Statements of Stewardship

Select a statement... Joyce Ambler Steve Braun Jennifer Brock Brad Brown Natalie Browne Carol Burrus David Collins Tom Cowen Audrey Crawford David Damico Lindley Doran Virginia Drapela Cindy and Mike Hart Ruth Hoffman Mary Jane Hurlbert Mary Koch Lydia Luz Melanie Mayeaux Laura Nagel Barbara Nelson Martha Northington and Grace Amborski Jim Null Sue Null Pam Perry Deborah Rothschild Al Sevcik Dema Solberg Allison Stovall Wendy Van Syckle John Walsh Joe Zuchlewski

Stewards are caretakers who share responibility for a community of people. "...this church [was] the first in the city to desegregate. I am proud of the many social justice programs initiated by this church. First UU remains a beacon of progressive thinking in this city." -- Joyce Ambler "First UU has served as a shelter for me to explore my personal spirituality." -- Steve Braun "When I walk through these doors, I know I 'm supported in my liberal views and humanist values and beliefs (or non-beliefs) and most important I know it is a great environment for my child. I feel like we really belong. It' s a great feeling." -- Jennifer Brock "It is my observation that the key to a better world is the community and work of voluntary associations.  Our Unitarian Universalist Church is just such a voluntary association.  It has been my first choice of the many voluntary associations to invest my energy and resources."-- Brad Brown I believe in the core of my being that this is a holy place, where all people are loved, supported, and encouraged to grow."-- Natalie Browne  "...the kids learned about consensus, about taking care of the earth, about different religions this place where the people we meet in coffee hour, whether young or old, see the world as a place where folks of all kinds matter."-- Carol Burrus "...a fellowship that dared to challenge the status quo."-- David B. Collins "Where does an atheist go for spiritual nourishment? If he's paying attention, he comes here." -- Tom Cowen "I was impressed then that the Church supported the Women's Group -- as well as a gay men's group -- at a time when virtually no one would have admitted in polite company that they were either femist or gay." -- Audrey Crawford "I am fascinated at how dynamic and vibrant the people at First Church are in their opinions and willingness to be part of a larger entity." -- David Damico "...open to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation." -- Lindley Doran "Members of the Care Team serve many needs.  Some are short-term, such as visiting a recuperating patient, or making telephone calls of inquiry. Sometimes,groups form to provide respite care for primary caregivers who might need a bit of recreation or rest. Care Team members might grocery shop. There is always  need for transportation. When needed, we coordinate Memorial Services. And on and on -- as need arise." -- Virginia Drapela Cindy: "There's so much we enjoy about First Church like the sermons, and the chalice circles." Mike: "And being part of an internationally traveling choir, all the activities, and did I mention the friendly folks?" -- Cindy and Mike Hart "Over the years, I have known eight ministers here, and, while I have been inspired, supported and, at times, frustrated by all of them, to me they are not what the church is about.  It is about people who are my friends, who challenge my ideas, who share my values and put them into practice..." -- Mary Jane Hurlbert "Acknowledging that truth comes from many sources and being willing to explore and embrace other faith traditions is important. Not having "One Way" to salvation (whatever that may be) is important." -- Mary Koch "...a genuinely caring community." -- Lydia Luz "Because you asked for and valued my presence and my participation, I have found my authentic voice..." -- Melanie Mayeaux "...where I come to tend my soul, to buoy by spirits when I'm downcast, and to lift myself out of the practicalities of everyday life." -- Laura Nagel "We visited and were immediately drawn to the sense of fellowship we found here." -- Barbara Nelson "We believe there are few places in the world like this one where people are encouraged to speak freely, to live in peace with one another and those around the globe, to respect all of life and nature, and to care for those in need." -- Martha Northington and Grace Amborski "...the first predominantly straight church in Houston to have an openly gay minister..." -- Jim Null "First Church has provided me with the seeds of respect and love for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders..." -- Sue Null "... not only is it OKAY to think for yourself, it' s encouraged and expected from all participants in this church community." -- Pam Perry "I've come to understand that my church isn't this sanctuary or the Sunday sermons. It is all of you, all of you who give of yourselves, both within the church and out in the community. All of you who live our UU values every day and are the voices of liberal religion in these conservative times." -- Deborah Rothschild "First UU is an important voice in the Houston community." -- Al Sevcik "First Church has given me the reassuring knowledge that I am not the only left-leaning, tree-hugging, gay marriage supporting, pro choice, anti-war, feminist, humanist liberal in Texas. What a relief!" -- Dema Solberg "I have greatly valued the freedom to search for spiritual truths in ways that honor our diverse perspectives." -- Allison Stovall "I've benefited from the expectation, not just acceptance, but the assumption that women will lead and excel." -- Wendy Van Syckle I stand here with gratitude and a deeper sense of understanding and commitment to a life of balance and purpose. -- John Walsh First Church has meant a place for me to be involved, to think, meditate, and make new friends. It does not regulate my beliefs, nor do I have to agree with any set theology, philosophy, or minister. I just have to show respect for others and I know that others respect my ideas, even if they disagree. -- Joe Zuchlewski

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