Springtime is Stewardship Drive Time - April 2021 Latitudinarian Article

 

This is the time of the year when trees begin to bud, landscapes need care more often, wildflowers are in bloom, and the days are getting longer.

 

The same is metamorphically true for our congregation: What new ideas (bud) are forming? How we need to take care of our landscape (infrastructure) to eliminate weeds and to enhance growth? How can we help our flowers (members) bloom? And what can we do to ensure our congregation lives longer?

 

Basically, the answers to these – and other – questions can only be provided by you through your financial commitments to our operating budget during our Stewardship Drive time. Without monetary contributions we could not exist. To create a budget that will support new ideas, take care of our landscape, help our members, and ensure our existence, the Board is asking you to reflect on the value, the impact, this congregation has on your lives and others with whom you interact. Let your financial commitment be a gift of appreciation and legacy to yourself, current members, and others who make this congregation “live”.

 

Please submit your pledge (financial commitment) by April 8 – by completing this form on our website or completing and mailing the printed copy (email the church office – admin@brazos-uu.org) to request a form if you did not receive it in the mail).

 

Since we aren’t holding planned events (Zoom or in-person) during this annual stewardship drive, we invite you to join us in sharing your UU story, your power, and your visions on our virtual UUCBV storyboard. If you have a photo of a memorable moment, or a symbol of what Unitarian Universalism means to you, or even your own picture, add it to the board, too. We are eager to see how this congregation has impacted your life. We hope to display the board in our new building to give a glimpse of why we all come together to celebrate being UUs.

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March 18, 2021
 Dear UUCBV Member,
 
This has been an unusual year in many aspects and the year ahead is full of unknowns. The Stewardship Drive this year will be fairly simple with no planned events. Through this letter, we are asking you to submit by April 8 your financial commitment for our operating budget for the new fiscal year beginning June 1, 2021. Despite the uncertainty about what lies ahead, one thing we know for certain is that Bryan/College Station and the surrounding areas need the loving faith of Unitarian Universalism and a vibrant progressive congregation.
 
For 65 years, our congregation has impacted the lives of our members and others in the community. We have a rich history of speaking up for the marginalized and for helping the less fortunate. We are an oasis for those who need a safe space to be authentic. We are a unique faith which serves as a beacon for those who embrace our UU principles.
 
As you consider the amount of your financial commitment, please reflect on the value this faith has had on your life and the impact that it has had on creating the unique, wonderful individual you are today.

• What is your UU story?

• What is your power as a Unitarian Universalist and how do you use this power to make meaning, make connections, and make a difference?

• How do you envision this small but mighty group impacting the community?

 
Since we aren’t holding planned events (Zoom or in-person) during this annual stewardship drive, we invite you to join us in sharing your UU story, your power, and your visions on our virtual UUCBV storyboard. If you have a photo of a memorable moment, or a symbol of what Unitarian Universalism means to you, or even your own picture, add it to the board, too. We are eager to see how this congregation has impacted your life. We hope to display the board in our new building to give a glimpse of why we all come together to celebrate being UUs.
 
As a reminder, our financial commitments support our annual operating budget. Our gifts will allow us to continue with a full-time minister, which is very unusual for a church our size. Monetary donations support the programs and ministries of this church. Collectively, we will continue to have a powerful impact on our congregation, the community, and indirectly, all of existence through our interconnectedness.  
 
Perhaps you are uncertain about how much financial support to commit. The “fair share contribution” guide button above may help you to determine the “right fit” for you. Are you a Supporter, Sustainer, Visionary, or Transformer? Recognizing that each of us are at a different spot in our life’s journey, we are grateful for each of you and each level of giving.
 
By April 8, please submit your financial commitment online  or by requesting a paper form from admin@brazos-uu.org, completing, signing, and returning this form via US mail to P O Box 12372, College Station, TX 77842. This will allow time for the board to create a budget for you to consider at our annual congregational meeting on May 23 at 12:00 PM.

In faith,
 
Gaye Webb
UUCBV President

Christian Schmidt
Rev. Christian Schmidt, Interim minister