New Minister in Westborough

When a new minister comes to a congregation, a sense of excitement flows through the pews. What will happen? Will the minister bring changes I don’t like or changes I’ve been waiting for? Will her sermons keep my attention and inspire me? Will my children feel connected to her? At the Unitarian Universalist Congregational Society of Westborough (UUCSW), the new minister, Rev. Beverly Waring, is on board and ready to serve this vibrant, active, and caring spiritual community. “It is such a privilege that your congregation has chosen me to journey with you into the future,” says Rev. Waring. “It is clear that the momentum you have created is taking you in a great direction, and I am very excited about being a part of the next chapter in the life of UUCSW.”

Rev. Waring is not entirely new to the congregation. She was their ministerial intern from September 2007 to June 2009, under the guidance of Rev. Cynthia Frado, now minister emerita. After being ordained in 2010 by both the Westborough congregation and her home congregation, First Parish of Sudbury Unitarian Universalist, she embarked on five years of interim ministry, serving three widely diverse congregations in Wayland and Hopedale, MA and in Glens Falls, NY. Says Rev. Waring, “I had always intended to seek a settled ministry eventually, and when the Unitarian Universalist Congregational Society of Westborough became available I knew the time had come. As I told the Search Committee, being in Westborough feels like a wonderful combination of comfortable and familiar mixed with new and exciting.”

Rev. Waring came to the ministry later in life after 12-15 years each as a computer software engineer and a licensed independent social worker. Her theological journey was also one of spiritual growth and change. “Like many of our denomination’s members, I found Unitarian Universalism as a young adult,” she says. “My understanding of faith changed drastically when I began attending a Unitarian Universalist congregation with my spouse. For the first time, I realized that it was my journey to travel, my path to discover and that my participation was essential. Now instead of simply having teachings or doctrines to agree with or to disagree with, I was in the midst of a group of people who were struggling to find meanings, searching for their truths, and willing to share the struggle with me. Being part of a Unitarian Universalist congregation provides a community where diverse voices from multiple faith traditions, regardless of ethnicity, age, sexual orientation or gender identity, are valued and welcomed into the conversation.”

With such a varied background, it’s no wonder that Rev. Waring brings a depth and richness to her ministry and values all aspects of Unitarian Universalist congregational life. She also feels strongly that worship is the spiritual compass of congregational life. “Worship,” she says, “grounds us on Sunday morning and provides inspiration and direction during the in-between times. It does not stand alone but instead requires all that is our congregational life (committee meetings and fellowship, religious education, social justice opportunities and more) to fuel the flame of Unitarian Universalism that shines in all of us.”

No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, you and your children are welcome at the Unitarian Universalist Congregational Society of Westborough. Sunday worship and children’s religious education start at 10:30 a.m. Children are also welcome to stay with you in the sanctuary. The church is at 64 West Main Street, corner of Ruggles Street, Westborough, MA. For more details go to www.uucsw.org or call 508-366-2635, and if you’d like to speak to the minister, Rev. Bev Waring is happy to return your call.