Seeking a Creative Religion...
My long-time companion and I first came to Throop because I wanted a place to think, where I could find intellectual stimulation. I walked into the Adult Ed program and was fascinated. So many ideas going back and forth, so many things to talk about. And then a group of fellow performers found me, and the next thing I knew we were doing staged readings of provocative plays and essays, as part of Adult Ed and the service itself. So when I decided I actually wanted to make that short film I’d been thinking about for years, it was an easy decision: talk to the people at Throop and ask for help. And I got it.
Seeking a Different Religion...
I was raised a Catholic and as an adult have tried several other religions. Organized religion has never been easy for me. I’ve been looking for the right place for my entire adult life. It wasn’t just about what the beliefs I had to agree with. It was about the whole feel of the place. I wanted a community, but not unanimous, enforced agreement. I wanted to talk about spiritual issues and social action and share good jokes. One day I walked by Throop Church and saw the announcement of what next Sunday’s sermon was going to be about. I don’t even remember what it was now, but it made me curious. So I tried it. I’m a shy person; it takes me a while to warm up. But I knew that the people at Throop were glad to see me when I came, and accepted me for what I was. It does fulfill my spiritual needs, and it does make me laugh for all the right reasons. It really is like a home for me.
Seeking A Religion for My Family...
I was invited to speak at Throop about my involvment in a project for women in prison. I brought my daughter with me. We came in and were introduced to several people. My daughter went upstairs with the other youth. I gave my presentation and then attended the service. By the time we were ready to go home my daughter had a part in the play the youth were going to present in a couple of weeks. The next week she insisted we go back. I have been here several years now. My daughter has gone through several wonderful programs. The Our Whole Lives sexuality program was a relief. The Coming of Age program helped her develop even more. The people at this church have helped me raise my daughter and for that I am greatful.
Seeking Freedom of Expression...
I wanted to just be me. I wanted to be accepted for who I was. I knew Unitarian Universalist churches were welcoming no matter who you were but I didn't quite believe it. I tried several UU churches - going to one and then the other. I joined one and then decided I would join the other. I finally stayed at Throop Church because I could work on the issues I find important. I have had to struggle all my life living in a society that does not extend me equal rights. Now I am working for the Freedom to Marry. I found my voice here and I am going to use it.
Seeking a Pressure Free Place...
My parents brought me here when I was born. That was 17 years ago. I am going to go off to college next year but I know I will come back. A friend of mine went off to college two years ago and he keeps coming back. What do I like best about this church? I have friends here who are like me. And it is stress free. I need a place to escape the pressure of school and life.
OK - it's my turn. I started coming here when I was eight years old. What do I like best about this church? I told a sermon. Yes, I did. I got up in front of all those adults and my friends, and told a story of what I thought was important. And people listened and laughed. I think one day I might become a minister - a Unitarian Universalist minister.
Seeking to Reconnect...
I called on the phone and talked to a very nice woman. She asked how she could help me. I wasn't sure what to say. I didn't want to take too much of her time. I told her I wanted to reconnect. I was making a change and wanted to find a church. I had a friend who had taken me to a Unitarian Universalist church before and thought I might try it again. I wanted to tell her more but didn't. She told me about the service on the following Sunday and when it started. She told me she would like to meet me if I decided to come. I went to church that following Sunday and when I introduced myself to her at Coffee Hour I heard in her voice that she recognized my name from our phone conversation the week before. I was looking for connection and I found it. I will never forget that first conversation.
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