by Joanna Sanders

As a records clerk in my day job, I value holding and organizing important documents. I hold onto my QUUF Membership Directory as a treasured document. It’s a 1997 version of Who’s Who at UU.

One early memory I have of those days in the late 90s… before I knew that I had made a pattern of showing up on Sundays, was receiving a phone call from one of the beloved elders. “Hi Joanna… you’ve been coming for a while, when are you going to start pledging?” Coming from a family who were professionals at beating around the bush, I was caught off guard by the direct money question. I said, “Well, I don’t give a lot, but I do put cash in the collection plate.” They said, “Joanna, if you put it in an envelope with your name on it, we’ll know to attribute it to you.” “Okay, will do. Thanks.” I appreciated the guidance and directness – really.

Little did I know then the behind-the-scenes work and commitment involved to keep this organization going. Those early members in that directory – like today – worked to fund the programs, pay staff, provide curriculum, host social events, and pay for the facility. The leaders also weathered many changes and challenges of a growing church and had the pleasure of working with roughly nine ministers along the way.

At times, we called this annual pledge event the Spring Fling. It has become a fun ritual to anticipate. It means filling out my pledge form and having a community celebration – a party – a time to share food, laugh, reflect, and look forward.

A month earlier than the pledge campaign – over the President’s Day holiday – I hold another ceremony: tax preparation weekend. Although a lot less exciting, I don’t dread this exercise of calculating my portion of taxes based on my income. I accept it as a social responsibility. The process involves making time to organize paperwork such as the proof of donations to local organizations like QUUF – donation statements that signify what I value. Doing this tax work early means I know the results and can plan ahead for any taxes due or refund paid. Afterwards, I celebrate the great feeling of checking it off my list as completed. Unlike my early membership days, I now similarly calculate my giving for our fellowship.

My time here began out of a foggy desire to provide a religious education foundation for my children. It turned into so much more. Side by side, we learned about social justice, our UU faith and neighboring faiths, the Our Whole Lives Sexuality Curriculum, and much about the power of generosity. We combined our thoughts and voices with others in song, discussions, and even in quiet meditation. We were invited into too many activities to mention and these asks to participate fostered and nurtured lasting friendships among our peer groups but also in the larger congregation and intergenerationally.

One particular event that was rich for me when I was an RE teacher was learning about and celebrating Lunar New Year. We constructed a colorful cloth-covered dragon and then as a part of the Sunday Service, we weaved it around with lots of little ones underneath through the sanctuary.

My dad always said the best way to learn something is to engage all your senses. I’ve learned a lot here by saying yes when asked to contribute and weaving in and around the various volunteer jobs.

I close by expressing gratefulness for being able to meaningfully contribute as a member and celebrating this season of giving and the rituals that bind us together in community.