The Blessing of Commitment - Jack Kozuchowski, UUFNW Board of Trustees

I have been a Board member since July, 2017. What does it mean to me and how does it enhance my life? In a nutshell: “commitment.”


Three years ago, if you had asked me whether I would consider serving a term on the Board of Trustees, I would have told you “no way.”  In fact, I was asked that question twice that year and gave an answer along those lines. I cited many reasons for my “no” : I had too many commitments. I already serve on two other boards in our community. I did not want to dilute my efforts working with the Environmental Ministry. In short, my plate was full. But the third request to serve  came  at a coffee meet-up with Scott Dyer, who explained to me how serving could enhance my other commitments.  And this time, I said “Yes.”


I have not regretted that decision. The Board has given me the opportunity to grow spiritually, as I work with my fellow members in our commitment to sustain, support and grow our congregation. There’s that word again: “commitment.” 


I have come to recognize that working with the Board is a serious dedication. But my reservations about serving that I had, came to fruition in a positive way. Yes it has divided my time more, but I feel that I am dedicating a portion of my life to a good cause: working with my fellow Board members to enhance our congregational community. Working with the Board and other ministries has opened my eyes to the wonderful family that we are blessed with in our congregation. We are “doers.” We are activists. We are kind people dedicated to making the world a little better place. I never realized the full breadth of those values until I made the commitment and devoted my time and efforts to being a steward of our congregation’s welfare, that has enhanced my commitment to the core values of Unitarian Universalism.  It has also enhanced other core values in my life that I hold dear. It has made me a better person. 


Six years ago when I first set foot in the doors of UUFNW, I was immediately struck by how much Unitarian values coincided with my own  beliefs. There was an instant chemistry with our congregation. I have since enjoyed the spirituality of everything that UUNFNW has given to me. UUFNW generously provides  all these benefits to all of us. And yes we take these benefits. And sometimes, we give back. 


Committing myself to work with the Board in sustaining the physical and spiritual infrastructure of our congregation has been my way of giving something back and has been an honor. And this commitment has allowed me to grow in other arenas of my busy life.