What does it mean to be returning, renewing, and reconnecting? We are feeling our way forward together. Some of us continue to log on via Zoom, sharing our joys and concerns on Sundays and for Vespers on Wednesdays. Some of us come to services on the church campus on Sundays, congregating in the Sanctuary, the Social Hall and the RE Building. Children play together on the RE playground, making sculptures with the giant blue blocks. Many came together for a cookout on the playground as summer began. Many also contribute their time to church, working together on committees and projects that make sure our church continues to thrive and be a force for good in the community. People marched joyfully together in the Pride parade. All of these help to rebuild our bonds, to strengthen our loving community which has been so tested in the past years.
The pandemic has shaped and challenged all of our lives. Our church has been here for us throughout, pivoting quickly to virtual services when meeting in person became impossible, and then carefully re-opening the campus when meeting together became a possibility again. But perhaps our community feels a little battered, a little frayed from all these experiences. Regrettably, some have left the community. To our joy, some have joined us. Always, it is important to focus on our connections with each other. By reaching out, we find others reaching back.
As we are returning, renewing, and reconnecting, we make our community stronger, more inclusive, more loving. And we ask that you affirm this commitment to our community with a pledge. The amount possible varies with every person and family. Please make a pledge that feels right to you. By pooling our resources, we create this community that we — and the larger world — so deeply need.
Every Pledge Counts
Your generosity, at any level, helps this community to function and grow. Please give what your means allow. Together we can make such a difference. Every contribution is important.
Our Goal
The church’s proposed 2023 budget will not be very different from our budget for 2022 – click here to review it. We are in a transition year, and this year’s pledge drive will show us if we are able to keep moving forward with strength, funding what matters to us as a community.
2023 Fund Our Values
Together, let’s fund our many values:
- Sunday Services
- Connection to this community
- Religious Education for Children and Adults
- Social Justice
- Food Bank for the Community
- After School Tutoring
- Hospitality for Families Experiencing Homelessness
- Our Ministry of Music
- Ministerial Outreach and Public Witness
- Spiritual Groups: Covenant Groups, Meditation, Yoga, Pagan, Humanist, Christian, Jewish, and all the diversity that makes First Unitarian shine
- Extended Families
- And a community of abundant love, including a large pastoral care program
Please give what you are able, to support these many things you value. Click here to pledge now.
Join a Giving Circle
If you are able, please consider becoming a member of a Giving Circle. The categories are outlined below. Pledge levels are commitments that are fulfilled within a calendar year. If you cannot contribute at a Giving Circle level at this time, know that your gift is no less important. Every gift — whether it be time, talents or financial — contributes to the health of this community.
Transformers: $10,000 or more annually
Visionaries: $7,500-9,999 annually
Beacons: $5,000-7,499 annually
Sustainers: $3,000-4,999 annually
We welcome your membership and look forward to your participation. If you would like more information about becoming a member of the Giving Circles, please contact Angela Herrera, Senior Minister, at aherrera@uuabq.org or Kris Kennedy, Chair of the Radical Generosity Committee, at kmbkennedy@gmail.com.
Keepers of the Flame
If you have included First Unitarian in your estate plans, please let us know. You are a Keeper of the Flame. Your intention is an act of radical generosity and we want to thank you during your lifetime. Estate gifts will strengthen the endowment, ensuring First Unitarian will be here for generations to come. If you would like more information about becoming a Keeper of the Flame, click here.
Consider Signing up to Give Monthly
If you are able, it helps the church greatly if you sign up to give automatically each month. It is easy to sign up on our website or on Realm to give via withdrawal from a bank account or a charge on a credit card. Your automatic gift each month helps the church to plan more effectively. Thank you for your generosity.
Radical Gratitude for Radical Generosity
Your gifts of time and expertise are greatly appreciated as well. Thank you to everyone who gives their time, efforts, and talents to help this church, our members, and the surrounding community. Don’t miss the “Caught in the Act of Generosity” articles in the Messenger where we feature members who give generously of their time!
