Recently we had a celebration in the fellowship hall in honor of the successful stewardship drive campaign. The campaign asks people once per year to pledge an amount of money they plan to donate next year to keep the Fellowship going financially. This year the pledges were generous and 98% of the goal was met. The celebration was by invitation to those people who met one of three criteria: those making a financial pledge for the first time; those increasing their pledge by 5% compared to last year; and those pledging 5% of their income. Amazingly, half the congregation fit one of these categories, showing deep and wide support for our work. Their reward was ice cream sundaes – and a chance to reflect and brainstorm about this congregation, what we do, and what we dream we could be. What if we had a million dollars? What if our budget were double what it is now? What if we had enough money (and volunteers) to do that next thing we are dreaming of—what would that thing be? With a belly full of ice cream and an invitation to dream big, here are some ideas that I heard: -get a van to pick up people who need rides -support a movement to build tiny homes for Mount Pleasant residents -improve the sound system in the sanctuary -put on youth programs like Our Whole Lives and Race to Justice -organize a service trip -have a UU rock band that plays during some worship services -have two worship services per week -provide mentoring and tutoring to community members -offer more workshops and classes like Building Your Own Theology -be more involved with local non-profit and charity organizations In facilitating the discussion, I encouraged people in their dreaming by saying that vision is necessary before you can accomplish a big thing – and then I realized that half the people in the room were present for the visioning and accomplishing that have got UUFCM this far: buying a building outright with no mortgage; hiring a full-time minister. And the other half of the people in the room are newer than that. It takes all of us to dream and contribute and to create the Fellowship of tomorrow. I’m grateful to everyone who is part of this movement, and for all the contributions of money and volunteer energy that you are able to provide. PRAYER: Divine spirit that nurtures our dreams; heavenly energy that allows us to imagine and envision beyond the here and now, thank you. May we continue moving forward and creating the best version of what we can be—in this Fellowship, in our families, and everywhere in our lives. May it be so. Rev. Andrew Frantz |
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Rev. Andrew FrantzUUFCM Minister Office hours:
In-person and via Zoom: Tuesday 10-noon Wednesday 1-3 & 8-9pm Office Hours Zoom Link Outside of Office Hours, Drew is reachable at any time via text, phone, or email. Day off: Monday Contact for emergencies only minister@uufcm.org Phone/text: 440-935-0129 Pastoral Care Concerns
For support with life’s challenges, please contact Drew during his office hours or make an appointment with him. For specific needs such as rides to medical appointments or meals for people recovering from illness or surgery, please contact the Caring Team (formerly Arms Around) via Jen Prout at 989-400-3130 or poutyprouty66@gmail.com. Every effort will be made to lessen the burden on the individual or family who is dealing with a difficult circumstance. Archives
April 2024
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