Minister’s Letter — April 2008

Our Acts of Ministry:

1. On March 27, our Social Action Committee organized and led a community dialogue in response to the recent violent crime that originated at the A&P. This effort represents the kind of service and witness essential to the ministry of any UU congregation.

2. On March 15, many of us were moved by our women’s choral group, Spirits in Harmony, performance at the annual fundraiser. The event reminded me, once again, how significant music is in our Fellowship. Worship and celebration are also essential to the ministry of our beloved community and music plays an integral part. Can we do more? I think so. Are we ready to hire a part-time music minister?

3. On Sunday, April 13, Rappin’ with the Rev has been scheduled. You will see the announcement elsewhere in the Fellowship News. Speaking of ministry, this meeting will provide an opportunity for all of you to rap with me about how you view the overall ministry of the Fellowship and share your ideas about how we can together continue to enhance and extend our ministry.

4. On April 20, we will celebrate Earth Day and the Green Sanctuary committee will sponsor a fabulous Sustainability Fair. And, on April 27, we will celebrate Social Action Sunday and have invited David Diamond, Faculty Advisor of Gay-Straight Alliance at Lakeland and Walter Panas High Schools to speak to us about how to be an ally for GLBT youth community.

5. On Sunday, March 30, our Pledge Drive will begin. You may have already received a letter about this in the mail. Our financial commitment is also a ministry. Why? Because it helps make a difference in people’s lives. You help make this happen all the time through the volunteer work you give to the Fellowship through committees, programs, and teaching. Just look at all the wonderful things we are doing as I have noted above! And there are so many other events and programs I have not mentioned! We are a busy little Fellowship! I think it’s wonderful!

But obviously, we also need money to pay the bills and adequately support the facility, the staff and the program! But I am suggesting that we think of our pledge as beyond the realm of bills. It takes money to fulfill visions and make it possible to minister to one another and our children and to reach out to those in need and those who are looking for a religious faith such as ours. Ultimately, the money we pledge supports the values, vision, hope and essence of our little community. What is that worth to you?

Well you could answer that it’s priceless! But we also have to get real. The range of our pledges runs from $50 to $7200. Suzanne and I will increase our pledge this year about 6.5% to $5000.00. Our Fellowship’s median pledge (midpoint of the range), however, is $660 and according to UU guidelines, it should be around $1,000 or $85 a month per pledging unit. So think about this figure as you consider your pledge this year. Obviously, we hope to increase the median range significantly.

But let’s be clear. Your pledge, whatever it is, is an opportunity to gladly give the best you can, as you are able, because you cherish who we are. You are giving to something you believe in. So as you decide upon your pledge amount - consider what this institution means to you personally, but also consider what it means to the larger community. Then give as you are able out of a generous spirit, so that the values you cherish in our Fellowship might continue to take root and have life in you, in your family and in your community. So be it. Jim Covington