09/18/2026
This week, our Humans of Beacon series features Michael Szarek. Take a look at the testimonial he delivered on Sunday:
I would say Good Morning, but as a Unitarian Universalist, I will, instead, wish you the type of morning you strive to have, respecting all other mornings that are possible – a morning that is uniquely yours, but clearly interdependent upon all other mornings.
And I wish you good coffee.
If you know me only from the usher listings from the weekly service announcements, you may think my name is Michael and Stefanie. But I am simply Michael. Stefanie is my wonderful wife of 36 years.
We came to Beacon in 2008. It was not Beacon but we certainly followed a light.
Our motivations in seeking that light were different. I was baptized Polish National Catholic, and raised Roman Catholic. Went to Catholic High School. Loved the tradition, the symbolism, and much of the message. I simply got to a point where I no longer believe the script, the backstory, the character development. Stefanie was born and raised Lutheran. Attended Catholic High School. We married in a Catholic Church in Staten Island and were raising our three children as Roman Catholics, at St. Michael’s Church, in Union. Stefanie simply couldn’t handle the hypocrisy that she saw in the words and actions within the Catholic Church. We wanted something more consistent, more real, more honest for us and for them.
I actually did a Google Search. I found the Unitarian Church in Summit, read their 7 Principles and yelled to Stefanie to come over and take a look. Every word rang true in terms of what we were looking for. So, we walked into a Water Communion, learned that the Assistant Minister was pregnant with her second child (things you don’t hear at a Catholic Mass) and met the minister, Vanessa Southern. And we knew we had found a home.
Our twin boys went from preparing for confirmation with Sister Virginia to taking OWL[sex education] classes. We went from a place that felt distant to a family that felt close. We went from sermons that helped insomnia to trumpet players and organists and puppets and mystery boxes and sermons that challenged and excited you. Stefanie brought tissues to every service.
And, 18 years later – this week – we continue to look forward to being challenged and motivated and moved and inspired. Over and over again.
