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—
- your hugs
- the proud and delighted grin of a child who has just lit the flaming chalice for the first time
- the gardens and patios and grounds at OBIC, lovingly tended by Ann and crew
- gender-affirming signage on OBIC bathroom doors
- brown bag lunchmaking for food insecure residents of Baltimore
- Endowment Fund donors and managers
- the Chalice Lights’ rendition of “Imagine” by John Lennon
- the Tech Team’s patient guidance on Saturdays and dependable performance on Sundays
- Molly’s artwork on the wall
- you don’t threaten mutiny when you hear the word “god” in worship
- Kelli’s playful attention with small humans
- you who say yes … enthusiastically, willingly, or begrudgingly
- you who say no … thoughtfully, maturely, or begrudgingly
- Steph’s artwork on the shelf
- the Trust & Reconciliation Committee, who has invested an extraordinary amount of time and love into this congregation’s health & well-being
- coffee-making volunteers
- singing together on Sundays
- volunteers and donors who keep the Little Free Pantry stocked
- Michael’s fingers on the keyboard
- Chalice Concert Series
- your insistence that the new sanctuary must have adequate window views of trees and wildlife
- the Chalice Rebels’ rendition of “We Shall Be Known” by MaMuse
- Tom’s rubber chicken on auction night
- Cradlerock Children’s Center in UUCC space, blessing it with children’s laughter and love
- your choice deliberately to use the word Congregation in UUCC’s name, to be more explicitly welcoming of all
- Muslim Family Center in UUCC space, blessing it with their prayers
- the dessert table at potlucks
- Hannah’s creative and heart-full approach to the sometimes-tedious and mundane work of administration
- your welcome of multiple faith communities in the physical space that you’ve built and maintained
- Sean’s patient explanations about operational things that confound me
- UUs Flying Solo
- Robin’s stories about raising children
- your irreverent senses of humor
- your advocacy—at the school board, with PATH, at the County Council, at the MD General Assembly, in your neighborhoods, among each other
- the Chalice Choir’s rendition of “Sure on This Shining Night” by Morten Lauridsen
- UUCC the Vote
- original pieces of music composed by UUCC members
- the handcrafted ceramic plates that display multiple religious symbols on the wall of Sanctuary C
- the dedicated commitment to a monthly Black Lives Matter vigil
- the investment of money, sweat, blood, and tears in OBIC’s building, so that the space can serve more people
- PFLAG in UUCC space, knowing it is their safe space
- you pay attention enough to offer constructive comments … on worship, on programming, on blog posts
- One World Coffeehouse
- Sara’s gentle, passionate insight into people and their dynamics
- Sunday snack-bringers
- Valerie’s collaborative ideas for worship and programming
- the lawn crew running the leaf blower on the OBIC property
- unsung heroes of the Karuna ministry who offer care in perpetuity, even when they no longer have the official “job” of caregiver
- the countless ways that you are my teachers, every day
- YOUR HUGS.
I love you, UUCC. Here’s to many more … years and milestones and things to love.
Love,
Paige
6 Comments
Jackie M
❤
Happy (belated) Birthday!
Hannah Nelson
Thank you, Paige! You are my #1 favorite thing about UUCC. <3
Hugs being a close second.
Herb Hartnett
Happy Birthday, Paige.
John Guy
Happy Birthday Rev Paige – The entry into your sixth decade now makes you qualified to receive AARP literature. May this be an opportunity to learn the blessings of the second half of life and the delightful zones especially enjoyed by UUCC’s Seasoned Souls. And a great time to grow closer to those who qualify for Seasoned Souls.
I hope you find the decade of your 50s to be the finest years of your career . I did. Regards John Guy
karla pearce
Happy birthday, Paige and congratulations on your first half century. I hope the next half is as exciting, challenging and rewarding, and is filled with many more hugs.
Karla
Kathy Parker
Happy Birthday, Paige! Thanks for 50 wonderful reminders of why we all love UUCC. And why we are so grateful for you. Kathy