UUFSMA Service: “My Middle Name is New Beginnings”

By Joseph Plummer

Many people move to San Miguel de Allende from somewhere else and soon discover it can be wonderful to begin life anew. Former lives fall behind, new friendships bloom, and many tongues begin to test a second language. Soon newbies take up new hobbies, volunteer talents, and even change professions or discover a new love. 

In this weekend’s Sunday Service, guest speakers Lee Knox and Jean Marie Stine, both UUFSMA members, will share the stories of beginning their lives anew and discovering deepened awareness and personal happiness. Both speakers have something to say about becoming fearless and learning that, while short, life is also amazing and not for sitting on the sidelines. 

“This is my story of descent into alcoholism and the new beginning I experienced when I sobered up,” Knox says. “My life has shown me that an alcoholic will violate standards quicker than she or he can lower them. However, a sober person can regain the self-respect needed for a good life.” Stine created a new beginning on the foundation of the 12 years she lived in six homes and the lessons and places life took her in coming to San Miguel. 

From Kansas City, Knox is a retired writer and watercolor artist. She became a UUFSMA member when she moved here five years ago and now shares an apartment in North Centro with her sister. In her mind, Stine has been a Unitarian Universalist since age 12 but first joined a UU community at age 62. Taoism and Zen influence her deeply. She worked as an editor for G. P. Putnam’s Sons and owns a company publishing popular literature. 

To participate in our online Sunday Service, visit www.uufsma.org and click on the Zoom Service button on the home page. If requested, enter password: 294513. Sign in from anywhere Sunday mornings between 10:15-10:25am CST. Because of the sudden surge of the omicron variant of the corona virus, in-person services by reservation at the Aldea Hotel are being suspended until further notice.

Our Fellowship welcomes people of all ages, races, religions, sexual orientation, and gender identity. UUFSMA donates at least 50 percent of its income to support nonprofit organizations that provide health, educational, and environmental services for underserved communities in the San Miguel region. Please support this work by clicking on the website home page Donate button. Now more than ever, your support is essential. Enjoy previous services at https://www.youtube.com/. Enter UUFSMA in the search box.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Online Service

“My Middle Name is New Beginnings”

Speakers: Lee Knox and Jean Marie Stine

Sunday, February 13

10:30am

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/414604040  

Password: 294513