A special announcement from High Street UU:

As many of you know, we have recently moved our beloved Coffee Hour from its longtime home downstairs to the upstairs space following worship. For some, this change may feel small; for others, it may feel quite significant. Any time we adjust long-standing traditions, it’s natural to experience a mix of emotions, including anxiety, frustration, confusion, or even grief. That’s part of being human. It’s also part of being in community.

This move is not a sudden decision, nor was it made lightly. For over a year, members of our community have been in conversation about how to best use the physical space of our building to meet the needs of the greatest number of people. The shift upstairs is one possibility among many we’ve considered.  This is all in an effort to experiment with what it means to live into our values of inclusion, accessibility, and radical hospitality.

It’s also worth remembering that this isn’t the first time Coffee Hour has changed at High Street. In years past, it has moved from before the service to after, and its format has evolved with the times and the needs of our community. Change is never easy, especially when it affects something as cherished as the time we share in fellowship. But embracing change thoughtfully is part of how we grow.

When we revise long-standing procedures, we will inevitably encounter hurdles. We have anticipated some of those challenges, others not. But those challenges are not signs of failure. Resistance to change does not mean we abandon the effort or default to focusing solely on how a change does or doesn’t meet our individual preferences or comfort zones.

Radical welcome isn’t always comfortable. It asks us to stretch beyond the familiar, to loosen our grip on routine, and to reflect deeply on the privileges we hold. In order to create a space that is safe, welcoming, and accessible to a diverse range of people, we must be willing to think expansively, listen actively, and solve problems creatively. It requires courage. It calls us to try old things in new ways, and to recognize that our own experience is not the only, or necessarily the most important lens.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue to refine the new setup. We’ll celebrate what works and adjust where needed. Your feedback is a vital part of that process. If you notice something that needs attention or see a way we can improve this experience, I encourage you to email Onna so that all input can be gathered collaboratively. Together, we can make this new Coffee Hour a vibrant expression of who we are and who we hope to become.

Both the Board and I welcome continued conversation about how we can deepen our welcome and expand our reach. By choosing not to limit our thinking, and by releasing some of our own expectations, we move closer to building a beloved community. A community grounded not in perfection or ease, but in thoughtful practice, open-hearted experimentation, and a shared commitment to faith, love, and service.

With gratitude for your courage and care!