When Brad and I were preparing to move to Indiana 13 years ago, one of our first questions was "Where is the nearest UU church?" We had been attending a UU fellowship in Mankato, MN for a couple of years, and at that point we were definitely identifying ourselves as UUs. Brad's new job was in Anderson - we learned about this church in Muncie, and we decided to buy a home here in Muncie, rather than Anderson, so we could live near our church community. We felt at home with this congregation right away. We came to church every Sunday, for our own spiritual and social needs, and for the sake of our daughters and their continuity in the RE program. Rachel was 6 when we moved here; I remember, as she grew older, how she could not wait to be in the high school youth group, and how she met her best friend here, Emily Perchlik. Sarah was 2 1/2 and spent her early days at church here with Grandpa Dean in the nursery; now she's 17 and is one of the babysitters in the nursery. Brad has served on several committees; I was the pianist for several years. The church has been our family, our place to belong, and also a place to get beyond ourselves and serve a broader purpose.

Our involvement here has had an ebb and flow over the years, according to the changes in our lives. One change I will admit to is that we're not "in the pew" every Sunday now. For one thing, I've gotten past my Lutheran upbringing and the rule of going to church every Sunday. But sometimes I want to worship in the great outdoors rather than in the church building. Sometimes we're feeling especially introverted and need time alone at home to recharge.

But we stay and support the church for several very important reasons. The church was here for us at a time when we needed to find a spiritual home; it's been here for our daughters as they have grown up, and we want to help ensure that it will be here for others with the same need. The church is a voice - sometimes a lonely voice here in Muncie - for religious freedom and tolerance, for justice and generosity, for understanding and reason. Just as I wonder how I could live without public radio, how could I live without a UU church here? And this congregation is alive with so many amazing people who I'm grateful to know; they are tireless role models for how to "be the change you want to see in the world." I need the inspiration and strength that this great community of UUs provides.