Testimonial given by Corey Manuel, March 17, 2024.

Thank you for inviting me to speak today. 

My wife Jessica and I both grew up around here. We knew each other briefly in high school in the mid-90’s, neither was impressed with the other, then moved away and lived our separate lives. Years later in 2004 we met up again, this time we decided the other was actually pretty cool, and got married. And by the time Jess and I moved to Haverhill in 2008 we were ready to have kids. We decided we wanted to give our kids some kind of church experience. We talked about religion and church and what our upbringings were like. Neither of our childhoods were particularly religious. We’d both been through first communion and confirmation, so I guess…Catholic? But it was something that, as prospective parents, we decided was important. Our reasoning went thusly: if we introduce them to religion at a young age, then later on they’ll be less likely to join a cult. Better they learn it from us, than on the streets. She had settled on a belief in a higher spiritual power, and I had recently discovered I was an atheist. So the search began and the bar was low. During that time, about a year later, we learned one of us was pregnant. Then we learned it was twins. 

As we looked around, driving past churches and researching them, we started to get skeptical. None of the churches we’d looked at seemed to fit. So finally we just Googled “churches in Haverhill”. Neither of us had any experience with UU. Never even heard of it. But the creed at that time rang true. I can’t remember the specifics, but it sounded welcoming and inclusive. Call it faith tempered with reason. So on a Sunday in July 2009, we went to check it out. As soon as we walked in, we realized we were overdressed. We met some very kind people doing arts and crafts, but no service to speak of. Those who welcomed us assured us that this was not a typical Sunday, and to come back in the fall to get a better sense of the church experience. 

So we did. And when we came back, we met Frank. He was kind, unassuming and just a wonderful and gentle person. And so were the other people we met that day. We left feeling like this might be a good place to bring our family starter kit after all.

Now some of you may have noticed, Jess and I have three outstanding kids. But none of them are twins. We lost the pregnancies on Friday June 5, 2010. We were devastated. Friends and family were comforting and sympathetic. But we needed something more. And Jess decided she wanted to talk to Frank. We’d only talked to him once or twice, but we gave him a call.

And he came to our house. He sat with us in our kitchen. He listened to us. He talked with us. He comforted us. He swore. Like a good one. And he made a Simpsons reference, so bonus points for sure. He was just what we needed. 

We were hooked. Since then all three of our kids have had their naming ceremonies here. All three kids have been Jesus. And we’ve met so many other wonderful people. Bets, Joshua, Cil, and Sandra, only a few weeks ago I met Justin. I’d name you all but I fear I get played off like an Oscar’s acceptance speech. 

And we met Sally. I had the honor of working with Sally Leibermann and the senior youth through the OWL program. I had the privilege of watching these remarkable young people explore topics about life and meaning and morality. It was such a wonderful experience.

And now our kids are taking part in the religious education program through the guidance of Clare Fortune-Lad. They’re learning about other cultures and religions. Empathy and understanding, equity and social justice. They’re also meeting people, making friends and learning. I'm pretty sure this is where Hadley learned yoga. The UU church has given us a place to be peaceful, to help restore our spirits, find guidance, to reflect and give context to the rest of the world. We are so lucky to have found this place and you lovely people. You have all set the bar so much higher. Thank you for all the ways you make this a strong and thriving church community.