Courtesy photo Bruce Hansen, Bay de Noc Unitarian Universalist member, volunteers leading a special needs activity group at the Bonifas Art Center.

ESCANABA — “We don’t need to think alike to serve.” That is the slogan of the local Unitarian Universalist (UU) Fellowship of Bay de Noc.

“We are all on a journey seeking spiritual truth and our Fellowship is made up of people of various faiths and beliefs,” says Pat Frueh, president of the Fellowship. “We have had Catholics and Protestants, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Agnostics and Atheists join our fellowship. We are radically inclusive and welcome people of all races, nationalities, sexual orientations, economic and educational backgrounds.”

“What unites us is our belief in service to equality, justice, peace, love, the dignity of all people and a respect for the environment,” says Gus Olsen, chairperson of the fellowship’s Social Action Committee.

The fellowship has been active in promoting these values both locally, nationally and throughout the world.

Some of those actions have been participating in the city-wide clean-up, planting flowers at the Veteran’s Memorial in Ludington Park, working with the Historical Society painting and plastering at the Lighthouse, holding a rummage sale for Gaza and Ukraine relief efforts, reaching out to special needs groups through the Bonifas Art Center, participating and supporting both Local and U.P gay pride events, providing lunches for the Salvation Army’s now defunct Saturday lunch program, helping homeless teens through the Voices for Youth program, writing letters and sending out postcards to encourage voter registration and reminding people to vote.

Financial donations have also been made to Walk for Warmth, UNICEF, UN Refugee Relief, Tri-county Women’s Shelter, U.P. Foster Closet, Bay College food pantry, Hurricane relief, Bonifas’ outreach to special needs groups, Civic Center after school program, Homeless Support Services, and local food pantries.

Many individual members also volunteer their time and resources to other service organizations which help the community. One of the members volunteered many hours coaching robotic teams.

“Helping those in need, challenging the status quo and giving service to others has always been a major part of the Unitarian Universalist way. Many famous social activists and thinkers have emerged out of the Unitarian/Universalist tradition, says Bruce Hansen, one of the founding members of the fellowship.

“If you are interested in serving, searching and growing, we invite all ages to our Sunday Services,” said Pasqua Warstler, another member of the social action committee. The Bay de Noc Unitarian Fellowship worship services are on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 11 a.m. at the Bonifas Art Center; they hold a forum discussion on timely topics and the 1st and 3rd Sundays at 10 a.m. at the Bonifas Art Center.