We are SO close.
News –
WATCH: Rev. Arif, during his last Sunday in the pulpit at First Universalist
Dear First Universalist Members and Friends,
As Chair of the Board of Trustees, I’m writing with both gratitude and urgency. First, my deepest appreciation to everyone who has already pledged for the 2025-2026 church year. Your commitment to our spiritual home is what makes First Universalist the transformative community it is.
Where We Stand
The good news is that we’ve made extraordinary progress in the last week. As Rev. Arif shared during last Sunday’s services (watch video above), your generosity reduced our gap from $100,000 to $75,000 in just one week. Then, following his passionate appeal during yesterday’s service, members of our congregation stepped forward with additional donations totaling approximately $50,000!
That means we’re now just $25,000 away from meeting our goal of $1.275 million before the Board of Trustees votes on the 2025-2026 budget at their meeting on May 15. We’re so close! This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the promise we make to ourselves, to our staff, and to our collective ministry.
A Budget Is a Promise
As Rev. Arif reminded us: “A budget is a promise made by the congregation to itself and to the staff.” When we fall short of our expected budget scenario, it means we’ll “be able to do less in terms of program and staffing. That’s just how money works.”
I want to be direct with you, as Rev. Arif was in Sunday’s service: “People give when they’re asked. So I’m asking.” I am asking you now.
How You Can Help
If you have already pledged: Would you consider increasing your commitment? Even a modest increase of $5-$500 would make a significant difference as we close this final $25,000 gap.
If you have not yet pledged: Now is the moment. We’re so close to our goal, and your participation could help us cross the finish line. As Rev. Arif said yesterday, “I guarantee you, you are going to need this church. Our world is going to need this church.”
If you’re considering a significant gift: Just a few substantial gifts could complete our campaign. If you’re in a position to give $5,000, $10,000, or more, your leadership giving would ensure we meet our goal before Sunday’s meeting.
We Do Not Act Like We’re Broke
I was moved yesterday by Rev. Arif’s story about his colleague Pastor Danny Givens, who challenged white congregations by saying: “Where I come from, we raise what we need. We don’t stop ’til we have it. There is no one else to backstop us.”
The truth is, there is no one else to backstop us either. As Rev. Jen has written, “We live in the shade and the harvest of the sturdy tree our spiritual ancestors planted. And it is up to us to tend it, and to keep on planting for the times we know now, and for times we shall never see.”
Take Action Now
To make a new pledge, click here.
To increase your existing pledge: Email our bookkeeper, Jie Wronski-Riley at jie@firstuniv.org with your new total annual pledge amount.
The Board of Trustees will be voting on the 2025-2026 budget at our meeting on Thursday, May 15. We have just a few days to close this gap and ensure we can approve a budget that fully supports our congregation’s needs and aspirations.
There are no hands but ours. There are no wallets but ours. No one else to send to make the love we put our faith in come alive in the world.
With gratitude and hope,
Jeff Snyder, Chair, Board of Trustees
If you have already pledged and you would like to increase your pledge, please send an email to our bookkeeper, Jie Wronski-Riley (jie [at] firstuniv.org), and let them know how much you would like to increase your commitment for the coming church year, which begins on July 1, 2025.