In the Fall of 1989, my wife, Joan, and I, along with our young sons, attended our first service at FUSF. We were familiar with the UU faith, but didn’t really know what to expect. We found a small but fast-growing community (much like Franklin at the time) consisting of both older members as well as young families, with a growing religious education program. We both soon found our way into the community, Joan as a member of the RE Committee and me as a sexton. Thus began our 30 plus years here at FUSF.

During that time we have continued to take part in the ongoing life of FUSF: participating in and chairing committees, serving on the Board of Trustees, teaching RE, taking part in work and cleanup crews, and doing those things that help to sustain FUSF. It is necessary and rewarding work and vital to the continuing life of the community. Our boys grew up participating in RE, youth groups, the Coming of Age and Our Whole Lives programs. And they were suitably embarrassed by the praises of their parents as part of the annual high school graduation service.

But that is not all that has kept us here or keeps us coming back week after week and year after year. That is the good fortune and blessing of taking part in the spiritual life of this community. It is what touches us so deeply and has always and continues to provide meaning for us—serving as a mentor or having your child mentored by another member of the community as part of the Coming of Age program; supporting student ministers growing into their calling as spiritual leaders; caring for and being cared for by the community in your time of need or loss; sharing meaningful thoughts and moving music as we do every Sunday with special musical guests, our minister, the worship assistants, lay ministers, and our wonderful music program; spending time together building relationships and shared experiences at Ferry Beach year after year. These are just a few of the ways our spirits have been and continue to be nourished and why we treasure our connection with the FUSF community.