Have you sensed the special feeling that exists on Sunday mornings when you enter our beautiful grounds and step inside our home at UUFBC? There always seems to be an energy and enthusiasm that can be felt in and around our fellowship hall. Maybe you have felt it – that lively spirit that flows among us as we welcome each other, sing together, reflect together, share together, worship together and see our children present among us.
There is a spirit that nurtures our souls and inspires us to action. Perhaps you have felt it while working on a community beautification project, helping at a UUFBC work day, attending a political rally, participating with BYILD, donating supplies for homeless teens, marching in support of the Black Community, standing up for LGBTQ rights, attending an interfaith event, volunteering with Religious Exploration, being a service leader, taking on a position of leadership, being a regular volunteer or perhaps just sharing our First Sunday Potluck Lunch together.
This coming Sunday we will begin our Financial Stewardship Campaign for 2017-2018, sometimes referred to as our Annual Pledge Drive. Stewardship is the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care. Here at UUFBC that something is our mission, our programs and ministry, our building and grounds and our congregation.
We steward in four ways:
- with our presence
- with our time and talents
- with our money
- with our spirits – by bringing loving hearts and open minds to our beloved community
Donating our time, our talents, and our treasure through our Stewardship Ministry makes UUFBC strong, healthy, and able to minister effectively within our fellowship and out in the world.
This year’s campaign theme is This Is Our Time! We are living in a troubling and confusing time in our nation’s history. Our seven UU principles are under constant attack and the impact on human lives is apparent. It is tempting for many of us to cut back our giving and guard our resources, but I believe our faith is calling on us. People are seeking us out as a caring community where they can find solace and safety and sanctuary. We stand out as a religious liberal voice in Bay County. The warmth, love, compassion, and human connections we provide are difficult to find anywhere else. Our faith calls us to Stand on the Side of Love.
Our Financial Stewardship Goals for 2017 – 2018 are:
- $59,200 Pledge Target – allowing us to retain our Religious Exploration Coordinator, continue offering quality programing and music, supporting Social Justice outreach, and a much needed new roof for our beloved home.
- 100% Participation – We hope that every member and friend will make a pledge. Your pledge will allow us to budget for the work that we do together. Every pledge is a tangible symbol of your support and commitment to UUFBC, and we accept each pledge in humble gratitude.
- Significantly increase the amount of our pledges from the fiscal year 2016-2017 level – If you gave at the 2% level of your annual adjusted gross income, consider raising that to 3% this year. For some of us that is not possible this year. However, I challenge you to put yourself on a path to reach a 3% level sometime in the next two to three years. Together we can all accomplish more.
We will be using the visiting steward model of giving this year. When you are contacted by a visiting steward please work with that person to find a convenient time and place for a conversation and making your pledge. If you do not wish to be contacted please notify me or Chris Dixon and we will send you a pledge form and supporting materials that you can complete and send back.
In a renewed spirit of peace, hope, faith and fellowship,
Cheryl Kellogg, UUFBC President
Stewardship Team: Chris Dixon, Helen Johnson, Ken Sizemore and Cheryl Kellogg