By Scott Cullen, CrossCurrents Editor
If you’ve ever admired the stewardship materials or endowment brochures that make their way into your hands each year, or enjoyed one of UUCWC’s lovingly prepared meals, you’ve likely seen David Schumann’s creative touch at work. A member since 2016, David brings his artistry, humor, and generosity of spirit to everything he does, from chairing the Endowment Committee to helping in the kitchen.
David’s story is one of faith rediscovered and community embraced. His journey from a Roman Catholic upbringing to Unitarian Universalism began during one of the most difficult times in his life, when compassion and acceptance at Arlington Street Church in Boston showed him what a truly welcoming faith could be. In this month’s Meet & Greet, David shares how that experience continues to shape his commitment to UUCWC, what keeps him busy outside church, and why the simple act of being present remains his guiding philosophy.
How long have you been attending UUCWC?
David: My first time with UUCWC was Christmas Eve 2015. I believe my husband, Michael Agenbroad, and I joined the following spring.
What inspired you to visit for the first time?
David: It was our first Christmas in the area, and we decided rather than travel to family that we would stay close to home. We were members of Arlington Street Church in Boston for many years. It was interesting that our minister there was Kim, and we have Kim here, so we have old Kim and new Kim.
What religion were you brought up in?
David: I was raised Roman Catholic with First Communion, Confirmation, and even was an altar boy for a while.
How would you describe your faith journey?
David: I began attending services at Arlington Street Church in 1996 because my partner at the time had been diagnosed with AIDS and was severely ill, and I felt the need for spiritual support during that difficult time. I felt the Catholic Church would not accept my sexuality at all, and hadn’t been back for many years. My partner attended with me, and he was blind by that point and was unable to move quickly.
When Kim began her sermon, he leaned over to me and said he thought he was going to be sick. I got us up and tried to rush down the center aisle, hoping we could get outside before he got sick. As I reached the front doors, there stood his nurse, and she said, “I’ve got this. I will take care of him. Go ahead and sit back down.” I was so surprised to see her there. I sat back down and watched her take him toward the front where there was a bathroom, then come out a few minutes later and sit with him to the side. She approached me and said she was going to have him sit with her so she could take care of him. I began to cry because I felt I was in a very safe place and didn’t have to shoulder this burden alone. He passed away a few months later, and I became a member afterward.
What committees/ministries at UUCWC have you participated in during your time here?
David: I ordered some large roasting pans, and they turned out to be too big for my oven, so I brought them to the church, thinking they could use them. Mike (Muccioli) asked if I would like to join the Food Ministry, and I agreed to help cook and became part of it. Later, Kim asked me to join the Stewardship Committee, and I have been involved with that for many years, designing and printing the booklet and Christmas card.
Kim later asked if I could serve on the Endowment Committee. I met with them, and shortly thereafter I joined the task force to redefine the Endowment’s mission. I am now the Chair of the Endowment Committee. My current mission is to redesign the Endowment brochure and educate the congregation about how it works, how it is invested, and how they can contribute.
What’s one thing about our church community that makes you feel at home?
David: The congregation is warm, welcoming, and caring. I know I am among people who are committed to the practice of UU and who help me become a better person.
What do you do for fun when you’re not at UUCWC or attending an online service or UUCWC-related meeting?
David: I am pretty busy. I have a small one-chair salon in New Hope where my best friend and I do hair. I have been a hairdresser for over 47 years. I tie-dye in warmer weather and am part of the New Hope Arts and Crafts Festival, where I donate all proceeds from sales to animal rescue. I have been charged with organizing and the safekeeping of family memorabilia going back to the early 1800s, and have been writing photo genealogies. I am on the board of the Roberson Museum in Binghamton, New York. I teach art lessons at the museum. I am also on the board of the Robert Ford Schumann Foundation.
What’s one piece of advice that has stuck with you throughout your life?
David: My biggest thing that I try to practice constantly is to be present.
What’s your go-to comfort food?
David: French fries.
What’s a tradition in your family that you cherish?
David: Dinners are always a big deal with our family. It is time to gather, share stories, and catch up.
What’s the one saying or expression that drives you crazy every time you hear it?
David: Whatever!
What was your most memorable vacation destination?
David: We love to go every other year to an artist residency in Italy.
What was the last book you read that you enjoyed?
David: Barbara Streisand “My Name is Barbara.”
What’s the one movie you could watch again and again?
David: Meet Me in St Louis.
What’s the last TV show you binged?
David: WE binge constantly. We love British murder mystery shows.
You’re having a dinner party, what four people (celebrities, authors, historical figures—past or present) would be on your guest list?
David: Maybe not a “celebrity” but Reverand Kim Crawford Harvey, Barbara Streisand, Barack Obama, and Thomas Jefferson.
What’s one thing you’re grateful for this week?
David: I am currently out of town in Binghamton, my hometown, staying with the most generous friends. It is a wonderful week of connecting with old friends from my childhood.