Sunny Notes: 11.05.25 - The History Wall
My official start date at Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship (BUF) was on October 1. As I write this column, we are now in November, and I have been with BUF for a little over a month. What a month it has been!
I have dropped in on various activities, from choir practice to the Pathways for Newcomers class; I have marched and protested with you all during the No Kings rally on October 18; I attended the Auction and was excited to win a few experiences offered by BUFsters; I spent the evening of Indigenous People's Day at Lummi Nation School for an incredible community event "Weaving Past, Present and Future"; I have participated in Wednesday Community Night Dinners (thank you to all who heard Jen's call for assistance—we are hopeful we are on our way to making these important dinners sustainable again!); I have made pastoral care visits; and I have facilitated approximately 30 "Getting to Know You" meetings with small groups, committees, teams, and individuals around BUF.
I do feel as though I am really getting to know BUF—its members, its friends, its work, and its services. Truly, I have loved becoming acquainted with everyone and everything that makes BUF so special. Thank you to all who have shown up to share with me, and thank you for the welcome you have provided to me. I am so delighted to be with you all, and I look forward to all that we will do together.
Part of the work we do together involves reflecting on the past. As worship leader Rev. Marsha Vollkommer reminded us this past Sunday: "This isn't just about us personally. It's about all those who have come before us with their gifts to us, and all those to whom we pass those gifts...If we can remember that we live not only for ourselves, but for all who will come after us, in honor of all who came before, there's every reason to believe that we will have been the best possible stewards of the flame."
In honor of stewarding the flame for those past, present, and future, we will soon unveil the BUF History Wall in the Social Hall. The History Wall will provide an opportunity for each of you to write and post notes about how significant events in BUF’s history have affected you. I invite you to be thinking about what you would like to include on this wall, and I look forward to learning even more about you all as the wall takes shape with all you share.
— Sunny Joy McMillan, J.D., M.Div.