What does UUCAS Mean to Me? – Elaine Lovegreen – Testimonial – March 2026

I was raised in a Catholic family. And some of you may have heard me say from time to time that being a Catholic was a whole lot easier than being a UU. I say it jokingly, but it’s actually true. 

When I was a Catholic, no one asked what I thought about the Sunday services, what we should do with the proceeds from the sale of a building, what organizations we should contribute to, or what we should do about the roof. But I also felt pretty invisible and inconsequential.

Since the day I first walked into this building, 30 years ago, after the Tripolis mentioned coming here, I have felt needed, wanted, useful, important, valued. I’ve served on the board and most every committee we’ve had, several times, I’ve served as president for a few terms. Currently, I’m on Nominating Committee, Building & Grounds, tech team, TPUC, and loosely involved with others. It’s a lot, but so worthwhile. It feels important.

UUCAS is a lifeline for me. It’s a place where I feel at home. It’s a place where I can always find people with similar values – people who care about our families, our communities, our country and our planet. It’s a place where I know I will be stretched intellectually and spiritually. It’s a place where I have many friends, and we have fun together.

It’s a place where I can be myself – whether I’m feeling energetic and optimistic, or negative and exhausted. I can be me here. I can say what I think and be listened to. I can ask for what I want, and it will be carefully considered.

I love being with my church family. Because that’s what you are, my church family. I love my blood family, but have far less in common with them in my thinking and priorities than I do with all of you. I feel at home here.

I love our principles and our mission statement. I love the words of the rituals and songs we repeat every week. I love the beautiful music Katie plays. I love that we will hear a profound message of deep inspiration, love, and motivation every week. Some speak to our intellects, some to our hearts, but they are all beautifully constructed and meaningful.

I love how we do so many things to contribute to our community. So many things! Financially supporting UUSC and also local non-profits that help people in need. Collecting items for needy families at Christmastime. Hosting the community meals. Being a faith home for people who are marginalized. Standing up and standing with those folks – gay, lesbian, transgender, brown, black, rich, poor, disabled/other-abled, anyone and everyone.  The message here is that everyone matters. Everyone. 

I’m not going to return to Catholicism. I’m happy to be a UU, because here everyone matters.