Church Going Folks

As Caiden is getting older, B and I both realized that we'd like to provide him with some additional moral structure, and we also strongly felt the need make some connections within a community. It had been quite some time since we'd gone to church regularly, and we recognized that finding a church we both liked could fill both of these needs. So after lots of discussion and lots of investigating, we decided to join Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church in Kirkland. This type of church is quite different from the denominations in which we were each raised, but we found it offered an excellent common ground for our respective beliefs. What we like best about worshiping at UU is that we are given the ability and freedom to continue practicing our beliefs without struggling against various elements of doctrines that we can't find peace with. One church member described our congregation best when he said we are a people of  "diverse beliefs with shared values." The other thing we really appreciate about this church is how extremely friendly and welcoming everyone is. We all wear name tags, and there is "coffee and conversation" after service every week so that we can continue to get to know one another. As we were getting to know people, one of the most common topics of conversation was "what religion did you grow up in?" While there are a few folks who were raised UU, the vast majority of us are from a variety of backgrounds.

We also participated in the children dedication service that took place on Mother's Day (well, I was home recovering while B and Caiden participated). The dedication is where the congregation is asked to assist in leading and nurturing Caiden (and other children) in spiritual growth. Here are a couple pictures from the dedication service.