UUCC Nurtures Spirits

UUCC’s mission statement states UUCC embodies love in action. We nurture spirits.

I am a self-proclaimed atheist. Maybe “atheist light” if I’m being honest, depending on your definition of “atheist.” I do not believe in a god, but I have a strong sense of spirituality. I was raised Catholic and was what one would consider a pretty devout Catholic throughout my childhood until about 25 years old. Life experiences and seeing some terrible things at my job as a nurse made me question my previous beliefs about a god.

Around age 27, living in California, I met a friend who was a very active atheist. He belonged to the local skeptic society, attended lectures, and read books about atheism. In talking with him about his beliefs I realized that atheism best defined my beliefs more than any religion or faith-based tradition. Fast forward about 10 years, I had moved back to Maryland, met my husband and became a mom. After having our first child, we decided we wanted to raise our family within a community that could help shape their lives and spirituality. What I did not expect is for this community to also help guide and strengthen my spirituality. Each time I have involved myself or invested in this community, I have grown spiritually.

We discovered UUCC and in addition to Sunday service, I started to attend the Tuesday
meditation group regularly. I found a spiritual community that helped deepen my understanding of the mind and body connection; a place I could go to renew my spirit. The meditation group was also a loving and caring space to share big life events, fears, daily struggles and successes. In fall 2022, my husband and I joined 13 other UUCC congregants on a pilgrimage through Italy. I went there during a time of grief and healing from the pandemic, unexpected deaths, and my best friend’s cancer diagnosis. The pilgrimage focused on meditation, reflection, and connection. Hiking through the Italian countryside I felt a strong sense of spirituality, reconnecting to nature. We met each night to share our experiences, sharing deeply with each other, and forming new unexpected connections with community members I just met.

Many Sundays, after attending worship, my husband and I will discuss the topic of the week, which has expanded our worldview and deepened our shared spirituality over the years. Being at service has comforted us during times of personal loss and has given us hope during times of chaos and confusion, anger and disgust in the world around us. I have experienced these connections at social hour or running into fellow congregants at the grocery store or on a walk around a local lake. Expanding my web of interconnectedness has made me feel less isolated and alone during the last decade.

Serving on the UUCC Board has also nurtured my spirit. Every month we have a spiritual practice – a time to reflect and to grow together. I have gotten to know some members of our dedicated and hard-working staff better. They are so committed to this community and have novel ideas of how to strengthen our spirituality both individually and as a congregation.

A common thread of spirituality for me is making connections with others. Your Board of Trustee members are working diligently during this time of transition to reflect and evolve as a congregation. At our last meeting we brainstormed how we can broaden and deepen our connections at UUCC and beyond. Here are some of the ideas:

• Hosting a Board brunch for the auction in January
• Making a point to wear our nametags
• Spicing up the Board Corner in social hour – stay tuned!
• Visiting UUCC groups and taking part in children/families programming
• Listening in the Transition Team congregational groups
• Connecting with new congregants with curiosity
• Serving as greeters on Sunday mornings

What do you do to nurture your spirit? How does UUCC nurture your spirit? What might the board do to nurture spirits? We welcome your ideas.

I feel very fortunate to have found a community bound by a shared mission that embodies love in action and nurtures spirits. UUCC is my spiritual home – giving me hope in times of uncertainty and grief, and helping me expand my mind and beliefs. I will continue to seek ways to contribute to this community and to turn my love and good intentions into action and to grow spiritually.