By Scott Cullen, CrossCurrents Editor
If you’ve spent any time at UUCWC over the past decade, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Karen Kent. Since walking through our doors in 2012, she’s become deeply involved in all aspects of church life, from teaching classes and greeting newcomers to serving as Vice President of the Board.
Karen describes her faith journey as “revolutionary” and appreciates how members of our community genuinely care for each other. In this month’s Meet & Greet, she shares how she originally found UUCWC, the memories that make her smile, and the small joys—family, friends, and even dreams of picking up the flute again—that keep her grounded.
How long have you been attending UUCWC?
Karen: Since May 2012.
What inspired you to visit for the first time?
Karen: I had always been curious about the unusual-looking building that I drove past many days of my life but didn’t seriously consider going in until a friend and I were reeling from the death by suicide of a mutual friend. We had both been raised Catholic and didn’t get what we needed spiritually from that faith. I hadn’t stepped into a church, other than weddings or funerals, in decades. My friend mentioned thinking she wanted to visit UUCWC, and I said I would be interested in joining her. I fell in love from the moment I walked in the door, and I never left.
If you had to describe your faith journey in one word, what would it be?
Karen: Revolutionary.
What committees/ministries at UUCWC have you participated in during your time here?
Karen: I am currently a VP on the Board of Trustees. I taught RE when it was called that, and now I will be teaching Neighboring Faiths for CFE. My daughter participated in RIL/RILA, which is essentially a faith-based version of Girl Scouts, and I assisted with that. I belong to the Earth Ministry. I was a greeter/usher and am now a host. I recently finished Coming into Connections, which I highly recommend if you haven’t participated. I will be a connector, pairing longer-standing members with those who have recently joined to ensure they find the programs or fellowship they want or need.
What do you like best about being a member of UUCWC?
Karen: The friendships I have made and the way our community puts action to words.
What’s one thing about our church community that makes you feel at home?
Karen: We care about each other.
What’s a favorite hymn or worship song that brings you comfort?
Karen: I hate having to choose, but one is “Love Will Guide Us”.
Do you have a favorite church memory?
Karen: I don’t have one favorite, there are many; but one that is popping in my head right now is Charlie Groth, Michele Downie, and I hiding behind the piano that used to sit on the back wall in the Crossings Room playing a game called Sardines during the RIL/A sleepover.
What do you do for fun when you’re not at UUCWC or participating in an online service or UUCWC-related meeting?
Karen: I don’t have much downtime these days, but when I do, I enjoy spending time with family, fur babies, and friends. One day when things settle down, I’d like to re-learn how to play the flute.
What’s one piece of advice that has stuck with you throughout your life?
Karen: Be kind.
What’s a tradition in your family that you cherish?
Karen: We celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas with each other, as well as most birthdays. We also go to the beach together for a week every August. I genuinely love being with my family, and the meals we prepare together hold a special significance because I associate home cooking with love.
If you could learn a new language overnight, which would you choose?
Karen: For practicality, Spanish and sign language. To feel more connected to my heritage, Italian.
What was the last book you read that you enjoyed?
Karen: I don’t get a lot of time to read, which is sad. One of the last books I read was “Black AF History: The Un-White Washed Story of America” by Michael Harriot.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Karen: Nope, can’t pick just one.
What’s one thing you’re grateful for this week?
Karen: Getting my Anchor Benefit because we needed it.