"When I first started going to First Universalist, I was in first grade. I was small and naive, and I really just liked the snacks they would put out after the service. When I was a bit older, (11 or 12) I liked coming here because I liked having a big place with tiny spaces. The meditation rooms, the arches, and all the nooks, books, and crannies. The feeling of tiny spots known to only me. I got a little older still, and I began to notice what a truly unique place First Universalist is. A community of individuals willing to discuss and further a truly free search for spirituality and meaning, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and positive change. Especially through the eyes of a youth, I believe that this is what a church should be. Never once have I been told what to believe, and never once have I felt that what I chose to believe would cause objection or outburst. As far as a climate for youth developing spiritually, I couldn't ask for a better community. 

"The church as a whole is very inclusive, open minded, and loving. All of these things we will desperately need in the coming years. I'm not very familiar with all of the initiatives and projects the church takes on, but I'm pleased with the racial justice and sanctuary positions the church has taken. It's very important to me that not only does the church believe in love, acceptance, and human rights for all; but that they act on it and promote that kind of change in the larger community. As Michelle Obama famously put, "When they go low, we go high." However, I think that current politics warrants the addition of, "When they go low, we go high, and we get to work." This is a church that goes high when others go low, but it also gets to work. I would encourage it to keep doing so, and do even more if possible. Change will be brought not by belief, but by belief and action together."