Read the full issue of this week’s newsletter here: The Weekly Liberal March 7

In this week’s Liberal, Rev. Justin writes:

I can hardly believe it, but this is my 10th Annual Giving Drive! Over the years, the Annual Giving Team has had different messages and different themes. But whatever the theme, the underlying focus has been to raise the money necessary to live into our values and sustain and strengthen our ministry.

Last year, we moved toward a new model and message in our Annual Giving, which we called “All In.” We wanted everyone to be in financially, to support our spiritual development programming, our faithful action efforts, our racial justice journey, and our dynamic Sunday worship. Over 700 individuals and couples responded with financial support and together, we have so much we can be proud of: without question, we have the largest Unitarian Universalist Children and Youth program in the country, serving hundreds of children and youth every Sunday; we regularly get questions about our racial justice efforts and support and advise congregations on their own racial justice journey; and as Jen Crow and I live into co-ministry, we are modeling a new, more equitable leadership paradigm in large church ministry.

The bottom line? It takes all of us, being all in, to make our ministry thrive!

This year, we’re again asking everyone to be all in, as well as to be a sustaining giver (meaning your gift is ongoing), and to submit your giving intentions by Wednesday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m.!

Here’s what I’ve learned after 10 years: For some reason, it is a struggle for church members and friends make their annual giving commitments in a timely way. I’m an optimist by nature, and I believe this is the year the vast majority of gifts will come in by Wednesday, March 13. Please prove me right! You can make your annual gift by mail, phone (612-825-1701), online, or in person.

We’re counting on your timely support. I trust that the 10th time is the charm!

With gratitude and love,
Justin

P.S. We know it’s been hard to get to church with all the snow and ice. We get it. The guy in this video gets it. But please get your annual gift in – by mail, by phone, online, by carrier pigeon – by March 13. Thank you!

P.P.S. If you were amused by Rev. Justin’s antics in the video above, just wait ’til you see what Rev. Ruth did yesterday!