Jackie

In the 35 years I’ve been a member I’ve been repeatedly surprised by how my best self is encouraged to expand and grow here. There have been joyful opportunities to share music and theater productions I would not have had otherwise. As a member of various committees, I’ve stuck around during some challenging experiences and learned through difficult conversations. This has allowed me to grow into leadership.

During USNH’s process of becoming a welcoming congregation for LGBTQ+ folks I’ve been lovingly supported during what was once a steep learning curve about sexuality and gender. More recently, through book discussions and conversations I’ve had the chance to grow about trans experiences and to show support of all gender expressions by adding pronouns to my name tag.

In the last few years, with book discussions and as a member of the Anti Racism Taskforce and the 8th Principle Working Group, I’ve become better able to see the white-skin privilege I’ve been afforded and to begin to explore how that privilege expresses itself here at USNH. I plan to stick around, likely for the rest of my days, and look forward to being surprised by how I and we grow as we strive to become even more of a Beloved Community. 

For all this and more, I’m proud to have been supporting USNH financially over the years, and am glad to continue doing so in the future.