Our congregation is growing (732 members) and seeking to live into the new three-year strategic plan that guides our future. We now need to the resources to support this vision, which means new programs and staff that need funding. 

The largest part of the ERUUF budget goes to our staff. The staff has performed heroically and we have a duty to ensure that they are compensated fairly. One of our biggest budget challenges this year is addressing inflation and the fair compensation guidelines set by the Unitarian Universalist Assocciation. We have a long way to go to reach fair compensation adequately.

In the last few years, ERUUF has had to utilize our Strategic Initiatives Fund to close the gap between pledges and the operating budget. We need a higher level of pledging in order for ERUUF to be sustained. 

The past year has not been without its challenges. We all have felt the impact of the world beyond our walls and the very real shifts and challenges in our personal lives.

Who are we yet being called to become, individually and collectively, for these times? 

It is through your generous financial pledge as a member or friend of ERUUF that we can address the work that is ours to do in these highly charged and divisive moments when many have come to see our community as a haven for themselves and their families. This is Us.

We have had a $1M budget and a $1M pledge drive goal before. We can do it again.

To continue to grow and thrive, please help us reach our $1 Million goal. Every gift counts!

That means more people pledging financial support and those who have pledged to increase their pledges by 10% to 15%. Or more!

Remember, all pledges count. No amount is too small. But, if you are able, please consider making a generous pledge today!

 

My experiences at ERUUF have been truly meaningful and wonderful. I came from a very strict religious background where being with my wife Jaye could not happen.-- Dr. Lynne Howard-Vaughn

 

The thing that really excites me about being at ERUUF is that I learn so much from the individuals. I think I am becoming a better person just by hanging out with all of these wonderful people.

-- Clint McSherry

 

Think of all the stuff we were able to do during the pandemic. Now imagine what we can do if we did not have a pandemic holding us back. 

-- Julie Edmunds

 

I see change as a challenging opportunity to lead our lives and live our principles to ever-higher levels. The world needs UU’s active and engaged in the great transition to a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.  -- Denise Frizell

 

In addition to wanting us to reach out into our community, Rev. Brett is very dedicated to personal transformation and her language around this is powerful and really hits home for me. 

-- Richard Harkrader

 

Change is an opportunity not without it challenges. We have an opportunity to become famous. We can be leaders in terms of how we behave with each other, how we behave in community and toward the community. There needs to be a lot of two-way leadership. -- Simon Kaplan

 

I am excited about living into the promise of our multicultural community. Things happen because we choose to make them happen.  For better or for worse, things are not going to happen unless we make them happen. --  Elizabeth Ault