The Minister’s Column:

Dear Ones:

Although there will likely be more cold days and snow ahead, spring is now upon us. I, for one, am ready for a change of season. At UUS:E our annual appeal always coincides with the beginning of spring. If you haven’t done so already, I urge you to begin contemplating your financial pledge to UUS:E for next year. I am deeply thankful to all the stewards who take the time to meet with the rest of us and ask for our pledge to this congregation which we love so much. When a steward calls, please return their call as soon as possible to set up a meeting with them. Let’s have an amazing annual appeal!

As I write this letter we do not yet have a final “proposed” budget for the coming year, but we are getting very close. I am pleased that the Finance Committee and Policy Board have made the effort to limit the growth of our budget next year. For the past few years we’ve asked for large double-digit pledge increases to help meet our strategic goals. You have responded to these “asks” with incredible generosity and enthusiasm. This year, we are expecting to keep our overall pledge increase in the vicinity of 10%. With this modest increase we will be able to maintain competitive staff salaries and benefits, pay for guest preachers and pastoral ministry during my fall sabbatical (a one-time expense), and begin building our capacity to pay back our anticipated building loan. Further, there is a possibility we will be able to create a new quarter-time, paid youth advisor position. Let’s have an amazing annual appeal!

I continue to be amazed at the generosity of the members and friends of UUS:E. I continue to be amazed at all the ways UUS:E members and friends are involved in the wider community, working for justice and peace, lobbying, advocating, rallying, witnessing, tutoring, feeding, visiting, etc. I continue to be touched by the way members and friends of UUS:E strive to care for one another. No, we are not perfect. There are always ways for us to improve what we do. Still, there’s a spirit at UUS:E which I don’t find anywhere else I go. I am amazed. Let’s have an amazing annual appeal!

As we look forward to this year’s appeal, I want to pause and look forward to the next few appeals. While this year we are asking for a relatively small increase in overall pledges (which should be a very reachable goal), I want to make sure everyone is aware that UUS:E will have to make larger pledge increases in the coming years in order to pay the debt on our anticipated building loan. As we realize our dream of an expanded, accessible, green building, we can expect a sizeable loan. I have complete faith we can meet this financial challenge, especially if we start planning for it now. And for now, let’s have an amazing annual appeal!

With love,
--Josh

Last updated February 15, 2008