excellent, and they really seem to respect and enjoy each other.

TUUC has enriched my life in so many ways and contributed immeasurably to a more enjoyable transition from Minnesota to Maryland during my retirement years. I have found my best friends, along with continual opportunities to use whatever resources I have. I have received many gifts from TUUC, and I strongly support the ways in which we reach out to various areas of the community that need our help. As I listen to the stories of the TUUC founders and the sacrifices they made during the 1960s and beyond, I am humbled and impressed. I believe each of us needs to accept the challenge to continue this meaningful work by appropriate contributions of our energy, talents and financial resources.

When I moved to Baltimore from Minnesota in the fall of 2003, I was a staunch Episcopalian. I began looking around for a church home and visited a few Episcopal churches in the area. The receptions I received were not particularly warm and friendly. I really loved the music of the Anglican Church, but had begun to question my faith and my belief in the Trinity, Virgin birth, etc. The liturgy was “comfortably” familiar, but had started to lose its meaning for me.

I had also joined a few singing groups. One of the choirs was rehearsing for a performance of “Elijah” in a Jewish synagogue. It was there that I met two lovely women, Marilyn Thorn and Andree Maslen. They mentioned that they were members of TUUC and also sang in the church choir. I had some knowledge of Universal Unitarianism through friends in Minnesota and knew that it was compatible with my liberal beliefs. (I once attended church with my former husband, who was an active UU in the Seattle area. At the time of his death in 2002, he was attending a meeting there and surrounded by caring friends.)

The first time I walked into TUUC, I was welcomed warmly and felt very much “at home”. I met Alta Haywood, who invited me to join the choir. Later on, Len Proctor introduced me to Improv and the TUUC singles group. I began attending services off and on during the winter of 2004. It was about this time that the choir was undergoing major changes, so I decided to wait a while before taking on another choir commitment.

Meanwhile, my daughter was curious about the church and wanted to know more about my experience here. She had been raised in the Episcopal Church and her husband was a former Catholic. They were married in an Episcopal ceremony, but, since then, had never attended church regularly. Now that they had started a family, they were beginning to think it would be nice to find a church home.

On Easter Sunday in 2005, my daughter, granddaughter and I attended TUUC together for the first time. It was obvious that they felt as comfortable here as I had. My granddaughter was just 4 at the time, but she had no fear of taking the microphone, introducing herself, and announcing her “joys and sorrows” to a roomful of complete strangers. It wasn’t long before my son-in-law and grandson joined us, and we began attending church as a family.

I officially became a member in April 2005, almost 5 years ago. I finally joined the choir in the fall of 2005, where I met many new singing friends and a wonderful music director, Joe Gascho. Nancy Hannah introduced me to an excellent voice teacher, who has helped me in many ways. Two years ago, Lelane Schmitt asked me to take over as chair of the Music Committee, which has further enriched my life at TUUC.

Through the Improv and Singles groups, I have met some really good friends, and we socialize on a regular basis.

Some of the other activities I’ve enjoyed being a part of are the annual Treasure Hunt, the Silent Auction, The Holiday Shoppes and occasional volunteering at the Banner Reading after school program. A few weeks ago, I did some Creative Dramatics with the younger children. I read them a story and then had them take various roles and act it out. It was fun to see them really get into their characters. These exercises really help to build self-esteem.

In the same way, I have found the Improv group increases my feelings of self worth, rather like a form of group therapy. Suzanne Walker, one of my Improv friends, introduced me to a Writer’s Group, which I joined this past fall and enjoy tremendously.

Another bonus is that I can still sing some of the music I love such as Christmas carols, familiar hymns (albeit with some wording changes) and classical favorites (usually sung in Latin or some other language).

I can still be comfortable with my staunch Episcopalian friends. I spent last week in Florida with some Minnesota snowbirds, and we sang the Doxology before dinner each evening. For those of you not familiar with this piece, it concludes with “praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost”. I don’t necessarily have to believe the words to enjoy the harmony!

My grandchildren really enjoy coming to RE. This is so different from the experience I had when raising my own children. (Sunday mornings were often a real struggle.) From what I have observed, the TUUC RE classes are lively and filled with enthusiasm. My son-in-law is one of the leaders in his children’s class.

I am also very impressed with the youth group. The services they have led are excellent, and they really seem to respect and enjoy each other.

TUUC has enriched my life in so many ways and contributed immeasurably to a more enjoyable transition from Minnesota to Maryland during my retirement years. I have found my best friends, along with continual opportunities to use whatever resources I have. I have received many gifts from TUUC, and I strongly support the ways in which we reach out to various areas of the community that need our help. As I listen to the stories of the TUUC founders and the sacrifices they made during the 1960s and beyond, I am humbled and impressed. I believe each of us needs to accept the challenge to continue this meaningful work by appropriate contributions of our energy, talents and financial resources.

