Pass on the Light: 2012 Pledge Drive

How does UUCR’s vision and ministry affect your life? How do you want to grow in the next year? Which of the many lights at UUCR inspire you to help make our community grow brighter? Consider:

• the light of your faith,
• the light of our loving community,
• the light of our youth,
• the light of social action and witness,
• the light of music & arts,
• the light of education and knowledge,
• the light of inspiration and reflection,
• the light of our personal contributions of time and talent,
• the light of spiritual growth

UUCR’s Annual Pledge Drive

Each year, the Pledge Drive is held in the late winter and early spring to raise money for UUCR’s operating budget. The operating budget enables us to offer the programs and ministry that inspire you and that contribute to our community.

• Pledge Drive financial information

Everyone—each member and friend of UUCR—is asked to make a financial pledge for the coming fiscal year (July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013) during the March 11, 2012 Sunday service. On that day, Pledge Sunday, you will be asked to fill out a card indicating the amount of your pledge. Pledge cards will also be accepted for several weeks in March after each service. Alternatively, you can mail your pledge card to the office. After March 11 you can also pledge online. Payments toward your pledge are tax-deductible and can be paid all at once or over time. At the beginning of the new fiscal year in July, you will receive confirmation of your pledge along with instructions about how to fulfill your pledge.

Why should I pledge financial support to UUCR?

When you decided to become a member or friend of UUCR (or to send your children to our religious education program, or just to attend on a somewhat regular basis), you made an important commitment to our liberal religious faith. Our members and friends support our ministry with their valuable resources including

• Time—participation and volunteering in services and programs
• Talent—offering your unique skills and energy to help create, present and maintain our programs.
• Financial support—Contributing generously to the annual pledge campaign.

How much do we need to operate our programs and facilities in pursuit of our vision?

• UUCR needs about $718,300 for the coming year (July 2012-June 2013).
• Our pledge goal is $560,500.

What good does my financial support do?

With your financial support, our church community is able to build beloved community, nurture spiritual growth and freedom, and support social justice in the wider community.

• We grow spiritually with year-round worship, sermons that challenge and inspire, music from and for our hearts, and our meditation and ministry groups.
• We build our beloved community. From quilters, crafters, walkers, and book groups to small group ministries, UUCR is a place to welcome visitors, find friends, have fun, and grow together. We care for each other, provide support in times of need, and rejoice in our shared community.
• We care for our church home, which requires heat, electricity, cleaning, maintenance, repairs and upgrades.
• We teach our children and youth in lively religious education programs and expand our horizons with a vibrant adult education program.
• We build social responsibility with programs for the homeless, marriage equality, peace advocacy and support for rainbow teens.
• We gain from the perspectives and experiences of intern ministers and help them prepare for their own ministries.
• We support the environment by reducing our energy use, installing energy efficient heating & A/C units, and new energy-efficient windows.
• We support national and regional UU organizations that give voice to our UU principles.
• We provide for an exceptional staff. Our wonderful minister, intern minister, RE director, music director, pianist, administrator, and administrative assistants enrich our lives and support the work of this church.

How much should I pledge?

As you reflect on your financial commitment to UUCR this year, please keep in mind:

• The light and support that UUCR provides you, your family, your community, and your world;
• The near future of UUCR. We need to grow in numbers to ensure that our devoted staff don’t burn out and that our programs thrive. Among other items, we hope to fund:
  • A much-needed membership coordinator to help us grow
  • Full fair share denominational support to the UUA and the JPD
  • Development of a more welcoming and visitor-friendly website.
• Your values, your commitment, your income, and your needs.

Then give as generously as you can! The UUA Fair Share Giving Guidelines below suggests three levels of support. Where do you see yourself?

• Supporter: UUCR is a significant part of my life and promotes my spiritual well being.
• Sustainer: UUCR is central to my identity and I'm committed to sustaining our programs.
• Visionary: I am committed to both the present and future vitality and growth of UUCR.

We know that some are able to give at the higher end of the suggested guidelines while others are able to give less. We only ask that you give as generously as you can.

Whatever the size of your contribution, it will be greatly appreciated. Only together can we make our church a vibrant community.

UUA Fair Share Giving Guidelines
Annual Pledge