Stewardship Pledge Form
[Pledge form appears at the end of the letter below.]
Dear UUCD Members and Friends:
UUCD has had a roller coaster year as we lost our beloved Rev. Julia in July. However, our church and our social justice activities continue to keep us all busy and connected to one another and alive to our community.
In our church home we have repaired and refurbished the church office so Kathryn, our office manager, has a pleasant working space. We’ve done important roof repair, put in a dishwasher (thanks to a personal donation) and a new and bigger hot water heater. Our worship continues to thrive under the leadership of our worship associates, choir, and Beth Schewe who is the volunteer religion education leader two Sunday’s a month. When Rev. Julia left, we were blessed to have Rev. Linda Slabon, our Minister Ermita step up to assist us. We have a fabulous Alter Keepers Team who keeps the alter seasonable, fresh, and beautiful and our Care Team works to send cards and keep tabs on members who are in need of comfort or support. Our social justice efforts continue to provide critically important assistance to those in need in our community. The Overnight Warming Center was open over 10 weeks and served more people over some very cold nights than in 2025. Our Welcome Essentials Pantry bag donations increased from 100 to 160 bags each month. The need is great! And we have done a fabulous job in fundraising with our winter markets, the chili cookoff-dessert auction and the start of game night/UUCD monthly community dinners. Weeknights at the church are still busy as members and friends gather for yoga, meditation and our Sanctuary discussion group to ground us. We have wonderful keyboard music from our pianist, Bonnie Anderson and improved technology that enables people to attend our services online.
As you know, we are in-search for a new half-time minister for UUCD. Since Rev. Julia’s departure, the Board, Search Team and Rev. Linda have worked diligently on the complicated search process. The pay package for a new minister is going to cost more than what we paid Rev. Julia, so for our estimated pay package we seek an additional $17,000 in pledges for our next year. To achieve that we ask you to consider increasing your pledge amount this season. IF your income is tight, please consider an additional $10-$20 a month or $120-$240 a year; if you have a moderate income you might consider $30-50 more a month or $360-$500 more a year, and if you make a good income, please consider raising your pledge over $500 a year.
Of course, no amount is too small or too large. It is our effort together that will allow us to sustain our UU values and address the rising costs we are all dealing with. There is so much to be thankful for, and now it’s time to pledge ourselves to continue these efforts and have more good times ahead.
Remember that WE are the keepers of the dream! Our Pledge Goal this year is $115,000. We invite you to be a part of this next step into the 2026-2027 church year by attending our Pledge Service Sunday, March 29 th followed by a Potluck and a brief meeting on our finances. You are invited to add your hopes and dreams to our UUCD wish-list. Mark your calendars and bring your favorite dish to share. Do come even if you are unable to bring food. Every member and friend is important to our future. Giving your time, talent, and treasure allows us to coexist and to build beloved community. You can make your pledge online using theelectronic form below this letter, or you can fill out a paper pledge available at the church.
Feel free to contact Toni at tonitollerud@gmail.com or any UUCD Board Member!!! See you Sunday!!
Toni Tollerrud, UUCD Treasurer
