UUCM

Stewardship 2023

"Building Beloved Community" 

Greetings!

 

It’s that time of year when we reflect on what UUCM means to us – and to the wider community – and how each of us will commit to sustain UUCM by pledging our financial support. Stewardship Drive activities will begin in March and end on Stewardship Sunday, April 2, 2023.

 

This year’s Stewardship Drive will look a bit different from that in previous years.

  1. Back to Basics: The last few years have been challenging as we worked hard to keep UUCM open and safe for all. This has been especially taxing on those in leadership and others who have been working hard to keep this community going. I don’t believe our Stewardship Drive should add to that load when what is required of us all is simply to examine our hearts and ask what UUCM means to us.
  2. The Congregational Development Committee (CDC) is tasked each year to recruit a Stewardship Team to organize and implement the Stewardship Drive. This year, rather than asking a small group of people to take this on, I am officially recruiting ALL OF YOU because it’s time to acknowledge that the stewardship of UUCM is EVERYONE’S responsibility.
  3. This year’s theme is “Let Our Lights Shine!” It is inspired by a quote from Marianne Williamson: “As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

EVERYONE needs to do their part in a way that lets their light shine, without over-taxing our reserves of time, energy, brainspace, and heart. There are signup sheets in Barnum Hall to get volunteers for four common features of previous Stewardship Drives. If no one signs up to lead and participate in these activities, they will not be part of this year’s drive.

 

  • Hosting Cottage Meetings (in person/virtual): If this is something that you feel comfortable doing, and enjoy doing, please offer to host. It will be up to you to schedule and organize your meeting, including inviting people.

  • Testimonials to be given during worship services in March: If this is what makes your light shine, please sign up! If you prefer to share your thoughts or feelings about what UUCM means to you in another form, that’s great too! Might you offer an essay, a poem, a song, or a musical performance? Or perhaps you prefer to draw, paint, photograph, or sculpt? All formats are welcome! 

  • Stewardship Sunday Presentation during worship: If you are adept at producing short plays or videos, or maybe a puppet show, do sign up if this is a way for your light to shine. You would need to assemble your own cast, crew, etc., and plan and execute in collaboration with the Worship Team far enough in advance to allow smooth integration.

  • Stewardship Sunday Shared Meal: I know this makes many of your lights shine! It can be as simple as a potluck or as elaborate as a served, sit-down brunch. You will be responsible for planning and execution, including recruiting volunteers.

 

Lastly, I encourage EVERYONE to begin the conversation in their small groups, committees, and during coffee hour. When it all comes down to it, we are all each other’s stewards.

 

Start a discussion with the quote: “As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

  • What does this quote mean to you?
  • Has UUCM helped you let your light shine? How?
  • How can we all help each other find our lights and let them shine?
  • How can we all help UUCM’s light shine so that we can continue to build Beloved Community within and beyond our doors?
  • Share your stories, dreams, and ideas with each other.

 

Please visit the signup sheets in Barnum Hall, and let’s light this up! If you attend church virtually and would like to help in some other way or if you have questions about this process, please reach out to me by email, and I will try to respond in a timely manner.

 

Thank you all for all you do for UUCM!

 

Marti Kennedy

Co-chair, Congregational Development Committee

2023 Stewardship Drive Facilitator

UUCM.org 603-673-1870 office@uucm.org

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