Good morning,
My name is Anahi and I have been a member of our congregation for 4 and a half years. When I found Unitarian Universalism, I was alone in the world trying to create social change. I struggle against apathy and indifference and my actions seemed insignificant. Then I came to community and I fulfilled my sense of belonging. I appreciate that I can come as I am.

I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and I still hold some of the beliefs I was raised with, especially ideas about death and paradise that are very comforting to me. Jehovah’s Witness do not have a lot of money and we constantly talked about the gifts that we brought. What is our intent? What does it mean when we contribute? There was a time when I was not financially stable and I did not have any extra money. I know that money talks, and my contribution to our community matters, no matter the size of it. I love the story in the Bible in the book of Mark, Jesus and the apostles were at the temple in Jerusalem and the rich were putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small coins, worth only a few cents. Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put into the treasury more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty put in everything- all she had to live on.”

I also believe that there is great happiness in giving. Go in peace and always remember to give from the heart and please show your appreciation for our beloved community that is here to support us to transform the world with justice and compassion.
Thank you.