My love affair with FUSF began in 1993, when my neighbor invited me and my kids to come to church with her family. We both were blessed with our children coming to us through adoption. That Sunday, the children’s Religious Education program was about a mother bear adopting a baby bear. 

Growing up Catholic, it was very interesting to have a woman minister who spoke about issues that felt relevant to me. During that first year, I frequently found myself brought to tears during the minister’s sermons as they touched me in ways I had never experienced in a religious service.

After that first service, my husband joined me and found he also enjoyed the services. Growing up Jewish, he had never experienced a congregation in this way. It was important to raise our children in a faith that respected where we both came from and exposed them to ideas and beliefs that might be very different from our experiences. Our children are Korean-born and a congregation that valued diversity was essential.

There are many moments during my years with FUSF that stand out in my mind. In my mother’s final days, I came to church feeling very raw, sad, and anxious. On that particular Sunday, our Music Director and her son, who was an exceptionally gifted violinist, played a piece that permeated all of those feelings and soothed my soul. I may not remember the name of the piece, but I remember the experience.

More recently, we’ve been able to share the wonderful news of the birth of our first grandchild. The outpouring of warmth and love was overwhelming. I’m reminded of the words of one of my favorite hymns, We Laugh, We Cry. This is a congregation that pulls together in both happy and sad times. 

If you are new, or new-ish to the congregation, say “yes” when asked to join a committee, or join in a single experience like volunteering during coffee hour. You will get to know more people, and FUSF will begin to feel like home to you, too.