My Dad, a local Birmingham leader in decades past, attended a conference and tour in Soviet Russia in the late 70s. After receiving his request to attend a church service, his guide and driver delivered Dad to an empty lot and shrugged without explanation. My father was not deterred and made his request with higher authorities for the following Sunday. Worried that he might make a bad report about religious freedom in Russia, they delivered him to the correct address and Dad got to attend his first Russian orthodox church service with native Russians!

When Dad returned home, he did not sleep in the following Sunday. He returned to his own Methodist church where he took his membership very seriously. He gave a presentation on his experiences in Russia, and he continued to sing in the choir, lead committees, help in the soup kitchen, and pay his annual pledge. Dad did some occasional church touring, but the majority of his effort and resources went to his faith community where he held membership for over forty years!

Remember how much UUFEC means to you and why you chose to become a member. We pledge to each other to share all our resources, time, talent, and treasure. Please turn in your pledge card. If you have questions, contact Denny Lauer (kdlauer2@gmail.com) or Judy Byrne Riley (RILEYJB1501@gmail.com).

In wisdom, grace and hope,

Rev. Ruth