From the ministers and treasurer for UUSS:

Dear Members and Friends,

The past 21 months have been disruptive to all of us and our congregation.  While heartbreak, loss, and uncertainty have not gone away, UUSS has risen to the challenges of these times by staying connected and keeping focused on our mission.

We appreciate the goodwill, talent, and so much hard work that our lay leaders, ministers, and staff have demonstrated.  We take courage in the ways that we have come together in support of our values.  A year ago, many of us engaged in voter organizing and mobilization nationally through UU the Vote.  We have reached out to help the local community through drives for diapers at a food bank, winter kits for new refugees, meal delivery for hungry neighbors, and hands-on help offered with personal gestures of respect and care.

The buildings and grounds are cleaner and in much better shape.  We’ve returned to our campus with care, holding parties, ceremonies, performances, meals, youth groups, choir practice, and Sunday services!  At the same time, our multi-platform approach makes UUSS accessible to those who need or choose to attend services, classes, or meetings by online means.

In gratitude and joy for the resilience, care, and faith of this beloved congregation, please consider making a special Holiday Gift to strengthen UUSS now and to sustain it for the future. Here are two options we recommend for your year-end support:

1. Loan Reduction—We hope to pay down the principal on our building loans.  Our mortgage loan from a bank has an interest rate of 5.25%.  In addition, UUSS is making payments on a building loan from the Endowment Trust at 1% interest.  Hence, all donations toward paying down the debt will reduce our interest and principal payments in the future.  Be assured that your gift will save money for UUSS for years to come.
2. The Heritage Fund—This fund supports improvements to the buildings and grounds and larger one-time expenses that enhance our UUSS Mission.  Please let us know if you are making a gift to the Heritage Fund in memory of a loved one.

Contributions will be recognized in the permanent Book of Recognition and Gratitude in the UUSS Library according to the donation policy.

To make a Holiday Gift, you may send a check in the mail, or you may give online at you may give online here.  Please note either Debt Reduction or Heritage Fund for your gift.

Notes about tax considerations for charitable gifts in 2021:

• If you normally do not itemize tax deductions when filing your tax returns, please note that the CARES Act has provided once again for a special $300 deduction for gifts to charities (or $600 for couples who file); this can reduce taxable adjusted gross income.
• Also, if you have to receive a required minimum distribution from IRA funds for 2021, it is possible to direct part of that IRA distribution as a charitable contribution rather than take it as taxable income.  If you are fortunate to have stocks or mutual funds which have gained in value, you can transfer appreciated shares to UUSS without selling them first, if you seek to donate shares in 2021, contact Michele Ebler, our Bookkeeper at michele@uuss.org.

Please be assured that every gift makes a real difference. 

It is an inspiration to keep us moving forward in hope. We value and appreciate every act of generosity, including your acts of care, warmth, and goodwill.

Our UUSS Mission says: We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world.  Thank you for your care and support for one another and for UUSS.  In addition to your participation here in so many ways, your generosity will sustain and extend our mission into the new year and the years to come.  Thank you!

With best wishes for the new year,

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones                   Rev. Lucy Bunch                  Victoria Owens, Treasurer

P.S. —Please make sure your gift is postmarked or completed electronically  or your check is dated on or before December 31 to qualify for any tax advantages for you.  Checks may be mailed to UUSS Holiday Gifts, 2425 Sierra Blvd., Sacramento 95825. If you have questions, please be in touch with our Bookkeeper at

The Long and Winding Road – UUSS Choir Virtual Performance *Click to Watch*