Dear friend,

What troubling times we live in. I’m feeling it, and I know you are too.

As I listen to the news, to people I know and love as they express legitimate fear, I’m more and more aware of the importance of community. I feel lucky and grateful to have the community of First Unitarian Church.

You are an important part of this congregation. Why do you come? Maybe it’s

• the sanctuary we find in a congregation that is accepting, committed, and joyful
• the power of the impact we have when we commit to act together on social justice work
• the services and presence this year of our beloved minister for worship and pastoral care, Rev. Jonalu Johnstone
• our religious education program, including OWL (our UU branded sexuality education)
• the beauty and renewal we find in connecting with a wide diversity of our fellow congregants

Or another reason. Thank you for showing up and contributing. We’re grateful.

A community also needs resources. We pay taxes for the common good in our city, state, and nation. We pay dues to organizations that we care about. First Unitarian is no different. Our congregation is able to do what we do because we have the resources to hire and keep excellent staff and fund work that spreads the values we share.

For a while after the COVID lockdown, I found myself looking back a lot, thinking we need to rebuild, restore, etc. Lately, I’m feeling myself eagerly looking forward. We’re on track to contract with an inspiring minister next year because we can offer a fair salary and fund missional work in line with our faith’s values. Resources are allowing us to look forward with curiosity and energy for work on the things we care about.

If you haven’t yet pledged for the coming year (July 2025-June 2026), will you make your pledge today? We want to increase both the number of people pledging and the amounts they pledge. Can you help us do that? New pledges and increases will activate a 1:1 matching gift.

This church is a big part of how I’m feeding my soul and feeling able to continue the work we need to do – inside our church and out in the community. I’m grateful for your financial support of this wonderful congregation and our work together.

In love and solidarity,

Sundra Flansburg, President Elect