Stewardship ~ An essential aspect of congregational life.
Generosity is a key spiritual practice in all major religions. Each member and friend of UUCSF has an opportunity to experience the joy of generous hearts as we make a regular financial contribution that reflects our commitment to the UUCSF.
All members are expected and encouraged to support the work of the congregation with their time, talents, and treasure. There are many opportunities to share our time and talents. If you would like to get involved with the congergation please take some time to fill out this Talents and Interest form. Return the form to the office and you will soon be contacted.
Each Unitarian Universalist congregation is responsible for funding its own programs and day-to-day operations. While the national UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) and regional MDD (Mountain Desert District) do provide essential services and information, we do not receive our operating funds from a central organization; in fact, we provide some funds each year to our area and national Unitarian Universalist organizations. So, at UUCSF, we rely on our members and regularly participating friends to fund our operating budget by pledging each year.
UUCSF Budget and Pledging
As part of UUCSF’s annual budget process, we conduct an annual pledge campaign, designed to provide predictable income to support ongoing programs such as Sunday services, forums, religious education for children and youths, religious education for adults, and Covenant Groups. Expenses (salaries, utilities, maintenance, etc.) can thus be planned for. The annual budget is approved by the congregation each spring.
Please consider pledging to support UUCSF so that the congregation can manage its resources effectively. We ask that all members give according to their resources, financially as well as through contributions of time in various church activities. Even a small pledge is very welcome.
Members may pay their pledges on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis by cash, check or automatic bank draft. Checks may be placed in the collection plate or mailed to the Business Manager at P.O. Box 4637, Santa Fe, NM 87502-4637. Those who pledge will receive quarterly statements of their giving.
Fair Share Giving
The Fair Share Giving guide was developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association as a guide to what it takes to keep our faith alive. UUs traditionally do not give a fixed percent- age of income like many orthodox churches. On the other hand, it still takes a substantial commitment from every member to make our congregations viable. We suggest giving from 2% to 10% of your adjusted gross income depending on your financial circumstances.
Just to be clear — We are not suggesting locating our income on the guide and dramatically increasing our annual financial commitment immediately. We are suggesting that all members consider moving toward our suggested financial fair share over time in a steady, intentional way.
UUCSF 2010 Pledge form and Fair Share Giving guide.
Special Offerings and Gifts
The first Sunday of each month we collect a special offering for a community social service organization that the congregation may wish to support. The organization is selected by the UUCSF Social Justice Committee. Also the change in the offering each Sunday goes to the Change for Change projects.
The congregation may on occasion invite special gifts for special projects such as support for a religious education or youth initiative, a gift to the library, or the refurbishing of our facilities. Gifts may be given in honor or memorial of a person important to the life of UUCSF.
Current Special Gift Opportunity:
There are plans for several facilities items that could not be covered by our 14-month budget. Karolyn Eisenstien has begun a facilities fund with a contribution of $6000 to cover some of these items and to honor the service of Jim and Betty Grant. The money will go to:
•framed picture of Jim and Betty for our ministers’ gallery,
•new sign over entrance and repair to wayside pulpit (as per bid),
•repair of sign on the corner and new landscaping around it,
•refurbishment of Fogelson chancel and windows (painting),
•audio visual improvements to Fogelson
•chancel screen and hanging system
•inductive loop hearing system
•any remaining money applied to technology improvements.
In addition another $1500 has been raised toward the Fogelson painting project .
If you are interested in giving a special, designated gift to UUCSF or contributing to these projects please contact the business manager at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Provide Support Through Planned Giving
UUCSF Planned Giving Seminar
The Permanent Endowment Committee is sponsoring a Planned Giving seminar on Sunday, October 10th at 1pm.
The seminar is designed to help us all become more familiar with the various options for sharing what we have through a deferred or "planned gift." This meeting is for information only, so come with your questions.
Remember that 60% of Americans do not have end of life documents, so how can they leave a legacy?
If you plan to attend please RSVP to Patricia Jonietz at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or call the church office at (505) 982 9674.
