Dear beloved members and friends of UUCUC,

As we prepare to enter our third year in a pandemic, the Board of Trustees has asked the Finance Committee to help us reassess our FY 21-22 income forecast and prepare for unprecedented challenges. We celebrate that our congregation remains financially committed, with many congregants giving more than they gave last year. Unfortunately, we are not immune to the obstacles that all churches are facing. Our pledges and donations have come in under the rate we planned last spring. As a result, the Finance Committee projects that we will not receive the full amount of income reflected in this year’s operating budget. Currently we are forecasting a budget shortfall of approximately $45,000.

The Board is asking for everyone’s help in meeting this budget challenge. Our goal is to pause spending monies on non-essential expenses while we collectively look for proactive solutions.Together, we can identify the best ways to meet critical needs, honor our commitments, and avoid emergencies. As we learn more, we will be able to better coordinate our collective actions and continue to move our mission forward.

Thank you for your generosity already this church year. Donations and new pledges will help us address this shortfall, and are greatly appreciated during these challenging times.

If you have any questions about how we are addressing our pause in spending, contact Brian McDermott (BOT contact) at mcdsteel76@gmail.com.

If you have questions or suggestions about Generosity, please contact Mona Shannon at generosity@uucuc.org.

I know it seems a bit disheartening right now, but here is the thing. We’ve got this. Our congregation is on fire to live our mission, and your commitment is a stellar example of that. Our community is strong and I know together we will continue to find ways to navigate this current situation. Thank you for your assistance to help achieve this very outcome.

Warm regards,
Becky Densmore
Chair, UUCUC Board of Trustees (21 – 22)