The
Stewardship Committee
is looking forward to gathering the pledges necessary
to fund church activities for the next fiscal year,
which begins July 1st. Our aim is to
eliminate the deficit in the current budget, and
restore funding for activities and items that had to
be cut this year.
The
canvass
this year will be done via small groups, so that you
can gather for conversation and dessert in the
neighborhood where you live. We are
identifying hosts who can offer a light desert with
coffee or tea. These small group meetings will
include a discussion of what the church means to you
and why you support it with your
pledge,
The
kickoff
for the general stewardship campaign is Sunday March
11. Be sure to reserve that date so you can join us
for our Chili Cook-off and the fourth annual UU Idol.
The
general
campaign is traditionally preceded by an advance
campaign. On February 26 there will be a party to
acknowledge our very generous advance givers. Anyone who
would like to be an advance giver, or learn more about
the importance of advance giving for a successful
stewardship campaign, is invited to join us. More
details about all our events and activities will be
coming soon.
We welcome new people to join this very creative
committee.
ABOUT
STEWARDSHIP
Virtually all of our operating
money comes from the financial support of members and friends.
Please think about the UU Utica Church, about its importance
not just in your life, but in the lives of all who are a part
of this community. Next, based on your level of commitment,
decide on a pledge amount that will make you feel really good
about what you give.
A Stewardship pledge card for this
year's campaign is available at the link below.
What we give with open
hearts and generous spirits always comes back to us in a
variety of ways.Thank you again
for your past and current generosity.
Pledging:
Pledging
is
agreeing
to
give
a
specific amount of money for a current or upcoming budget
year. Members and active friends are asked to consider
making a pledge, so we can plan our resources for the year
ahead. Our pledge campaign usually occurs in the
Spring, so we can pass our annual budget for the year ahead,
during our June Annual Meeting. Those who have
been members at least 30 days prior to the annual
meeting, and have made an identifiable contribution for
the current or upcoming year, can vote on the budget and
other congregational issues.
We ask all
members and active friends to consider a pledge of 2 to 5
% of their gross annual household income, and to choose
the most convenient way of contributing, weekly, biweekly,
monthly, quarterly or one advanced payment.
Pledge
installments can be paid by check payable to: "Unitarian
Universalist Church of Utica". Write "pledge"
and the current year, IE 2009 -10, in the memo
section of the check. They can be given in the
collection, or mailed to the above address attn: Finance
Secretary. Cash can be put in a sealed envelope
with your name and the word "pledge" and the current
year, IE 2009 -10, in the lower left hand
corner. Cash donations should not be mailed, but only
given in person at Church.
Our Current Pledge Drive: Each spring,
we ask all current members and active friends to pledge for
the upcoming year.
Newsletter
Donation: We will send you our newsletter
to those who request it. If you are not a
member, and you do not make any other donation to our
congregation, you are welcome to send a donation of up to
$25.00. Please send a check payable to: "Unitarian
Universalist Church of Utica" and write "newsletter"
and the current year,IE 2010 -11, in the memo
section of your check. Mail to the address listed
above attention: Finance Secretary.
General
Donation: If you would like to make a more
substantial donation for the work of our congregation, your
contribution will be greatly appreciated. It will help
us reach more individuals, who can benefit from our presence
in the local community. Please send a check payable
to: "Unitarian Universalist Church of Utica" and
write "donation" and the current year, IE
2009 -10, in the memo section of your check.
Mail to the address listed above attention: Finance
Secretary.
Planned
Giving:
If you would like to have us remembered in your will,
please consult with your Attorney. We will be very
grateful for thinking of us. More information
about planned giving is available at Planned
Giving.
Just as spring will come and the snow will melt, it
is time again to ask each of you to think deeply about what
Unitarian Universalism means to the quality of your spiritual
life. Does attending our church give you a chance to
reflect on the issues facing humanity and our planet?
Does it allow
you to connect with like-minded people?
Does it perhaps
challenge you to become a better person and encourage you to
grow?
Does it give
you a place to seek comfort and a place to share joy?
Do you feel
enriched by the diversity of thought embraced by our
religious tradition?
Or perhaps you
simply enjoy an opportunity to sing and talk and allow your
children a chance to be with like-minded youth.
Whatever your reasons for being a part of our
religious community, whether many or few, it is time to honor
them by making a financial pledge.
With your generous pledge, we hope to provide our
Church with the funds it needs to pay our minister a living
wage, to fund the programs that mean so much to us, and to
make needed improvements and repairs to our building.