Catherine Morris Talk March 13

Good morning, …My name is Catherine Morris, and I am the President of the Board of Trustees. I wanted to say a few words on this Sunday marking our Stewardship Campaign both as the current President but also as a 10 year member.

So let me start as the President: At the beginning of the church year I set some realistic expectations for myself and for the rest of Trustees and ultimately for you, the Congregation. For this one year, I picked 3 things to focus on: our financial situation, our long-term planning and gift-based ministry. Had I known what the finances were going to look like maybe I could have only picked two.

But the primary responsibility of the Board is to manage the finances of the church in a responsible way so there was no avoiding it. And this has been a challenging year for that. Last year as the president-elect, I was part of a team that had to make some tough decisions when we saw pledges dropping in what we were beginning to realize was a serious economic downturn. We had been unsuccessful in renting the downstairs a year after our long-term pre-school renters moved out, and we weren’t sure how long the economic uncertainty was going to last.

We ultimately made the decision to use our cash reserves and all unused past auction funds to fill a pretty big gap between our pared-down expenses and our pledges. But that didn’t do it, so we had to hold back raises for our staff and plan on a two-week furlough and closing the church this June. Those were all strategies that were based on the assumption that this was a temporary blip in the economy and soon things would turn around and by now we would be feeling able to give at past levels or better. Things are looking better for some of us but certainly not for all of us. I know I’m still listening to the news each night to hear the latest economic indicators, watching the changes in the stock market with more anxiety than usual. Luckily, the non-profit that I work for is starting to be a little more optimistic about the future is committed to restoring the salary and benefit cuts they made last year. So that brings us to today and what looks like another rather daunting financial goal – to restore our pledging levels and even more. But I’ll come back to that…

I also want to talk about my second goal – gift based ministries. The idea behind GBM is that we each have gifts that we want to develop and gifts that we want to share through this community. So the goal was to find ways to facilitate that for each of us. The seeds have been there all along. Did you know that the Friday night concerts that raised money for Haiti last month and for musicians of New Orleans after Katrina and for the church grew out of the passion of primarily of one individual at the church – Tish Michels. Did you know that our partnership with Habitat grew out of a few people saying they would organize the volunteers and the fundraisers 7 years ago which has allowed us to raise between 5-10,000 each year for a Habitat house in Baltimore. Did you know that the Book Nook which raises money for the church and provides a great way for us to reuse and recycle our books is the inspiration and hard work of Carol Mason and others; that our certification as a Green Sanctuary started 4 years ago with a handful of people willing to draw up and implement a plan to meet the credentials? These are all things we accomplished because the gifts of a few individuals found a connection with our mission and the passion of others.

In many ways GBM grew spontaneously this year, without any planning or help from the Board. Faced with closing the church and furloughing the staff, many of you stepped forward with your gifts to create a TUUC cookbook, to run a flea market, to organize and present a special holiday program of music and readings in an effort to raise additional money to keep the church open. And many of you stepped up with direct contributions over and above your pledge, responding to the challenge to dig deeper. Because of those efforts we have already eliminated one-week of the furlough and hope we can eliminate the second if things keep going in a positive direction.

But today is a particularly good day to focus on that 3rd goal – long-term planning since the theme of stewardship campaign is the NEXT 50. Envisioning where we will be 50 years from now is a little daunting for me, so we’re just working on the next 5 for now. The congregational survey this fall told us a lot about what we value now, which is a community of shared principles, these services with thought-provoking sermons and both entertaining and moving music. (And my husband who is in the choir didn’t make me say that.) It’s the religious exploration programs and social action in our community.
I might guess that collectively we want more of the same in the future. And I expect that if I could talk to each of you individually you might have new ideas about where we can go from here. Expand our cultural diversity, grow our music and RE program, Build more space …

As the President, I can give you the numbers about how much that is going to take, and how short we are from just maintaining our current programs and staffing. But as a member for the past 10 years, I would like to end with a more personal story.

I started coming primarily for 2 reasons – I had 3 children from middle school age to 3rd grade and I wanted them to understand the role of religion in our world and ultimately be able to decide for themselves what role they wanted it to play in their lives. I was also suffering from a combination of middle-class guilt for not giving more to address the social problems I claimed to care about and inertia or rationalization that tending to my family and my job was all I could manage at that point of my life. I had heard that the Unitarian Church had opportunities for me to walk the walk. So I started coming and my kids started coming and my husband started coming. As our understanding and commitment to the mission and principles grew so did our financial giving.

