As soon as Roger and I starting coming to UUSS we knew it was very special.    If you are fortunate enough to have been a long-time member here I hope you will never take this church for granted.

I think Grounded in Love is the perfect theme for our stewardship drive. I think it’s the basis for everything that happens here.

Some time ago there was a call out for donations for newly arrived refugee families who needed sheets, towels, blankets etc. All the basics for a new household.  I was truly blown away by the generous response.  Our welcome hall was filled with tables that were filled to overflowing with brand new household items.  That confirmed to me that the people in this congregation are exceptionally kind and generous. It felt good to know that I was becoming a part of this community that is Grounded in Love.

People often say “aren’t we lucky to have Revs. Roger and Lucy”.  Yes we are lucky.  They set the tone for this community of caring that is Grounded in Love.  I never want to miss a Sunday service because I always come away with something valuable.  I wonder if anyone even knows how many hours they put in every week.  They are exceptional and they deserve to compensated fairly.  We don’t want to lose them!!

When we think about our one wild and precious life, I think many of us could say that we hope to somehow make a difference.    If your circumstances are such that you are unable to do much volunteering, your financial support is making a difference and enabling our church to thrive. It enables us to Grow our Mission to be a Force for Healing in our wider community.

Being on the Stewardship Committee is not a highly sought after job.  No one likes to ask people for money.  I’m so grateful to Bobbie Keill and her team for taking this on.  They’re willing to do it because they know how important it is.

So, as an act of kindness to them, please turn your pledge in soon.  Then we can reach our goal, Grow our Mission, and they can be relieved of some stress.  Thank you.

Roger’s Comments:

Good Morning!

When we moved here three years ago, we were struck by just how friendly and welcoming people were to us. It made a very good impression on us and we felt at home. We started attending services right away and soon joined the membership formally and made our first pledge.

Joining in activities such as Dave Dawson’s American River Parkway cleanup crew and the Grasshoppers team here have given me a chance to visit with many more warm, welcoming and interesting people.

Tamara and I have been involved in a number of other activities of the church as well. We really value the sense of community we have and are proud to be a part of this church and its many Social Justice programs which are Grounded In Love.

I place great importance on the personal benefits I gain here: Music is a big part of my sense of spirituality and I really appreciate our music program. I’m inspired to think more deeply and am regularly challenged by Reverend Roger’s and Lucy’s sermons. I am inspired by the generous spirit of our congregation and the many ways you are making a real difference in the lives of our larger community.

I was invited to run for election to the Board of Trustees and am finishing my term as a Member at Large. This rewarding experience has also been another wonderful way to get to know other members in more depth than we can do during Sunday morning coffee hours.

Your Board of Trustees is actively working right now on the development of next year’s budget and is trying to find ways to fund  the important ministry we are engaged in. In addition, we know that the Strategic Planning Process going on will result in some new and expanded efforts. I believe the funding goal we have set To Grow Our Mission is very doable if we all participate.

Because Tamara and I want to contribute to this ongoing work of UUSS and its ability to be such a Force for Healing, we have already made our pledge for this campaign and were able to increase it by 15%.

If you haven’t made your pledge yet, we urge you to do so soon. It’s important.

Thanks.

www.uuss.org/stewardship