Commitment Season

March 14, 2025 

Dear Members and Friends of UBC:  

As the weather warms up we start thinking about new growth. As the snow recedes, we see resilient bulbs break out of the winter slumber. The sap is flowing and the trees will soon blossom. This is also the season that we consider our commitments to living out the Gospel in this congregation. We send out a letter like this every spring in preparation for our annual meeting, this year planned for June 8th.    The UBC Council has started its work on a preliminary budget and the Talent Team has already begun surveying the congregation about the ways they might want to use their time and talent at UBC in the coming year. If all goes well, we’ll have a slate of officers and a budget to vote on at our annual meeting. As you know, our program and budget year begins on July 1st.  Our Commitment Sunday is Palm Sunday, April 13th and the enclosed information ought to help you help us in making plans for the coming year.

This week, we’ll also welcome our new Marketing and Communications manager, Maura Dunst. I look forward to you meeting her. Together we will find new ways to engage people in the important work that we share at UBC.

Can you believe that this congregation has been going strong for 175 years?  We are going to celebrate this anniversary this year in a number of ways. Part of it is thinking about the past, and another part is to consider the future.  What is our role as a church in these tumultuous times? Where is the word of hope? Who challenges the worst parts of government decrees?  How do we support each other in the midst of it all? That’s our critical set of questions and guideposts.

Commitment at UBC goes far beyond financial support. It’s also about using our immense talent and valuable time in the best way possible. Enclosed, you will find a time and talent sheet that I invite you to complete. The Talent Team will use this information to help build leadership teams for various church-related tasks. The Council is working on a budget, a summary of which is also enclosed. There is also a pledge card. Please fill all of these out and either mail them to UBC or bring them to church on or before April 13th.  Kim and I have already decided to increase our pledge for the coming year. I hope you’ll join us.

In the midst of trying times, the church is even more important.  I feel blessed to walk alongside you in this ministry we share at UBC. This church continues to give me hope and inspiration.  I know you share my gratitude.  Together, we can continue to make a real difference in the lives of the people we touch.   

Grace and Peace,  

Doug Donley