New Staff Welcome: Jules Capozzi, Membership Coordinator – Quarterly Connection, April 2026

“Not a Church.” That’s what my Navy husband said when I told him I had an interview with Reverend Rebecca for the Unitarian Church in Charleston. We had just moved from San Diego, California. We were among the newest residents of the Holy City. We were not, at that time, “church people.”

In fact, other faith communities we had encountered left a sour taste in our mouths and made the idea seem truly unpleasant. Though our religious backgrounds varied, one thing was certain, we weren’t planning to join a church. We wanted to get to know our new home and find friends. I had just left the Restaurant world and entered the time I wanted to devote to art and community building. I didn’t know at that time what shape the desire would take. So, as usual, I asked God for guidance. I knew she would see me through. My conversations went something like, “If I am supposed to be here, I’ll be on time,” somehow, traffic cooperated that day. “If I am supposed to be here, I’ll get the job.” Reverend Rebecca called that afternoon to ask for my references. All of the best adventures I’ve had in life begin this way: a mixture of work and prayer.

Getting the position as Membership Coordinator created ripples of change within my family structure. Suddenly, two “spiritual but not religious,” adults who became a family were facing what it meant to join a community of faith. It made us talk about what that meant and how to navigate this new presence in our lives. While it initially made us afraid, working through those feelings made us closer. We are slowly figuring out what incorporating a Church family into our lives looks like. I am still settling into my role here as Membership Coordinator but there are some things about the journey to get here I’d like to share with you.

As I navigated early employment, a handful of my bosses in different roles told me, “you’d be a good salesperson.” I hated that feedback because I was almost never in that position. When I am passionate about something, I enjoy sharing it. As soon as it became sales, my personal feelings would step in and make me fail at the job. Knowing this about myself, I asked in earnest how much being a “member” matters to the board and to my boss. Can I be successful in this role, follow my own ethics, and serve this community effectively? It seemed like a tall order.

The truth is, it’s nuanced. Church Communities rely on their Members to financially plan their year, to grow programs, to make improvements to the grounds. When participation takes the shape of Membership, we have a picture of people and resources to count on to build our future. Without Membership, we fail to thrive. As the Navy would say, “It’s their commitment that steers the ship. Everything you see and experience here is a result of that commitment.”

What about those families that mirror my own? Two or more people in one house that feel and participate in their faith differently.

What about the people that seek our community but would never join under the umbrella of Membership? The answer I received: “They belong here too.”

That powerful promise, that we will create a community where every level of participation is honored and welcome, is why I accepted this position. It’s why, when you see me, I’ll talk about what’s going on and I will try to get to know you, but I will never make Membership central to your time here with us. Your experience and what you bring at every phase of life will be honored within these walls. If you have been curious about Membership, it’s a great time for us to learn together and make it happen. If you are not there right now or may never join, that’s okay too. You are valued for everything you bring. You belong here.

Whatever journey your soul is on right now, please know that you’re not alone. You have found a place to belong and people to count on. You have found a community of people to take that journey alongside you. I am looking forward to enjoying what we create together in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Jules Capozzi
Membership Coordinator