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On Sunday, Oct. 3rd, we began a very special, five-week annual pledge/financial commitment drive! Our theme is Back to Basics—Building Our Community, which reflects a focus on our congregation's values and strengths as we come back together after being apart for so long.
We’re excited to once again be worshipping in person Sundays on the Hillcrest campus patio and look forward to returning to our South Bay campus soon. We’re grateful for our Minister in Residence, Rev. Michael Brown, and our new Assistant Minister, Dr. Omega Burckhardt. We look forward to getting to know them and welcoming them to First UU. |
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The pledge drive is special for a number of reasons. It’s the first time in almost a decade we’ll conduct an all-congregation drive and the first time we’ve done so in the Fall. We believe a return to yearly, annual pledge/ financial commitment drives is the right thing to do as we strengthen our financial foundation. We are all being asked to make a financial commitment for calendar year 2022 and transition from current pledges that may not align with the calendar year.
It’s also special because the focus of the drive is a series of one-to-one conversations between congregants. We want everyone to have an opportunity to have an enjoyable, personal conversation with a fellow congregant as we reconnect and return to community after this long period of being away from each other. While part of the conversation is about making or renewing your annual financial commitment, it’s very much an opportunity to talk about whatever is on your mind.
You can expect to hear from a fellow First UU Member or Friend, likely someone you already know, within the next week or two. Together, you will both decide when and where to meet - be it in person, by video (e.g. Zoom), or by phone. We hope many of the interactions will be in person at a comfortable place of your choosing. We’re so grateful that approximately 40 fellow congregants, almost 10% of everyone who pledges, have graciously volunteered to make these calls.
This special time to rebuild our connections with each other and with our congregation is a time to dream and get excited about the things we as a congregation can do in the future to live our mission, become a more welcoming and inclusive community, and build stronger relationships with the greater San Diego community—things that will only happen with your financial and energetic involvement.
We’re extremely thankful for your continued support of our mission and programs. Thank you, in advance, for participating in Back to Basics—Building Our Community.
In faith and gratitude,
First UU Pledge Drive Team
Dave Hunt Isaac Castro Pam Bates Rhiannon Roselle Robie Evans
It’s also special because the focus of the drive is a series of one-to-one conversations between congregants. We want everyone to have an opportunity to have an enjoyable, personal conversation with a fellow congregant as we reconnect and return to community after this long period of being away from each other. While part of the conversation is about making or renewing your annual financial commitment, it’s very much an opportunity to talk about whatever is on your mind.
You can expect to hear from a fellow First UU Member or Friend, likely someone you already know, within the next week or two. Together, you will both decide when and where to meet - be it in person, by video (e.g. Zoom), or by phone. We hope many of the interactions will be in person at a comfortable place of your choosing. We’re so grateful that approximately 40 fellow congregants, almost 10% of everyone who pledges, have graciously volunteered to make these calls.
This special time to rebuild our connections with each other and with our congregation is a time to dream and get excited about the things we as a congregation can do in the future to live our mission, become a more welcoming and inclusive community, and build stronger relationships with the greater San Diego community—things that will only happen with your financial and energetic involvement.
We’re extremely thankful for your continued support of our mission and programs. Thank you, in advance, for participating in Back to Basics—Building Our Community.
In faith and gratitude,
First UU Pledge Drive Team
Dave Hunt Isaac Castro Pam Bates Rhiannon Roselle Robie Evans
Pledge / Financial Commitment Form
A financial commitment is a promise to donate money to First UU for a 12 month calendar year period. Our gifts are considered “continuous.” Once a commitment is made, that gift continues each year, with the opportunity to revisit the amount of your gift every year. Members will be contacted in the Fall to ask for their financial commitment for the next calendar year. Although gifts can be paid in any timeframe or increments, it may be helpful to think of your gift in terms of a monthly amount of financial support.
We Are Generous People
First UU is self-sustaining and all members contribute time, talent and treasure by attending services, volunteering, becoming engaged in the many ongoing activities this campus offers, and giving regular financial contributions.
Our budget is approximately $1.3 million per year. We strive to be a congregation of generous givers, and recognize the joy and satisfaction that comes with being able to share our resources, financial and otherwise, to build our blessed community. Our financial contributions are an investment we make in living our values and creating a home where those values are nurtured and thrive. Major areas of investment are children's religious education, young adult and youth programs, social justice, and our worship and music programs.
While the amount of your financial commitment is a personal decision, it's hoped members will either pledge 5% of their income or give serious consideration to a plan to reach the 5% level within three years. If your financial situation makes any contribution impossible, you may make a confidential request for an annual waiver from one of the ministers.
Any financial commitment amount that is meaningful for you is appropriate. We view proportional giving as the greatest gift of all. Some of our most generous givers are wealthy, many more are not. To steward this sound base of programs, personnel, and facility, we plan thoughtfully, budget carefully, and act wisely. For a responsible budget, we must forecast realistically the ongoing support of the Congregation. Please consider your fair share and make a financial commitment according your ability.
Our budget is approximately $1.3 million per year. We strive to be a congregation of generous givers, and recognize the joy and satisfaction that comes with being able to share our resources, financial and otherwise, to build our blessed community. Our financial contributions are an investment we make in living our values and creating a home where those values are nurtured and thrive. Major areas of investment are children's religious education, young adult and youth programs, social justice, and our worship and music programs.
While the amount of your financial commitment is a personal decision, it's hoped members will either pledge 5% of their income or give serious consideration to a plan to reach the 5% level within three years. If your financial situation makes any contribution impossible, you may make a confidential request for an annual waiver from one of the ministers.
Any financial commitment amount that is meaningful for you is appropriate. We view proportional giving as the greatest gift of all. Some of our most generous givers are wealthy, many more are not. To steward this sound base of programs, personnel, and facility, we plan thoughtfully, budget carefully, and act wisely. For a responsible budget, we must forecast realistically the ongoing support of the Congregation. Please consider your fair share and make a financial commitment according your ability.
Downloads
Who to contact
Please contact Robie Evans, Director of Operations at (619) 398-4433 or robie@firstuusandiego.org.
