Testimonials from Buxmont members Feb 26, 2006

From Mary Youtz:

To me, BuxMont is about gifts - gifts you give and gifts you receive. When I started attending BuxMont in April 1993, I never imagined I would ever be able to speak in front of an audience. A couple years later, a chapter of Toastmasters was formed in my workplace, and I joined in a last-ditch effort to overcome my lifelong stage fright.

During the six years that Toastmasters was in existence, I gave speeches in front of chapter members. But though I learned a lot there, it was BuxMont that gave me real-world experience. Whether it was speaking at a meeting of a small committee or the Board of Trustees, I began feeling more comfortable expressing myself. I learned it's OK for my heart rate to go up, and I'm better when I focus on my message instead of myself.

When my husband started coming to BuxMont in December 1993, he had been teaching high school physics for about 30 years. Ed felt very comfortable speaking in front of a class. However, writing had made him nervous all of his life, dating to his own days as a student.

But then Ed got involved as a Finance Trustee for BuxMont. When he realized he would have to write a letter for the annual pledge drive, to be sent to every household in the congregation, he was stressed out. He couldn't imagine writing a letter to be read by so many people. But he discovered that by speaking from the heart, he could gain a comfort level with his own writing, for the first time in his life.

BuxMont is about gifts. Give of your time and talents. You will be surprised at the gifts you receive in return.

From Ed Youtz:

I first became a Unitarian in junior high school when my scientist parents left another church because the pastor thought that the "secrets of nature" should remain secrets. I am now a Unitarian Universalist because I need to do less translation to understand what is going on. Also, I fiercely appreciate the tolerance of different beliefs and the freedom of thought and action granted by The Principles.

Nationally, UUs give a smaller percent of their income to their churches than do members of other denominations.  I think this is because the pledge drive is one of the only places where a specific request is made of our members and friends. I hope people will respond generously to this appeal to keep our institution of tolerance and freedom strong.

I am a BuxMont UU because of the insights in Dan's sermons, the moving music from the choir, and because of you, the congregation.  Look to the left and the right during a Sunday service.  You will see interesting, competent and fun-loving people.  I have found this to be true by working on projects and committees with you.  I even married one of you.