As we all know far too well, 2020 has been a deeply challenging year. How we long to be together in person to share our pain and our joy! It has been tough, but our church has faced tough times before, and we always emerge stronger and more resilient.
The creativity and grit that our church has shown in 2020 reassures us that we’re up to the challenges ahead. In a recent sermon, Pastor Amy Roon reminded us that our faith is not just up to us as individuals. We are people of action who share a collective faith. As we look ahead, we say:
We’re All In!
We take inspiration and hope from those we’ve lost this year. In his book, Across that Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change, Congressman John Lewis tells us:
“Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why? Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet.”
As a church community, we know this to be true. And, as in times past, we will continue to work for racial and economic justice, gender equity, and responsible stewardship for our planet. When it comes to manifesting God’s reign of justice, peace, and reconciling love, we’re all in.
This year, as we look ahead to 2021 we commit to strengthening our church, our faith, and our resolve to create a more just, equitable, and peaceful world.
We ask you to reflect on what it means to go “all in” and to consider prayerfully what type of financial pledge you can make to support the church.
Watch for these key dates of our 2021 Pledge Campaign
Sunday, October 11, 2020. We’ll start our 2021 Stewardship Pledge Campaign with a kickoff in our virtual worship service.
Wednesday October 14 – Saturday October 17, 2020. Look for your pledge packets to arrive in the mail this week!
Sunday October 18, 2020, 11:30 am. Want to know more about what your dollars support at UCUCC? Join us after worship for a budget forum on Zoom.
Thursday October 22, 2020, 5:15 pm – 7:15 pm. As part of our commitment to be a Racial Justice church, we’re bringing you a forum on Anti-Racist Giving and Budgeting, hosted by the Social Justice Fund Northwest and CARW (Coalition of Anti-Racist Whites). This free webinar will address questions like “How do our personal social and racial identities shape our relationships with money and giving? What does it look like to center the giving of money as part of our anti-racist practice?” Please register here!
Sunday, November 1, 2020: Pledge Dedication Sunday
The budget committee makes budgetary decisions for the next year based on pledges collected by this Sunday. Pledges are always welcome, but pledging by this date is helpful! You can return your pledge via mail to the church, make a secure online pledge here, or use your MyUCUCC app.
Sunday, November 15, 2020, at 11:30 am: Good Works Fair and Chili Cook-Off (via Zoom)
This family-friendly event is a chance to learn more about all the Good Works happening at UCUCC, and how you can get involved! Your individual talents become super powers through work with our Ministries, Committees, and Action Teams. We’ll be sharing some chili recipes ahead of time, so we can each participate in the chili fest from the comfort of our own homes.
Sunday, November 22, 2020: Congregational vote
Join your fellow congregants in our first all-church virtual meeting to vote on UCUCC’s 2021 budget.