Stewardship: A Member's Perspective

Please read this. It might offer a different perspective.

I entered my first Unitarian-Universalist Church about 2 years ago, UUCA. I was curious. The people I met encouraged me to join some groups to gain still another dimension to Unitarian-Universalism. I did.

Now, I must say that in this short time I have modified and improved my understanding of many social and personal issues. I have become a much less judging and more forgiving white privileged male. And, to my surprise, I have found a way to contribute to positive change on many fronts via avenues I never considered. By interacting with more accepting, thinking, thoughtful people, I have become a better citizen of our community and of the earth. I can better influence and cause change for the total good. I am living my beliefs. I am growing my spiritual person.

This sharing that I have experienced as a Unitarian has opened eyes that I only thought were open, and expanded understanding that I thought was complete. Thank you.

Then, Fred asked me to do what I least wanted to do, co-chair the Stewardship Committee. I am so very happy I accepted the challenge. I have received far more than I could possibly contribute. I opened to the understanding that UUCA, a source which I am so enjoying and from which I am very much growing, comes at a cost. NOTHING can remain constant. All must grow or decline. Our UUCA as we know it costs almost $2200.00 each day to operate. Those are expenses that we as a church are “pledged” to support. That is the cold, hard BUSINESS OF CHURCH whether it is UU, or Catholic, Baptist, Episcopalian, or anything else. Our physical presence costs MONEY.

It is our member responsibility to fund this if we want it to remain and to grow. Our funding cannot be only “impulsive” because our programs are not impulsive. It is through regular giving that we can commit to our regular expenses. Stewardship is our standing up financially for that which we want to be sustained.

If you have doubts or do not know what is going on in our church, please view our Breakthrough Video (Made by members) by clicking here. You will recognize many from Sunday who are in a variety of UUCA activities. View the Brochure (Made by members) of activities that members received in the mail. You will see what is going on and be able to print a copy to share. View the UU History and see some names you know of major contributors to our great country. You might be surprised they were Unitarian-Universalists.

Consider what you like now at UUCA and what you would like to keep. Consider what you can afford. Pledge whatever of that you can give monthly to support UUCA. We need all of our members and participants to support by a monthly commitment so that our church can give back to us and to our community by its monthly commitment. There are several ways to make it simple. Through AccessACS you can use debit or credit cards for whatever regular amount you choose. (Options for giving). This regular credit card or debit giving helps us by making income predictable. Please consider signing up now, or, if you already contribute, consider increasing your contribution. Do it now if you feel you can.

Rusty Vaughan
Co-Chair Stewardship Committee

Links Shown Above

Breakthrough Video of ongoing activities
Financial Applications by Dick Roop (Power Point)
Financial Applications by Dick Roop (Video)
Options for Giving
AccessACS
Activities in Brochure by Eric and Carlene Petersen Brochure Side 1 of 2, Brochure Side 2 of 2
Historical Perspective
UUHistory – UUCA Web site