Lynetta Alexander

The joys and concerns section of our service is my favorite part of being a Unitarian.  Each individual in our community has the joy of a new partner, grandchild, graduation, the concern of losing a job, a pet, or someone dear.

In January of 2003 I lost my husband of 32 years.  Although I still miss him hourly, it has been the support of this congregation that has gotten me though this most difficult period in my life.  I will always be in debt to those who have given me hugs while I cried, or just as a general greeting.  My fundamentalist grandmother used to sing, "You got to walk that lonesome valley.  You got to walk it by yourself."  I've heard these words in her voice a lot, for it is true.  Even so, I don't know of many people who would not have done anything I had asked.  This is, as the ad says, PRICELESS. 

In looking at my social schedule, a great deal of it is involved with individuals or activities at the Unitarian Church.  I've laughed and cried with many, many individuals here, and hope I can repay this caring community for their continuing support.

Jack Bliek

• Counselor at Planned Parenthood (1970-1999)
• Interviewer with MST program (2000-2004) and BEST (2000-2001) in Department for Psychotherapy Research and Policy at Vanderbilt
• Reader with Measurement, Inc. (2000-Present)
• Involved with FUUN since 1994 including Lay Ministry (since 2000), Choir (since 1997), Social Concerns and Action Committee (since 1994), and OWL Program facilitator for grades 7-9 (since 2000)

Nikki Moore

A Pagan friend, knowing my family was searching for a spiritual home, brought me to FUUN in the fall of 2000. It didn’t take long for us to join. My husband and I were married and joined our two families together here at FUUN in February 2001.

Raised in a non-religious household, my impressions of religion had been the product of infrequent visits to friends’ fundamentalist church services or holiday masses. I’m so pleased to be in a church that encourages me to explore and define my own individual spirituality. I love raising my children in a supportive, stimulating environment that will (hopefully) enable them to grow into accepting, caring and socially active adults.

It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve our community as a lay minister since 2002. I have received much personal fulfillment in helping others with their spiritual needs and am deeply grateful to the congregation for allowing me to serve and grow in so many ways.

Nancy Ransom

My name is Nancy Ransom. My husband, Harry, and I have been members of First UU since 1963. Our three children attended the church school. We have three grandchildren. In addition to being a Lay Minister, I am a member of the Trust committee and a Lay Leader. I retired in 1997 from Vanderbilt University where I had been the founding director of the Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center and a lecturer in sociology and women's studies. Since my retirement I have served on the board of directors of Senior Citizens Inc. and was president of the board a few years ago. I now serve on the Senior Citizens Foundation board, which manages an endowment for Senior Citizens Inc. Lay minstry is a rewarding experience. I am very grateful for Mary Katherine Morn for starting this program at our church and hope that the program will expand in the future to include many more members of the congregation.