We Are Neshoba
Deborah and Gordon Wilson
Religion, faith, beliefs, worship…these are tricky things. Sometimes we "out grow" the beliefs we were taught as children. Things just don "fit" anymore. Like the preverbal two-year old, our parents grew tired of us asking "why?"
Did you ever feel like the walls of your church, cathedral, mosque, or temple were boxing you in and closing fast? Did you ever wonder why your best friend was going to Hell because he was not the same religion as you? Were you a member of a religious congregation but didn't feel you "fit"? Did you ever wonder what happened to all those souls who died before Christ was born? Did you ever wonder at all?
Gordon and I asked all these questions (and more) as children and adults. Something wasn't right; we just didn't fit. We both knew Unitarian Universalism existed but didn't realize we had morphed into the UU faith and beliefs for quite some time. When we began attending Neshoba, we quickly discovered that religion and individual beliefs were openly discussed rather than defended. At Neshoba, Love was not gender-specific. The congregation respected the individual and all voices were heard. We found Neshoba to be a church that celebrated faith in many ways; a church that drew strength from diversity. The sermons were thought provoking and spiritually challenging. There were opportunities to get involved in social justice, social action, legislative petitions, and gay rights. I took part in many of the spiritual growth and learning groups. There was never a lack of opportunity for participation.
We saw Neshoba grow from a site in a commercial building to the beautiful home we have now. We found the enthusiasm and commitment of the small congregation to be infectious, welcoming, and warm. We developed a sense of belonging and we felt ownership in making Neshoba successful. At Neshoba we found a community of love, respect, and caring. We found a place that fit; a church we call home.
Deborah and Gordon Wilson
Neshoba members since 2001
Anthony Culver 
Being a part of Neshoba has helped me to realize I am not alone in examining – then choosing - my faith. Most thinking religious people, at one time or another, find that God leads them to reject some tenets of their religion. The authors of the terrific book, A Chosen Faith, call our faith a "choice in religious living" that affirms diversity, dialogue, personal choice, and works for social justice.
I believe that it's about fearing less and loving more - finding purpose in life and a loving community to help you along the way.
My friends at Neshoba were there for me when I had to have a heart valve replaced. They visited me in the hospital, brought food when I got home, drove me to doctor appointments, etc. My health crisis caused me to think long and hard about my place in the Universe. Why does God still want me around?
Neshoba's ministers, members and friends have helped me find answers; and we continue to discover together as we build, sustain and grow this unique faith community. It's really good work we're doing here.
One example is the Our Whole Lives program that helps young adults make informed, responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information and helps them clarify their values and understand the spiritual and emotional aspects of sexuality. Our Whole Lives also lets the children who will grow up and realize that they are gay/lesbian/bi - know that they have worth & dignity and are accepted & encouraged.
I'm proud to be part of a religious community which seeks justice for all. This "Chosen Faith" has helped me find purpose. And my many friends at Neshoba are my "Chosen Family" - helping me along the journey.
Anthony Culver
Past President
Julie Fitzer
I've been a UU for several years and came to Neshoba when I moved to Memphis for graduate school. Neshoba has welcomed me with open arms, and I look forward to each Sunday as the anchor that keeps me grounded among the joys and challenges of graduate school and life.
Unitarian Universalism is a faith tradition that, while grounded in a fascinating and rich history, continues evolving in order to respond to the needs of the modern world. The most core principles of UUism-
the inherent dignity and worth of every person, and respect for the interdependent web of life- are derived from historical Unitarianism and Universalism and serve as the rocks of my faith. These principles
challenge me to think beyond myself and to see that I'm connected to the world community. They challenge the consumerism and the excesses of individualism present in our culture; they also teach me to try, as
best as I can, to look for the spark of the divine in each person that I meet, regardless of who the person may be. Some churches would have me focus on the evil in the world and in others; while I don't doubt the existence of evil, I'm more inclined to focus on the good and enabling the good that is present in the world to grow. I'm proud that Neshoba is a Welcoming Congregation; I could not support any faith that excludes people based on sexual orientation.
I focus on doing short-term activities at Neshoba where I can be of service because I'm pretty busy with school at the moment. I have served on the future planning committee, have helped a few semesters in religious education, have brought flowers to worship from time to time, and have joined the volunteers at the soup kitchen. The highlight probably has been once volunteering to be wrapped in toilet paper in mummy fashion at a Halloween party. Often a few hours
of doing something has refreshed my energy so that I can move on with rest of my week.
Plus, one of the faculty in my department is also a Neshoban, which is a great spiritual connection to have in graduate school- she will sometimes pass me in the halls, see from my face that I need a hug, and give me a hug. Neshobans give the greatest hugs! When my grandfather died, my Neshoba covenant group gave me a gift certificate to the grocery store, food, and flowers; I also received numerous cards and emails from various Neshobans. It showed me that Neshoba was
really my spiritual home.
Julie Fitzer
