Dear New Friends and Prospective Members,
Welcome to the congregation! I’m glad you are considering membership here.
These words come from the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker, a UU minister who is the president of Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley: “Over the years in ministry, I’ve learned that no one comes to church for a petty reason.”
I’ve learned that as well. People don’t call to make an appointment with a minister for trivial reasons. No person or family shows up on Sunday mornings just to kill time. Most of our visitors don’t seek us out unless something has set them on a search for belonging, for celebration, and for meaning.
Nobody joins this congregation and nobody supports it for trivial reasons. I think of the volunteers–trustees, committee members, Religious Education teachers, worship leaders, musicians, ushers, Ministry Circle leaders, Lay Ministry listeners, and cooks, among others.
I think of the devoted members and friends who stretch themselves to support the congregation with generous financial pledges every year.
Doug and I invite you to consider the enclosed materials and your own financial circumstances, and to make a generous pledge commitment for the current fiscal year.
Many people think of their pledge in terms of a percentage of their income. I encourage all Unitarian Universalists to aim toward giving, in the aggregate, at least 10% of their annual income to organizations that serve the greater good. One of these organizations, of course, would be their church. I have pledged at least 5% of my income to my churches and about 5% to other institutions, causes, and charities.
The current pledges to UUSS range from less than $10 a month to nearly $20,000 a year. This is an economically diverse congregation. This diversity is what it means to be part of a community. Contributions of all sizes are valued and appreciated.
Some can afford to give more than others, and some less. Indeed, some pledge more because we know others cannot.
Please know that if your financial situation should change in the coming months (for better or for worse), it is quite appropriate to revise your pledge (either down or up!) by notifying the UUSS Office or one of the ministers. One important clarification: the Stewardship Drive for the next fiscal year takes place in February and March, in anticipation of the time needed for budgeting for our next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
If you would like a personal meeting to discuss your pledge or any aspect of church life, please give Doug or me a call or an email. We strive to earn your trust and to keep it.
Your pledge is your decision, so please choose an amount that feels right.
Give till it feels good!
Again, welcome to UUSS.
Yours in the spirit,
Roger
Tags: finance, pledge, pledging, stewardship, tithe
