50 Things I Love about You

Last Sunday marked a milestone in my life—the 50th anniversary of my birth! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the sweet tribute in this week’s Rooted & Reaching podcast episode—A Special Message!

For my birthday ten years ago, a friend composed a list of “40 Things to Love about Paige”. In honor of this week’s milestone, I’ve decided to return the gift, to you…

50 Things I Love about UUCC—

1. your hugs
2. the proud and delighted grin of a child who has just lit the flaming chalice for the first time
3. the gardens and patios and grounds at OBIC, lovingly tended by Ann and crew
4. gender-affirming signage on OBIC bathroom doors
5. brown bag lunchmaking for food insecure residents of Baltimore
6. Endowment Fund donors and managers
7. the Chalice Lights’ rendition of “Imagine” by John Lennon
8. the Tech Team’s patient guidance on Saturdays and dependable performance on Sundays
9. Molly’s artwork on the wall
10. you don’t threaten mutiny when you hear the word “god” in worship
11. Kelli’s playful attention with small humans
12. you who say yes … enthusiastically, willingly, or begrudgingly
13. you who say no … thoughtfully, maturely, or begrudgingly
14. Steph’s artwork on the shelf
15. the Trust & Reconciliation Committee, who has invested an extraordinary amount of time and love into this congregation’s health & well-being
16. coffee-making volunteers
17. singing together on Sundays
18. volunteers and donors who keep the Little Free Pantry stocked
19. Michael’s fingers on the keyboard
20. Chalice Concert Series
21. your insistence that the new sanctuary must have adequate window views of trees and wildlife
22. the Chalice Rebels’ rendition of “We Shall Be Known” by MaMuse
23. Tom’s rubber chicken on auction night
24. Cradlerock Children’s Center in UUCC space, blessing it with children’s laughter and love
25. your choice deliberately to use the word Congregation in UUCC’s name, to be more explicitly welcoming of all
26. Muslim Family Center in UUCC space, blessing it with their prayers
27. the dessert table at potlucks
28. Hannah’s creative and heart-full approach to the sometimes-tedious and mundane work of administration
29. your welcome of multiple faith communities in the physical space that you’ve built and maintained
30. Sean’s patient explanations about operational things that confound me
31. UUs Flying Solo
32. Robin’s stories about raising children
33. your irreverent senses of humor
34. your advocacy—at the school board, with PATH, at the County Council, at the MD General Assembly, in your neighborhoods, among each other
35. the Chalice Choir’s rendition of “Sure on This Shining Night” by Morten Lauridsen
36. UUCC the Vote
37. original pieces of music composed by UUCC members
38. the handcrafted ceramic plates that display multiple religious symbols on the wall of Sanctuary C
39. the dedicated commitment to a monthly Black Lives Matter vigil
40. the investment of money, sweat, blood, and tears in OBIC’s building, so that the space can serve more people
41. PFLAG in UUCC space, knowing it is their safe space
42. you pay attention enough to offer constructive comments … on worship, on programming, on blog posts
43. One World Coffeehouse
44. Sara’s gentle, passionate insight into people and their dynamics
45. Sunday snack-bringers
46. Valerie’s collaborative ideas for worship and programming
47. the lawn crew running the leaf blower on the OBIC property
48. unsung heroes of the Karuna ministry who offer care in perpetuity, even when they no longer have the official “job” of caregiver
49. the countless ways that you are my teachers, every day
50. YOUR HUGS.

I love you, UUCC. Here’s to many more … years and milestones and things to love.

Love,
Paige