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!
