WHY I SUPPORT GRACE

Judy McKenzie

October 19, 2025

To be honest, when Wendy asked me to speak, I resisted because it is so hard to explain the hold that Grace has had on me since I first started coming here in 2012. Then, I thought, well, maybe it’s time to figure it out.

Growing up I was Catholic. I went to a Catholic High School and did my undergraduate work at

a catholic woman’s college. I believe to this day that the Priest and nuns, who taught and supported me, saved me. But later, as an adult, divorced, single mom, I felt I was not welcome in the Catholic church. I was lost for quite a while. A story illustrates this.

One Sunday morning I was in Chicago at a work conference. I approached the concierge to ask him how to find a Unitarian Church. He told me that the nearest one was too far away. I then asked for the location of the nearest Catholic Church. He gave me a strange look and said: “Lady, you are really confused.”

So, one reason that I support Grace is that it is a place where it is OK to be confused, a place where individuals can explore their questions and find meaning and acceptance. Most Episcopal Churches say this, even Robin Williams said it, but Grace is serious in its emphasis on Inclusion and Discovery. I think that is why Grace attracts people from a lot of different faith backgrounds, including skeptics. I have been in many discussions here that are provocative, respectful of differences, and have challenged me to stay open to a spiritual journey that does not have pat answers, a journey that feels more like a calling than a destination.

A second reason I support Grace is that we are a strong, supportive community made up of many ministries and small groups. Grace is not just a place, or a faith tradition, but a living network of organic connections, friendships, commitments and interpersonal support like no other faith community I’ve experienced. You don’t always see this, especially, when you are new, because it is like the underground of Grace, the mycelium.

Pastoral Care and Outreach are the most visible programs, but even there, we don’t see either the extent or depth of the services that are going on behind the scenes at Grace. More people than we can count have been accompanied by Grace members at the end of life, supported through short-term serious illness, provided home cooked meals and gently held through grief and depression. A few years back I was privileged to play a small part within a pastoral care ad-hoc team that probably saved a person’s life.

And, since Covid I have been a part of an affinity group of Grace friends who formed organically and meet weekly. In these difficult times of aging, illness, and political chaos, our Sojourner’s group is giving real meaning to my life today. We hold each other through sadness and joy and are growing emotionally and spiritually together. There are many groups like this at Grace, including Faith Formation spin-off groups, Home Groups, parent groups, study groups, dinner groups, and social gatherings that have a profound effect on those who have found community through Grace. As an example, John and I first got involved with Grace through Earth and Spirit, a climate active group.

Finally, Grace offers many opportunities to use our talents in leadership and Service. Since Covid, my husband John practices his love for photography and video work by livestreaming Sunday services and other events for Grace, including baptisms, concerts, and memorial services. I was able to use my nonprofit leadership experience to help with human resources and strategic planning. These opportunities helped us to understand the inner workings of Grace and to work side-by-side with our committed and gifted staff and leaders.

Grace’s commitment to hands-on service is an opportunity to build connections and to make a difference in people’s lives and, most especially, to practice Gratitude for all that we have and all that we have received through being a part of carrying out Grace’s sacred commitments.

At this time of planning how we will support Grace and its missions in the next year, I hope you will figure out what Grace means to you sooner than I did. Consider your talents and what you hope to get out of your participation here for yourself and your family and make it happen. Getting more involved is a good place to start. I think I will start by attending the November 8th interfaith meeting at Grace, “Spirituality, Resistance and Love.” Oh, and I’d better send in our pledge card before Wendy calls me again.

Thank you.