Minister’s Letter 2/1/2026
Beloved Friends,
All around church life right now you are seeing references to our annual pledge campaign. For those who listen to NPR this might feel like the times when they take over the airways with their giving campaign. The difference is, you can’t change the station at church. On a plus side, talking about giving is actually a conversation about spiritual sustenance.
Generosity is one of the seven values we affirm as Unitarian Universalists. Generosity is a central part of our covenant with one another. Our generosity comes in countless forms. Recently I have been thinking about the generosity we offer one another when a mistake is made or when something hurtful is done/said. In a faith community like ours, we are committing to stay in relationship with one another whether things are joyous or challenging. Unitarian Universalism is our religious tradition during the good times and the bad times. Being generous with one another is a commitment to remain at the table, just as we say during our new member in-gathering each time. When one is a friend of the church, congregational life is primarily about receiving. The choice to become a member is a promise to give and receive alike. The generosity we extend one another allows that give and take to flourish.
Financial giving is a beautiful part of generosity. Curtis Smith reminds us that we need to give to our church with a sense of abundance. Scarcity roots us in fear. Abundance roots us in possibility. Possibility abounds at 2U. With the completion of our capital campaign projects, what might we do with a building that is more accessible than ever before? As an interim minister comes in, what are the possibilities of a new ministry at 2U? With a new Director of Music, where might music ministries go from here? There are countless possibilities. The possibility of our church requires your generosity. Giving is exciting! Giving is a blessing! Giving is our shared responsibility!
The yearly pledge campaign is an opportunity to celebrate. This is a season of recognizing all our church does, for ourselves as individuals, and for our entire community. Second Unitarian has been around since 1857. I can only imagine what our chosen ancestors would think of what we are doing with our Unitarian Universalist ministry today. When our congregation began it was solely Unitarian. What would Rev. Collyer, our founding minister, think of the merger of Unitarianism and Universalism? We practice a living tradition. It evolves as we evolve. Ours is a faith without a creed. We keep telling ourselves, and one another, what our truths are. Giving your financial resources to this congregation is an affirmation of our continued journey searching for truth and meaning. There is still much to be uncovered. Your gifts keep this place of spiritual exploration alive.
Friends, lean into your generous spirit this pledge season. Give until it feels good. Our church is counting on you.
In faithful solidarity,
