We asked congregants about their sense of belonging to our Unitarian congregation and religion. And here is what they said:

I felt like I belonged to this congregation when …

I became engaged in Children’s Faith Development and Team Teaching; working with our children led to lifelong friendships.

The minister asked me to join the Pastoral Associates.

I was on the Ministerial Search Committee.

I was asked to join the Women’s Alliance.

My picture was on the bulletin board in Founders.

I joined a Chalice Circle and began to develop relationships based on deep sharing through the relational covenant process.

I worked on being a Sanctuary congregation.

I began getting to know people through committees and congregational activities.

We were invited to a social get-together and were told to bring our 8-month-old to the congregational dinner.

I found a place where my children could receive an appropriate training on religion and values.

I was able to help those within the congregation who needed support in a time of difficulty.

It became a part of my identity.

I found I was spending most days connected with friends I met here or coming to various activities here.

Someone asked me to teach.

Someone nominated me for a committee.

My son said his Credo as part of the Coming of Age program.

Rev. Bill became UU Princeton’s minister!

I had personal time to be more involved in church activities.

Someone said, “Bring your clarinet.”

I agreed to help organize Spring Sale.

I agreed to organize the ushers.

I became a Worship Associate.

I joined a group of young Moms who discussed parenting issues.

I served on the Board.

I first attended, on the first day.

I walked through the door and I was greeted on my first day (and my feelings were confirmed throughout my first year).

Many people knew my name, recent history, interests, and I was asked to join activities.

People recognized me and were happy to see me; when I realized we were working toward many common purposes.

People showed concern and love when my child was sick.

I felt like a Unitarian Universalist when…

I went to my first General Assembly.

The Simpsons made a joke about UUs.

I went to a rally for humane immigration policies.

I volunteered at Home Front.

We came to our first service at UU Princeton and there was a rendition of Our Town, and our daughter stood on a chair, enchanted.

I taught in Children’s Faith Development classes.

I came to an “Easter” service that was not about Easter.

I joined the March from Selma to Montgomery in 1964.

I taught the 3–5-year-olds’ class, with Chris Reed as my parent helper, on “The Good Samaritan.”

I was at General Assembly with UUs from all over the country.

I met a UU minister when I was in college and knew that I shared the UU vision.

Always. I have always felt like a UU.

I engaged in interfaith ministries and events.

I talked to the kids about their lives and the world.

I began to explain to my friends what being a UU means.

I joined the Buddhist group, seeing interrelationships, commonalities.

Support was provided to my family and me during a difficult personal situation.

I attended UU Princeton services for a period of 1–2 years with someone who was very devoted to UU Princeton.

I attended my first service in Ridgewood in 1985, and I attended the Intro course with the minister.

I could explain clearly to my friends what the UU goals and activities are.

I read The Epic of Unitarianism.

I was asked to go to a regional meeting as a delegate.

I started facilitating O.W.L. (Our Whole Lives).

I joined the Buddhist group.

I hugged an Imam after Red-Nation’s Remembrance Day.

I realized that the welcoming nature of UUism fosters a focus on commonality and love rather than on “othering.”