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Dear Members and Friends,
2010 will be an exciting year for UUFVB.
We will call a new settled Minister. We will strengthen our Community
Outreach and Social Justice programs. We will nurture one another with a
multitude of social and spiritual activities. In 2010 we will REACH FOR
THE LIGHT!
REACH FOR THE LIGHT is a past, present and future
expression of what the Fellowship means to each of us. It is about the
renewal and expansion of our personal commitments of time, treasure, and
talents to nurture and sustain our community. But it’s not just about
us! Just as a seedling in spring breaks through and reaches up to the
light, we will REACH inward to grow spiritually and outward in
service to the community of Vero Beach and beyond.
Each year, our Stewardship campaign asks each of us to examine our level
of commitment to the Fellowship. In 2010, we want to go one step further.
We need pledges to REACH $195,000, allowing us to support our
ministry and associated programs. When our pledges REACH $195,000,
we will be able to commit full support to our ministry. But, that is not
all! Once we REACH that goal, we will be empowered to increase
greatly our support to those in need.
“This is the day we have been given. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
As you consider your pledge, spend a bit of quiet time examining the
things for which you. Through sharing the gifts we have been given, we
will together REACH FOR THE LIGHT.
Woody and Jennifer Sutton
Stewardship Co-Chairs
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1. What is the Ministry Budget?
This is the
operating budget for the monies received and spent on UUFVB ministry
activities. It includes Worship Services (Ministers compensation, Music
Director, Guest musicians, Guest speakers, etc.), Religious Exploration
(Youth programs, RE Director, Adult Programs), Social Programs, Social
Justice Programs (Fair Trade, Gifford Youth Orchestra, Family Homeless
Center, etc). It also includes our dues to the UUA and Florida District.
2. Why doesn’t this include monies to operate the
building?
Our building expenses are included in
our Facilities Operating Budget which is funded solely by net income from
our Bridges Early Learning Center and Public Programs (such as our
Celebrated Speakers Series) as well as rent from organizations and
individuals.
3. What percentage of the Ministry Budget comes from
pledges?
Approximately 85 %.
Click here to see a summary of our approved
budget.
4. How much is a member/family expected to contribute?
This is a personal and private matter
depending on stage of life, income and commitment to UUFVB. The
giving guidelines chart should help you determine
what would be appropriate for you.
5. Who knows how much I give?
The policy of UUFVB is confidentially
of this information. Only the Minister and the people receiving and
recording the contributions know.
6. Why should I pledge?
This is the primary way we can fund
our ministry.
7. Who makes up the Ministry Budget?
It is a highly iterative, lengthy and
transparent process in which the Committees, Fellowship Council, and Board
of Trustees work to present a consensus recommendation to the congregation
at the Annual Meeting for approval.
8. Can I specify where I want my money to be spent?
No. Your pledge goes into the general
ministry account and is used to pay for all the Ministry Programs.
9. Can I change my pledge?
Of course, you can increase or
decrease your pledge at any time during the year if your financial
conditions change.
10. What is the total Proposed Ministry budget for
2010-11?
It will be about $220,000. See a
budget summary by
clicking here.
11. What other sources of funding are included in the
Ministry Budget?
Income from our Fair Trade Shop
is included, but
that is largely offset by Fair Trade expense to purchase goods. About
$17,000 is contributed by fund raising activities such as the annual
auction and yard sale. We receive about $10,000 each year from the Sunday
offering.
12. Can you explain why we would want to give the
Sunday offering away?
We want to do this to expand our
social justice mission in the greater community. Other congregations that
have done this have experienced a significant increase in the amount of
money donated each Sunday, an increase in community awareness, and an
increase in membership.
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In a Unitarian Universalist congregation, giving is
a very personal matter. No one will tell you how much you should pledge.
Rather, we invite you to reflect on the meaning this Fellowship has in
your life, as well as your own personal financial situation. We encourage
you to consider the amount of your pledge in terms of the monthly dollar
figure -- how does this fit in with your other obligations? With your
values and choices? What difference would it make if you were to increase
that amount?
When it comes time to make your pledge to Ministry budget of UUFVB for the
year beginning July 1, 2010, we ask that you consider these things as well
as the suggested pledge amounts from the table below. Please join us in
giving generously to sustain the present and envision the future of the
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach. As one of our lay leaders
put it, "Give till it helps."
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 For
your convenience, we have provided two options for you to submit your
pledge.
1. Mail-in Pledge Form
You can
click here to
download a pledge form along with instructions for returning it to UUFVB.
2. Online Form
Fill in the web form below and your pledge will be
transmitted via email to UUFVB.
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