I love Thanksgiving–this holiday focused on family, food and gratitude. One of the things for which I am truly grateful is our church community. This has been true since I found Eastrose.

My husband and I moved to Gresham 15 years ago upon our retirements from government service. We loved the Pacific Northwest and wanted to spend the rest of our lives in its beauty. A friend of mine since high school was the only person we knew, and we bought a house just a mile away from her. 

I slowly made some friends, joined a book club and took classes at Mt Hood Community College. But something was missing from my life. I called up my childhood friend and asked her to come with me to check out this Unitarian church on 181^st Ave that I had often driven past. I attended my first service there in March of 2009. I became a member in May. 

Belonging to Eastrose and participating in many of the activities here has enriched my life and given me forever friends. In the spirit of this season, I want to thank you all.

Thank you, Katie Ten Eyck, for speech choir. That’s the first thing I got involved with and I have absolutely loved the poems, the readings, the rehearsals (such fun!) and the performances.

Thank you to all the ministers who have preached from our pulpit and given us their pastoral care.

Thank you to the worship team and worship leaders I’ve shared hours with over the years and who made sure we had services throughout the pandemic closure.

Thank you to all the musicians who have given us such joy with their music.

Thank you to all the religious educators and family ministry coordinators who work with our children. 

Thank you to all the congregational administrators over the years and volunteers who helped in the office, babysat in the nursery and took care of our grounds and facilities.

Thank you to all the people who have served on the various boards of trustees over the years. Most of them also served in many other ways.

Thank you to everyone who serves on a committee or pitches in with outreach, membership, auction, Winterfest holiday tea and other activities.

Thanks to everyone who volunteers to make coffee (Unitarians need their coffee!), bring flowers, clean up, greet newcomers, and bring potluck food on Sundays. 

Thank you to all who have lent a hand with audio visual needs for our services over the years. And thank you to Chalice Lighters for granting Eastrose money to make multi-platform services possible.

Thank you everyone for your pledges of money and your support of our community charities. Eastrose would not exist without you.

From my family to yours: Happy Thanksgiving!

Cynthia Hopkins,
Eastrose Board of Trustees