What are your first thoughts each morning? In our household, the retired physician and former Methodist thinks, “What will I do today to make the world a better place?” The fifth-generation Universalist and former coal geologist thinks, “What on God’s green Earth am I doing here?” What better way to start the day?

The guy from Texas and this gal from Ohio met and married in Houston in 1982. In 1985, after producing a baby Texan, we moved to Cleveland and happily joined the church of my childhood. In the last forty years we have served on many committees and the Board, taught RE, and sung in the Chancel Choir. 

These days Steve is co-chair of the Lay Pastoral Care Team and staffs the Welcome Office on Wednesdays. In my 15th year as music librarian for the choir, I make sure all choristers on Sunday mornings are singing from the same page.

Not surprisingly, we are both on the steering Committee for the Capital Campaign. In this capacity, we are currently up to our eyeballs in home visits. 

These home visits are delightful and enlightening. You welcomed us into your neat or messy homes with grace. You have revealed your life stories and churchy opinions with candor. In perusing the Viewbook together you have offered your thoughtful suggestions on how to improve our dear old building. Each of you has revealed a unique perspective on how to make our small corner of the world a better place. In the end, everyone has said, “Thank you for coming.”

When asked “Why now?” the answer is because the world needs places and communities like UUCC more than ever. We honor the spiritual and financial commitment our ancestors made to our faith while creating a new, inviting space in which to gather future generations. What we do now will benefit people we have not met and those not yet born. Ponder this for a moment. 

When you are contacted to schedule a home visit for the 2026 UUCC Capital Campaign, please say, “Yes!”

Anne & Steve Sanford

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