Voices of Gratitude: John Nolen
Good morning everyone. My name is John Nolen and I was asked to share a few words with you about why I love TJMC, why I chose to become a member, what being a member has meant to me, and how I support our church. All in about 5 minutes. OK!
First I want to, again, congratulate our new members. It was just a couple years ago I was in your shoes. I hope your relationship with TJMC will be as rewarding as mine continues to be.
My religious upbringing was in a Presbyterian church with a little dab of Methodist from my father’s side of the family. There was a strict expectation of adherence to the “operating manual” AKA the Bible. Any questioning of the word or trying to engage in debate over interpretation was forbidden. If you were different than white, main street America; forget it. I believed in the concepts of the teachings of Jesus. The issue I had was the lack of sincere practice of these teachings within my church or in the community in which I was a part.
I found TJMC later in life after spending quite some time trying to find a church home. My first visit is still fresh in my mind. I observed people of many nationalities, lifestyles, and ages. There was someone behind me in pajamas and fuzzy slippers, others were dressed in suits, others in beautiful dresses, and everything in between. Everyone was smiling and chatting with each other and simply appreciated the fellowship. Then a bell rang and all eyes went forward, for the service to begin. Soon everyone was asked to greet each other and talk with each other again. This was such a change from my past experience when what you were wearing, and not talking in church, was what everyone seemed to be concerned with.
Then came the beautiful music played by Scott, which I always enjoy and look forward to hearing. I remember the choir being among the best I have ever heard in any church I have attended.
The service was about taking action to help make a difference in the lives of others. A call to action! Quite different than what I was accustomed to. It was very refreshing. Several times we were actually challenged to think about what was being discussed and encouraged to have discussions about differing opinions.
Subsequent visits proved to be consistent with this previous experience. I was also treated to the musical talents of our many members and our youth as well.
I learned about the great Religious Education programs for our younger members, social action committees, and community involvement at home and abroad. I was very impressed with the involvement and commitment of the church to these programs.
A conversation I had with a person in the social hall, after a service, demonstrated to me TJMC’s sincere commitment to the person and well being of our community. Our conversation came around to attending TJMC. This persons comment to me was they liked to attend this church where they could be themselves, be accepted as they were, and feel safe. That last part really hit me hard. There were a lot of things I worried about when attending church, but being safe was never one of them. At that point I realized Unitarian Universalists get it. They get what is really important.
I signed up for a new member orientation class and decided to become part of TJMC. I love the way it filled that confusing void about faith in my life. The way TJMC challenged me to think, ask questions, and invited responsible debate about issues of the time. The genuine care and concern from other members about you, your family, and the many things that affect your life.
My desire to see this church succeed is very important to me and there are many ways to help. Attending and providing moral support to our members and community is very important, but it also takes a financial commitment to keep all of this possible. I personally pledge one hour of my salary each week. Every week I go to work and know I will be working one hour for TJMC. This also makes me think about why TJMC is important to me and my life. I also support the social action collections for the work being done in our community. Time is another important way to contribute. I volunteer at the Food Pantry each month whenever I am not working. I just recently volunteered to upkeep a section of our landscaping. This has provided me with an opportunity to do something for my church and involve my daughter for some daddy daughter time. This will also help to teach her about supporting the church and community. To support our youth, I buy a tickets for their sponsored meals and donate supplies to the RE department using the box by the front door. Crayons, paper, glue, colored pencils, etc. are always needed and can frequently be found on sale. OH! and don’t forget about the spare change basket by the coffee pot. We have to keep that fair trade coffee flowing.
I hope all of you will think about what being part of TJMC means to you and will commit to supporting it with your time… talent… material donations.. and as always… money. TJMC needs any and all of your support to continue with it’s very valuable work. Thank you.