In times of change, we look for comfort towards what endures. January has been a time of great flux and change, during which our most cherished principles came under siege. They stood their ground, yet again, thanks to the heroism of plain folk, from poll workers and medical personnel across the country to a lone police officer bravely diverting a mob from the Senate chambers. A new President has been sworn safely into office, on the wings of poetry and song, and the COVID vaccines are now rolling out, bringing renewed hope to people around the world.  America’s core values have endured and, with continued patience, the pandemic will be defeated.   

We too have endured, strengthened by our bonds of family, friendship, and community, and the hope of getting together as soon as we safely can. There is much we need to do together, for UUFH and the wider world! We must do so with clear vision, unending compassion, and an enduring sense of shared responsibility. We are all UUFH, and UUFH is us:  each one of us will be needed to help UUFH move forward. That requires both human and financial resources, and that means stepping up:  contributing generously, including by serving on the committees and Board that keep UUFH running. 

This past month we also commemorated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He dedicated his life to service, and said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” The Nominating Committee will be reaching out soon for volunteers to serve, and our congregation is blessed with a depth of rich experiences and insights. Why not resolve to contribute yours, in this brave New Year, to help UUFH move forward with greater resilience, passion, and wisdom?   

Michael Yates

President, UUFH