Giving Campaign 2022:
Commitment, Care, and Community

After conducting worship remotely for more than two years, we are happy to be hosting in-person services again while continuing to offer livestreams online. We are grateful for those who join our community virtually, appreciate everyone we meet face to face in the sanctuary, and look forward to having a full house again.

Spring is the time when we plan for the new CUUC year, which starts July 1. As part of this, we are conducting our Annual Giving Campaign again.

This year’s Annual Giving Campaign theme is

Commitment, Care, and Community

To meet our financial obligations, we have set the pledge goal at $420,000. To meet this goal, we need 100% participation, receiving a pledge from every Member and Friend. Enclosed are a pledge form, informational flyer, and a self-addressed envelope. You may also pledge online at cucwp.org/annual-pledge.

Since Rev. Meredith has shared that he plans to retire in 2023, we have started the process of finding a new settled minister, so it is more important than ever to show that we care and are fully committed as a CUUC community. We will have additional expenses this year related to the search process. More importantly, financial strength, offering fair and competitive wages, and commitment from the congregation are key to our ability to attract the best ministerial candidate for CUUC.

Your contribution will power our actions within the congregation and support their effect out in the world.

• •    Journey Groups give participants the opportunity for meaningful connection and personal growth.
• •    Committees and Social Justice Teams work to have an impact on local and global causes. For example, this past year the Meals for HOPE project stepped up big time, cooking thousands of meals for those in need. The Democracy Matters/UU the Vote team, consisting of many volunteers, worked to increase voter participation, resulting in a more hopeful future for many. And our Tech Team enables us to offer meetings in person and online.
• •    Our vibrant RE program provides age-specific spiritual teaching and moral grounding for our children and youth, as well adults, and is led by our wonderful Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Tracy Breneman. With a growing number of children participating, there is once again the need for a part-time Youth Coordinator.
• •    Our music ministry enriches worship with sublime piano performances, heartfelt choral works, and guest musicians from a variety of world cultures. The part-time staff works tirelessly to bring high-quality and moving musical experiences to our gatherings.
• •    Our worship services are provided year-round, with summer services led by guest ministers and speakers, which have included members of CUUC.

Remember, our programming and services are supported only by us, and our expenses continue to increase annually. For instance, the medical premiums for staff once again are about to increase by 12%. With inflation rates currently at 7% and likely increasing, it is more important than ever to consider increasing your pledge by at least the rate of inflation. If you can do more, we hope you will.

Think of your donation in terms of what it takes to keep this congregation sustained, our mission energized, staff compensated, operations running, and our building and lands cared for.

CUUC is an important part of our lives, and our religious faith is a necessary force for good in the world. Both require our active involvement to remain healthy and vital. Please do all you can to support our congregation and fund our aspirations. When we show the strength of our Care, Commitment, and Community, we build the future we envision, together.

Thank you all for your participation and your serious consideration

Sincerely,

Chris Kortlandt                              
Treasurer 

Joe Majsak
Chair, Board of Trustees  

Creighton Cray   
Vice Chair, Board of Trustees 

When you receive your Pledge Form in the mail, please complete and return it as soon as you can.