Kathryn Vonderharr, At-Large

My husband, Jim and I joined UUFM March of 2014. We had discovered it six months before at the wedding of Sue Chambers and Henry Panowitsch.

We had been very involved at a liberal, social justice church/community in Minneapolis before and after moving to Mankato. After sampling a number of congregations in the area we had given up on our search to find a similar community here. We were very pleasantly surprised to stumble on the UUFM. I remember going down for coffee after my first Sunday service, it would have been so easy to follow my heart and head for the car, but others welcomed me, sat down to talk and I felt I’d found what I’d been looking for.

It was so nice to discover that we already knew so many people here and were warmly welcomed by everyone. It felt very safe and comfortable from the beginning.

I have served on the Hospitality, Edj and Personnel Committees. Have co-hosted Sunday coffee and helped with the Silent Action.

The people and fellowship keep me coming to UUFM. Witnessing the passion and dedication to include all people, social justice and environmental causes inspires me.

My hope for the future of UUFM is that it continues to enhance and strengthen it’s mission to be a welcoming community to all people, to support social justice and environmental concerns while increasing its membership and position in Mankato. I hope to serve UUFM and the Board to help achieve these goals.