By way of introduction to the many new members who I haven’t yet met (see below), I’m Sarah Carlson. I have been a member for more than 20 years and joined UUCP after moving to central Phoenix after returning to Arizona from Reno. I began coming to UUCP after a good friend, Katherine Kruse, invited me to attend. She knew that I had attended a UU Fellowship in Reno and missed it. I had also attended silent Friends meetings (Quakers), on and off, and although wonderful in most ways, was not religiously a good fit for me. Katherine eventually asked me if I was going to join or what? I was in a swivet about W. but my job precluded me from engaging in partisan politics. UUCP’s modest rituals put me off a little too, but, but, but . . . I loved the principles and lack of a creed, the variety and acceptance of beliefs, and the people. I also recognized that it would be hard for me to find a better fit. Considering everything, the principles, the people, and the community persuaded me to join. I even eventually came to appreciate the purposes and reasons for rituals.
As a lifelong introvert, joining was a big step. I tentatively stuck my toe in the waters by going to a couple, or maybe three, meetings of the then-social action committee. The group was relatively small and friendly, i.e., something my introversion could bear. At the third meeting, I was asked to chair the committee the next year (I said the group was small, right?). I took a DEEP BREATH, my mind racing for legitimate excuses to beg off, but, like joining UUCP, it was something that I thought maybe I could do to help make a difference. (I also thought it was hilarious to be asked to lead the committee after three meetings). I agreed and incrementally became more comfortable in the role. It turned into a rewarding, and occasionally challenging, experience, and totally worth it.
Since that time, I have been asked and have agreed to serve on various boards, committees, and task forces. It’s not the only way to build community, but for me, it was crucial. I had a role, I knew the parameters and took each task a step at a time. As a UUCP board member, I learned about “policy-based governance,” to which UUCP was converting from portfolio governance, and soon came to appreciate the advantages from the change. Moreover, I gained experience and comfort in addressing the Congregation at annual and semi-annual meetings. I participated in the first year of a two-year ministerial search process, served on the UU Foundation, where I helped revise its articles of incorporation and bylaws, assisted with stewardship, served on the finance committee (twice), and participated in numerous other community events.
When the pandemic hit, I was glad of the opportunity to lend a hand to others in need under UUCP’s auspices and was impressed and delighted that UUCP was able to upgrade its technology to include services on zoom and YouTube. (That availability has made it all too easy for an introvert, like me, to become a Zoombie (pun intended)—I’m working on it).
If you’re new to UUCP, an introvert, or both, consider offering your time and talents on a committee, task force, or volunteer effort. Pick something that touches on your heart, interests, or priorities. UUCP is a community of individuals who pitch in to make UUCP work and improve. The work is just too important and meaningful to pass up. If you have questions or would like ideas, check with the membership committee and see what’s out there, or ask me. Like Lyle Lovett says, what would you be if you didn’t try, you have to try. I agree.
~ Sarah Carlson
Editor’s Note:
Our regularly scheduled column, Notes From Your Dance Partner, will be on pause during Reverend Christine’s sabbatical. In its place, we’re excited to have a series of guest speakers who will be sharing their experiences at UUCP. NFYDP will return in August.