Greetings Beloved Members and Friends of ERUUF,
In March, we launched our Annual Pledge Drive on behalf of the Operating Budget for ERUUF’s 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
I invited us all into action to Plant Seeds Now To Create the World Our Hearts Know Is Possible, which became the focus of our Pledge Drive theme based upon this word-cloud image of the “world” as imagined by over 400 ERUUFians of all ages during our February 9th worship services.
We were asked by some of our leaders what amount would it take to raise the funds needed to achieve many of the goals of next year’s budget, especially that of ensuring that our staff could receive an expansion of hours needed to perform their work in our growing congregation, while also reaching pay equity based upon new guidelines set by the UUA. And we let you all know.
Reflecting upon the chaotic and unprecedented change occurring nationally, “Never before in ERUUF’s history,” I pointed out, “has your action and your gift been more vital.”
It is with all this in mind that I write now to thank you for what has turned out to be a Pledge Drive that has been both historic and extraordinary.
You not only increased your pledges by the highest amount ERUUF has ever had (a trend we’ve been experiencing these past two years), but you increased your pledges by over 400% above the greatest increase we’ve ever had: an increase of $116,000.
I invite you to sit for a moment to take that all in.
Many of you pledged for the very first time: Thank you!
Many of you increased your existing pledges: Thank you!
The future is created by our actions today. Your generous financial pledges allow us to plant seeds now that, together, we’ll nurture through these times.
May we all continue in our work to create a collective future we imagine for the well-being of generations to come, both here at ERUUF and in the world beyond us.
With deep gratitude and much appreciation for your generosity and active commitment,
Ubuntu
I am because you are. You are because I am.
Rev. Jacqueline Brett
Lead Minister
