Sandee on a hike in the Adirondacks.
By Scott Cullen
Sandee Steinberg found her way to UUCWC in 2018, thanks to a recommendation from her eldest son, Ben, who had attended a couple of times and thought she might feel at home here. He was right. Sandee became a member in 2019 and has since been an active part of the congregation, most recently serving two years as Finance Chair. Although she has stepped down from that role, she remains on the Finance Committee as a member-at-large and also participates in the Earth and Climate Ministry and the tech team, helping with the remote portion of some services.
For this month’s Meet & Greet, Sandee shares more about the faith journey that eventually brought her back to a spiritual community, the advice from her parents that has stayed with her, a memorable trip to France, and a health condition she hopes more people will understand.
What religion were you brought up in?
Sandee: When I was growing up, my family attended a Congregational church that is part of the United Church of Christ.
How would you describe your faith journey?
Sandee: I attended church as a child, but in high school and college I began to question some of the church’s core beliefs. I questioned the existence of God and the concepts of heaven and hell. After I graduated from college and left home, I stopped attending church. During the following years, when I was working full-time, navigating married life, and raising my kids, I felt too busy to seek out any kind of spiritual or faith experiences. In hindsight, I should have done so at the time, and I believe having spiritual and/or faith experiences would have helped with my stress levels during those years. When I discovered UUCWC, I realized what I was missing. That was when I was in my late 50s.
What’s a favorite hymn or worship song that brings you comfort?
Sandee: I love the hymn Blue Boat Home.
What do you do for fun when you’re not at UUCWC or attending an online service or UUCWC-related meeting?
Sandee: I love to read and walk/hike. I do yoga and Pilates. We foster kittens at our house through the EASEL animal shelter in Ewing. I also take community classes through Princeton Adult School and the Center for Modern Aging in Princeton.
What’s one piece of advice that has stuck with you throughout your life?
Sandee: My Dad was a big proponent of the Golden Rule. He was a child psychologist and worked at our local school district. Both of my parents expected us to treat other people kindly.
What’s a tradition in your family that you cherish?
Sandee: My two grown sons still live with us. A few times a year, we set up a game on the dining room table and enjoy a game night. I love those times when we really get to connect—no TV or cell phones!
What was your most memorable vacation destination?
Sandee: One of my favorite vacations was a trip to Normandy, France, a few years ago. My husband and I toured various WWII sites and enjoyed the beaches, the food, and the calvados (an apple brandy).
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?
Sandee: If you see me at church or online, you may have noticed that I have a head tremor. Many years ago, in my 20s, I was diagnosed with Essential Tremor and Cervical Dystonia. Both are neurological movement disorders. These diseases are incurable and may worsen with age, but they are not life-threatening. In my case, the symptoms mainly cause social discomfort, but for some people, they can be quite debilitating, especially when the tremor is in the hands. I belong to the International Essential Tremor Foundation, which is working to raise awareness of ET and other movement disorders.