Karen Thomas

Hi, I'm Karen Thomas, my pronouns are she/her. I'm so excited to be here in person with you today! Some of you may know that I typically attend services online, as I live about two hours from Boston—so, hello to my online friends watching! I'm here on a "field trip" with friends from my home church, the UU Church of Concord, New Hampshire. Shout out to my traveling companions!

I first "met" Sanctuary Boston in June of 2020 during the Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly. It was early in the pandemic, and Sanctuary Boston hosted the Saturday morning service. I immediately connected with the message of love and inclusion, but more than anything, I fell in love with the music.

That was the spark for a very personal musical journey.

You see, growing up, I was the kid who was told I couldn't sing and shouldn't sing. That was the story I told myself for 50 years.

After General Assembly, I started attending Sanctuary Boston services online. At first, I felt like an outsider—the "new kid on the block" in a room where everyone already knew each other. But I soon realized that while many here are close, there were so many others just like me: searching for connection.

The heartfelt reflections heard at Sanctuary Boston services and the music kept bringing me back. I found myself staying after the online services for fellowship and connection with others from all over the country—even the world. Eventually, I joined a small group. The small group sessions gave me the chance to have meaningful, authentic conversations and experience a truly caring community—all through a screen.

As pandemic restrictions eased, Sanctuary Boston retreats resumed. I decided to attend one of Sanctuary Boston's bi-annual retreats and finally meet these amazing humans in person. These retreats are where we deepen our community through song, worship, and workshops.

And yes… there is singing.

During the first few retreats I attended, I stayed in the back of the room when we sang, essentially mouthing the words. Remember: my story was that I couldn't and shouldn't sing. Yet, I felt a magical energy inside of me. I left those retreats feeling energized and at peace. Over time, I realized that the peace and energy I felt at the retreat weren't lingering once I returned home. Finally, I decided it was time to change my story. I decided to take that "magical feeling" home with me.

So I joined the choir at UU Concord, and I absolutely love it. My fellow altos are very forgiving when I sing off-key—which is often, as I'm still learning! I told Michael, our minister and choir director, that I measure my success by how I feel while singing. If there are goosebumps and/or a tear or two, I know I'm doing it right, regardless of the key I'm singing.

Today, I stay deeply involved with Sanctuary Boston. I'm the Zoom Host for services on the first Wednesday of the month (thank you, Kathy, for covering for me tonight). I also co-facilitate a small group with Pam and serve on the Spiritual Care team.

I want you to know, whether you think you are a singer or not; whether you're connecting in person or joining from afar; if you're deciding whether to sign up for a small group or joining a weekend retreat, there is a place here for you. Check out what Sanctuary Boston has to offer; make a connection or two, and keep coming back.

And speaking of retreats—sign-ups are happening now for the Spring Retreat at Ferry Beach in Maine! I'm sure you'll hear more details during the announcements, and I hope to see you there.