But I have to confess that the first couple of years when I gave $300, I thought I must be one of the big donors, because that was the highest level of giving for the dozen or so charitable contributions I made. Then I began to learn more about the finances of the church and realized that this isn’t just another end-of-the year charitable contribution. This is MY Church, and I am responsible for maintaining this beautiful meeting room, for fixing the leak in Clare’s office, upgrading the audio system so we can all hear the beautiful music. I am responsible for paying the salaries of our minister and our incredibly dedicated staff. I am the only one who is going to make sure that we have the space to welcome new members.

If we each gave our fair share that means more like $1500 a year. That was a real awakening for us. And so while we still not at the place that the UUA recommends, which is to give 5-10% of my disposable income to the church we’re getting closer and that has required re-prioritizing our giving overall. We do it because we believe in what it stands for and we have found many ways to share and develop our gifts and feel a part of a community. As a fellow steward and as the President, I’ll end by saying what happens in the next 50 years is on us, it’s only going to grow out of what we bring to it. So thank you for making a pledge for the first year of that NEXT 50 that reflects both how you value this institution and an understanding that this is ours to take care of and to make what we want it to be.

Catherine Morris, President of Board of Trustees

Wendy Werkheiser Talk

Hi. My name is Wendy Werkheiser. The stewardship campaign asked me to answer some questions about my experience in our church community.

First question, what brought me to TUUC?

Let’s see, I was a love child born in the summer of 1967 (the summer of love for those of you who remember), so I guess my choices as far as a spiritual path was either UU or a cult. One of the few times UU was the more conservative choice.

Actually, I was a nanny for a family during high school and college. They attended TUUC and their children participated in the RE program. These kids grew up to be caring, generous, socially involved, genuinely happy individuals. Of course, that was mostly the result of my excellent early childhood care giving. I honestly felt that the TUUC religious education program helped them become the amazing people they were meant to be. So, when I had my daughter, Natalie, I started coming to TUUC. That was 10 years ago.

My second question was: Why do I come to TUUC?

While Natalie was downstairs becoming the amazing person she was meant to be, I was upstairs listening to the service. Do you remember playing tag as a child and there would be a safe place called ‘base’? Sunday service became my base. It was one of the few things in my life that was just for me.

Claire’s sermons were written for me personally, the music was played and sung to me, the readings were chosen with my life and struggles in mind. By the end of the service, I was recharged and ready to face another week as ‘single mom’, excited about life and looking forward to my challenges which I now saw as learning and growing opportunities. This feeling sometimes only lasted a few hours by the way, but some is better than none.

The third question was: What roles have I served at TUUC?

Now I don’t want to mislead you. In those 10 years my attendance was sporadic. And when I say sporadic, I mean there was probably a year or two went by that I didn’t make a single service. But this is UU and that’s OK, right? But when I did come, I always felt better. Also, although everyone was friendly, I wasn’t really meeting anyone. So I decided to join the hospitality committee. My thinking was that I would have to get myself here to make coffee and then I couldn’t make excuses not to come. It worked and I am glad I did it, I have benefitted from more ‘base’ time, but I also got to meet people- staff, other volunteers, and the TUUC caffeine addicts.

Then I decided to teach the Kindergarten to 3rd grade class. After two weeks, I was ready to quit. My peaceful Sunday ‘base’ had turned into more stress that I didn’t need. But, since I had made a commitment, I stuck with it. Then one week we had a lesson about giving back to the community. The children were so excited to share their stories- how they raise money at school and volunteer with their parents. But what they really wanted to talk about was the people in the world they had learned about who needed our help. I was blown away; it really moved me to see how much these kids cared and were worried. Now instead of being stressed out about lesson plans and potential behavioral issues, I was looking forward to seeing ‘my’ kids and hearing what they thought about our weekly topic and seeing the world through their eyes for an hour. Again I was rejuvenated.

And my last question: What treasured memories do I have about TUUC?

Last year my niece, Bridget, moved in with us. Since then, she has been involved in the youth group. Last month, during the youth group service, she got up and told her story. I listened to her share with you the abuse, neglect, pain, loneliness and fear she endured growing up. Instead of wallowing in self-pity or succumbing to despair, she explained how the events of her life helped her become a stronger person, a teenager who does think about the bigger issues, what she can do to help others. And when she was done, she listened to your applause. Applause that I hope she will continue to hear for the rest of her life.

In closing, I think that life is hard, raising kids is hard, staying hopeful is hard, connecting with people is hard. For me TUUC makes it a little easier.