A Community within the Community
By Joyce W.
In a recent workshop Paula Cole Jones spoke of the importance of the small communities in the church. It has always been my approach when joining an organization to join a committee or small group to get acquainted with individuals and contribute to the purpose or mission of the whole.
When I returned to Northlake in 2019 I quickly joined the book group. We are a somewhat diverse group with different backgrounds and reading preferences, but we agree “to affirm and promote the growth and dignify of every person and to affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.” Thus, applying and practicing the UUA principles.
We have a good time, sometimes disagreeing about a book but accepting another’s point of view. These monthly sessions provide an opportunity for acceptance and belonging.
In addition we have had the opportunity to discuss important issues presented in the books: for example, self worth (The Bluest Eye by Morrison), other cultures and survivor’s guilt (A Pure Heart by Hassib), empowering women (The Moment of Lift by Gates), free speech and fair wages (The Cold Millions by Walter ), family relationships (The Dutch House by Patchett), mental health (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night by Haddon), racism (Caste, the Origins of our Discontents by Wilkerson). These discussions may strengthen and energize our commitment to fairness and justice in our daily lives. The book group is just one of many ways Northlake offers connection.
Cascadia Growth Fund
By Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee
In the past year Northlake has had a major upgrade of our technology. Each of our meeting rooms now has a video screen along with camera, microphone and hard-drive hook ups. In addition, we have a new digital camera in the Sanctuary for the Sunday services, and several new screens in the room.
All these changes have been made so we can keep this loving community connected! In every space, people can join meetings and gatherings either online or in-person. This is a wonderful way to expand our community to those who live far away and those not able to be physically present.
The funding for these improvements came from the Cascadia Growth Fund (formerly the Pacific Northwest Unitarian Universalist Growth Foundation), a funding organization dedicated to UU congregations in the Pacific Northwest. This past year they awarded Northlake with $4,907.00 to make these improvements possible.