Sylvia Light (right) and her sister Betsy with the pinwheel quilt they recently finished, originally begun by their grandmother in the 1940s.
When Sylvia Light moved to the area in 2025, she was living alone for the first time and looking for community. A cousin suggested she try a Unitarian Universalist church, which eventually brought her to UUCWC. A year and a half later, Sylvia has embraced church life with an enthusiasm best summed up by her admission that, as a newcomer, she “said yes to almost everything and [has] rarely regretted it.” Along the way, she has found what she was seeking: a community filled with genuinely friendly and welcoming people, and plenty of opportunities to connect, contribute, learn, and create.
What religion were you raised in?
Sylvia: Methodist.
If you had to describe your faith journey in one word, what would it be?
Sylvia: Seeking meaning.
What committees/ministries at UUCWC have you participated in during your time here?
Sylvia: It’s so embarrassing, but I said yes to almost everything and have rarely regretted it: Earth & Climate Ministry, Creativity Matters, Lectio Divina, Loaves & Fishes, singalong, Science Conversation, nature walks, potlucks, Food Ministry, church grounds cleanups, and Worship Associate.
What’s one thing about our church community that makes you feel at home?
Sylvia: The many genuinely friendly, welcoming people.
What’s a favorite hymn or worship song that brings you comfort?
Sylvia: “Silent Night.”
What do you do for fun when you’re not at UUCWC, attending an online service, or at a UUCWC-related meeting?
Sylvia: Drawing and painting, quilting with my sister, crosswords with my daughter, and nature walks.
What’s one piece of advice that has stuck with you throughout your life?
Sylvia: Keep your hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel.
What’s one skill or talent you have that most people don’t know about?
Sylvia: I love to mend things. My niece once split open the back of her jeans at our house, and she was tickled that I mended them with a heart-shaped patch. 💙
What family tradition do you cherish?
Sylvia: My Grandpa Boyer’s much-loved homemade doughnuts. He always made plenty!
What one activity always brings you joy?
Sylvia: Anything related to the arts—drawing, dancing, singing, writing, quilting, painting, attending live performances, going to museums, reading the great authors, playing puppets with kids, or making stuff with popsicle sticks. A counselor once told me, “The arts nourish you.”
What song do you always crank up the volume for when it comes on the car radio?
Sylvia: “On Broadway” by George Benson.
You’re having a dinner party; what four people (celebrities, authors, historical figures—past or present) would be on your guest list?
Sylvia: Jim Henson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Pete Buttigieg, and Michelle Obama.
What’s one thing you’re grateful for this week?
Sylvia: My hip is not aching!