[printprofilepic]I gotta say, I’ve been both dreading and looking forward to this moment—writing my first “President’s Page.” Over the last year, I’ve often had ideas for columns and thought, “That’s kinda cool… I need to write that down.” In typical Larry Schultz fashion, however, I never did so. So here I am, on deadline day…
But anyone can talk about themselves, right? That’s an easy way to get started. And, frankly, we have a whole passel of new folks who don’t know me very well, and vice-versa, so, yeah, I can get away with a little introduction.
I’m a really tall guy (6’5”), but not the handsome, talented one (that’s Warren Houghteling) or the distinguished one who looks like Cary Grant (that’s Steve Tenbrink). Up until recently my primary service to the church has been advising for the high school (YRUU) and mid-high (Uniteens) youth programs.
I have two sons. Connor is 15, is also getting pretty tall, over 6 feet now, with about 2.3% body fat. He’s active in YRUU, speech and debate, and is an outstanding swimmer. Caleb is 10, loves wrestling, Harry Potter, and is a budding artist.
EVERYONE seems to know my wife Robyn, who is the new Treasurer for our church, a stay-at-home mom, Weight Watchers Meeting Leader, and seemingly a “professional volunteer.”
We came to town in 2001 as a relatively “un-churched” family, but joined the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos in 2002. Over the almost 10 years since, the church and congregation have become an integral part of our lives. Most of our closest friends are members. The church has also been a big influence as our kids have begun to establish their moral and theological identities. And I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with the coolest youth on the planet.
In recent years I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone (working with kids) and served on some committees and the Board. It’s said that no one joins a church to be on a committee. But I have to say; I didn’t really feel connected to the UCLA community until I joined a committee. There’s something about working together with other congregants to further the church’s mission that really made me feel “part of” in a way I hadn’t before.
There are opportunities at church to fit almost every interest. Like technology? Work the sound system or on the communications committee or talk to Steve Tenbrink about helping with the church’s computer systems. Like meeting new people? Try the Membership Committee. Like to work with youth? Try teaching RE or working with the youth groups. Are you handy? Talk to the Building and Grounds Chair (Janet VanCleave). If you are like me, whatever you do you will find yourself enriched in ways you don’t expect.
Whether you want to get involved or just want to shoot the breeze, feel free to look me up. I’m the tall one not named Warren or Steve.
Larry Schultz
2011-2012 Church President
