Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist

Officially Canvass ended on March 31st and as we wrap-up the campaign TJMCUU is well short of its needed funding for next year. As of May 5th we stood at approximately $397,131 pledged from 279 household members and supporters, against a goal of $460,000 from 360 households.

We are still waiting to hear from over 100 households who together pledged a total of approximately $90,000 last year and from some of our newest members. The Canvass Committee are working hard to reach these members and supporters and ask them to make their commitment now before the Finance Committee and the Board presents its final budget later this month.

As it stands the Board will be faced with some very difficult decisions and so if you are one of those we are still waiting to hear from, or know someone who may still be considering their level of commitment please act now by:

• Sending in your pledge card, or
• Pledge on-line at http://www.uucharlottesville.org/canvass-2010-2011  or
• Send an e-mail to pledge@uucharlottesville.org

Please, make your contribution today and “Commit to the Future” of TJMCUU.

Stewardship is a recent “buzzword” in church fundraising. One of stewardship’s definitions according to the Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary is: “the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” That is a very empowering way of thinking about our church - something entrusted to our care. It implies so much more than making an annual pledge each spring. Indeed, as has been pointed out to us by Rev. Terry Switzer during last year’s visit with us, it is an ongoing, year-round commitment to and involvement with this church community.

We are making an intentional effort this year to revitalize ourselves as full stewards of this church. Yes, we are asking for your annual pledge of financial support at this time. But just as importantly, we are asking for a recommitment of your membership and your active participation in the life and work of this congregation.

We are responsible for TJMC-UU — each of us individually, all of us collectively. The values, history, mission, work, staff, buildings… in short, the current and future vitality of this church is entrusted to our care. There are no others. We are the stewards of this church.

As you consider your level of participation and of annual financial support, consider it from the standpoint of stewardship — “the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” Who we are and what we can become is a direct reflection of our commitment and our generosity, of the level and quality of our stewardship.

If you have not already done so, return your pledge card to the Church no later than Tuesday, March 30. Or, you can pledge online through our website uucharlottesville.org by clicking on the “Committed to our Future” button; or by email to pledge@uucharlottesville.org. Extra pledge cards are in the pews and on the bulletin board by the Pledge tracking thermometer. You may also contact one of the Co-Chairs of this year’s fund drive if you need a pledge card.