Throughout the 2020-2021 program year, we are profiling various lay leaders in our congregation. This week, we feature Naomi Cameron, the Lead for our Worship Associates Team since September 2020. Naomi became a member of UU Wellesley Hills in March 1998.
Naomi lives in Wellesley with her husband John Cameron, a member of UU Wellesley Hills since June 1998. Together they have two sons: Jeff, aged 30, who lives in Malden with his wife Rachel and their new dog, Lando; and Steve, aged 28, who lives in Northampton. Recently, Naomi connected with Board of Trustees Chair Kathy Coolidge to answer a few questions about herself.
Where did you grow up and go to school?
I grew up in Lincoln and went through the Lincoln public schools (including Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High). Then I went to Smith College, studying History and Literature; I graduated there in 1980.
What is your religious background? What brought you to UU Wellesley Hills?
I identify as Jewish but I didn’t grow up within the Jewish community. We came to UU Wellesley Hills right after Christmas 1997, when our kids were 4 and 7 years-old. My son asked “What’s a Christian?” and I decided I wasn’t going to be the one explaining religion to them. I wanted them to grow up in a religious community that shared values but also encouraged their thinking for themselves. Joining this congregation coincided with my 40th birthday and it was a great way to start a new decade. We’ve been members here for 23 years now. More recently I realized that it was important for me to experience Jewish community, too, and I have been a member of Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley for about four years.
What kind of work have you done?
For 10 years, I did market research in the computer printer field. It was a very intense research and writing job. Before my second son was born, I “retired” for a really long time. I call myself a writer — this includes a lot of writing at church, such as working on the new website and publicizing UU Learning Community programs in The Wellesley Townsman. I sometime edit church communications and I might be the last pair of “eyes” before something goes out to the congregation. Of course, I also enjoy writing reflections for the services.
What parts of congregational life are most meaningful to you?
I think of myself as a community builder in lots of different ways. I serve as a Touchstones Group Facilitator: I help arrange the Welcoming Team’s Circle Suppers; I belong to the Caring & Companioning Team; I lead summer services as a Worship Associate. I love giving people a safe place to gather. Since I never belonged to any congregation until I was 40 years old. I think I have a good understanding of what new people may be experiencing. Being a newcomer in a congregation is eye-opening.
You are the Lead of the Worship and Arts Team – what does that involve?
It’s an evolving role. As a member of the now-defunct Music & Worship Committee, I essentially started summer services. Five years ago we shifted to a full-year schedule and increased our summer services from four to ten. Part of the Worship Associate role has been offering logistical support to any guest preachers in the chancel. Since our services have been remote during the pandemic, the worship role has become focused on content. There are ten of us and each person does a Touchstone reflection and one summer service. We haven’t met in person during the year but I’m happy to help if people want to run ideas by me, either on their reflections or summer services. Of course, they can also discuss their plans with Rev. Kelly or Joan, who will be our Summer Minister again in 2021.
How are you managing quarantining?
I have benefitted from being an introvert! But I miss the energy of in-person gatherings, especially when it involves singing next to people who can carry me along–I gave up on Zoom choir, sadly. I’ve taken advantage of Zoom in other ways, though: taking classes, joining small group discussions, even watching presentations from overseas. I’m writing a lot and I meet weekly with a long time writing group. And I facilitate a new writing group at the Temple; some of us have never met in person! This has been beautiful and very meaningful for me.
We haven’t seen our son Steve in 6 months. It’s sad to see how demoralizing the pandemic has been for so many people, including young adults who have had to put plans on hold. But things are feeling better now.
What’s most important to you at this point in your life?
I’ve seen how vulnerable people are so the practice of gratitude for what we have is pretty easy right now. I want to reconnect with people in person. Ultimately we want to travel again; I had planned to go to Israel with a singing group last fall, but now my priority is to explore new places with John. What’s most important is our family, health, and being aware of the world around us. Also, figuring out what post-pandemic reentry looks like — and how we can carry some of the lessons learned into the future, both personally and as a society.
We are very glad to have Naomi Cameron serving as one of our supremely capable lay leaders here at UU Wellesley Hills!
Be sure to come to Fellowship Hour this Sun. Apr. 18th at 11:30 a.m. to meet Naomi, who will give a brief presentation about her work as the Lead of our UUSWH Worship Associates Team.