UUFA Athens

Unitarian Universalist

Fellowship of Athens

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UUFA Vice President Anna Pulpit Pledge Drive Remarks

Good morning,

It is my joy to stand before you today to kick off our annual pledge drive — that sacred, slightly uncomfortable, deeply hopeful season in the life of our fellowship when we pause to ask how do we sustain what we believe?

This year, we’ll be exploring how our fellowship fuels each of our shared UU values — equity, justice, pluralism, interdependence, generosity, and transformation — all centered in love. There will be time in the coming weeks to reflect on each one more deeply. 

But this morning, I want to begin simply:

Our budget is how we practice love.

Having love as the center of our faith is a call to action. Love shows up in what we build, what we sustain, and what we are willing to invest in.

And in a fellowship like ours, that investment is personal.

More than 90% of our annual budget comes directly from your donations. That means when we ask you to pledge, we are asking you to help us plan responsibly for the year ahead. A pledge is simply a promise — an estimate of what you intend to give in the next fiscal year, which begins in July. Those promises allow the Board and staff to build a realistic budget, support our ministries, and move forward with confidence instead of uncertainty.

. This fellowship exists because we choose it — year after year. Our ministry is powered by pledges. By promises. By covenant.

Every pledge says:
This community matters.
Our shared values matter.
Love in action matters.

You can make your pledge online through Realm; there is a QR code in your order of service. I will also be in the fellowship hall after the service to answer questions and offer assistance.

And once you make your pledge, I invite you to sign a handprint to help fuel the flame of our chalice — a visible reminder that it is our collective commitment that keeps that flame burning as we work together toward our aspiration goals.

Generosity isn’t about equal gifts; it’s about shared commitment. Each of us gives according to our capacity, aligning our financial commitments with our spiritual ones.

This fellowship is a living expression of love in action. And it runs on us.

May our shared commitments carry this beloved community into another year of vibrant ministry.

Thank you.

Help us live out our values and meet our visionary 2026–2027 budget by making your pledge today. Go to tinyurl.com/uufa-2027 to make your pledge or visit the pledge table in the Fellowship Hall after the worship services through April 19. Reach out to the Pledge Drive team with any questions or concerns through UUFA Vice President (vp@uuathensga.org). Your pledge is your best guest of what you can contribute in the upcoming fiscal year. 

If you’re a current pledger and would like to continue your pledge through the upcoming fiscal year, you may let us know by emailing us at bookkeeper@uuathensga.org.

Thank you for your ongoing, generous support of UUFA’s Mission and Vision through your time, talent, and treasure!

Happenings in a List!

Special events are indicated in bold italic below, for details of these and the many recurring committee/team meeting details.

Check the “This Month & Beyond” page (to the left or at uuathensga.org/UUFA and make sure to join your groups on Realm/Connect. so you can communicate with other group members, as well as have easy access to Zoom links for virtual happenings. 

Information on justice-focused meetings, events, and teams is available This Month & Beyond, but to see only justice meetings, you can find visuals announcements here & the UUFA Justice Calendar here

Need help with Realm/Connect!? Contact Meredyth@uuathensga.org

March

All Month:

  • Annual Pledge Drive
  • Diaper Drive
  • CANtributions Drive
  • Cause of the Month / Share the Plate

On these dates in March:

  • 1 First Sunday 
    • Forum: UU GA Legislative Action Network (first and third Sundays)
    • Abundance Table (first Sundays)
    • Conversation Cafe (first and third Sundays)
    • Social Action Justice Team (first Sundays)
    • Journeys Class
    • Historical Jesus Book Discussion (first and third Sundays)
  •   2 Every Monday Peaceful Protest (every Monday)
  •   4 Wednesdays at UUFA (Drum Circle, Potluck, Chalice Choir)
  •   7 On Tyranny Interfaith Book Discussion (also on the 21st and April 4 and 18)
  • 8 Second Sunday
    • Daylight Savings Time reminder
    • Fire Drill at UUFA “Be Prepared, Not Scared!”
    • Singing Meditation
    • Book Talks (second Sundays)
    • Hiking Our Values 
  •   9  Every Monday Peaceful Protest (every Monday)
  •   9  The Gathering from Side with Love (second Mondays)
  • 10  Second Lookers (second Tuesdays)
  • 11  Second Wednesday
    • Potluck & Simple Suppers (second Wednesdays)
    • Realm/Connect Cafe (second Wednesdays)
    • Palms of Fire and Chalice Choir Practice
  • 12  Racial Justice Team (second Tuesdays)
  • 15   Third Sunday
    • Third Sunday Forum: Proposed ICE Detention Center (first and third Sundays)
    • Conversation Cafe (first and third Sundays)
    • Historical Jesus Book Discussion (first and third Sundays)
  • 16   Every Monday Peaceful Protest (every Monday)
  • 19   Board of Trustees Meeting (third Thursdays)
  • 20   Spring Equinox Celebration in Song and Dance
  • 20    Justice Partner event: Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition (AIRC) Meeting
  • 21   On Tyranny Interfaith Book Discussion at Greater Bethel AME Church (at UUFA again on April 4 and 18)
  • 22   Fourth Sunday
    • Worship Transformation- An Invitation for Spiritual Stewards of the Congregation
  • 23   Every Monday Peaceful Protest (every Monday)
  • 23   Earth Ministry Team (fourth Mondays)
  • 29   Justice Action Collaborative (fifth Sundays)
  • 30   Every Monday Peaceful Protest (every Monday)
  • 31   UUA Welcoming Day of Observance: International Transgender Day of Visibility

March Share the Plate/Cause-of-the-Month: U-Lead Athens

During March, U-Lead (uleadathens.org) will receive one half of all undesignated offerings. U-Lead Athens is committed to providing equal access to higher education for students regardless of their immigration status. This group supports, guides, and empowers students to achieve their educational goals. For details, contact justice@uuathensga.org.

Help with Food Insecurity through March CANtributions

Please continue to bring non-perishable food items to Fellowship Hall’s wicker baskets. While all CANtributions are appreciated, the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank is especially in need of canned tomatoes and pork and beans during March. To give by credit card, visit uuathensga.org/give and look for “Charitable Giving.” To give by check, make the check out to UUFA and put “CANtributions 1-8016” in the memo line. You may also contribute directly to the AAEFB at their website: athensfoodbank.org   To learn more, contact justice@uuathensga.org. If you are experiencing food insecurity or know someone in our UUFA community who is, please contact Rev. Pippin (revpippin@uuathensga.org).

The Social Action Justice Team (SJAT) Holds March Diaper Drive

One in two U.S. families struggles to provide enough diapers to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry, and healthy. During the March drive, please place diaper donations in the wicker baskets at the Donations Table in the Fellowship Hall. All diaper donations will be shared with the local immigrant community through SIFIC (Support for Immigrant Families in Crisis), a part of AIRC (Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition), which is a UUFA Justice Partner. To contribute monetarily, visit the UUFA Giving page and look for “Charitable Giving” and choose “Diaper Drive” from the menu. For more information, email justice@uuathensga.org.

UUFA Justice Partner Highlights

Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition (AIRC) Meeting

All are welcome to attend the next meeting of the Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition – a UUFA Justice Partner – on March 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Oconee Street United Methodist Church. For more information contact justice@uuathensga.org.

You are encouraged to visit the websites of this year’s Justice Partners to learn more about how you can support them in their important work in the Athens community. While you’re there, sign up for their individual newsletters so you can stay informed.