Dear Ones,

Thirty of us gathered in our Sanctuary last Sunday, and it was good. We had windows open and fans going for ventilation. We had Chris playing at the grand piano! We had a good service – and we had a newcomer with us, too. 

I think we sometimes forget that we almost always have a newcomer or two (or more) with us when we worship. We do a good job welcoming newcomers in general, and I’m glad for that. I don’t know if the gentleman who was with us last Sunday will return or not. He and his spouse are looking for a new place to live, and considering Beaufort. 

It was a good reminder for me, though, that every service must consider how I/we welcome the stranger. Do you recall the first time you walked into a Unitarian Universalist congregation? I’ve heard many of your “first time at UUFB” stories over the past few years, and I know that for several of you the welcome by a member was key. 

I know that our Social and Environmental Justice committee is fond of saying that every UUFB member is a member of that committee. Truly, though, every member needs to consider themselves a member of the Membership committee. You do not have to know everything about the Fellowship, or Unitarian Universalism. It’s enough to smile, say “hello,” be welcoming and positive, and find the person who can answer any questions you can’t. That’s it. I know our newcomer felt welcomed last week!

A housekeeping note: 
We are sorry that we don’t yet have internet in the Sanctuary. A member did try to create a hotspot with their phone last Sunday, and it wasn’t stable enough to use for broadcasting our service. We do see that a few folks tried the Zoom link we’ve been using for worship. We’re at the mercy of the internet service provider, and hope that we will have internet sometime in July. Please bear with us! 

Be well, and stay safe everyone!

Blessings,
Rev. Lori Hlaban