We are here in this place and at this time because there is a tie that binds us. It's hard to put our finger on it - harder than it is for some folks in similar situations. We even go so far as to stretch that binding tie with many of us taking a vacation from our church over the summer - some don't, but many do, which is why we begin the fall with a homecoming service.
Some ministers talk about a church as a family.
I personally like the analogy, but there are some people - particularly those with painful experiences in their families who do not. We may choose how much we relate to our families, but they are a given. It is a choice. A free choice. Even those of us who did grow up Unitarian Universalist are not here out of obligation, but out of choice.