Heritage UU Church

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HUUC Stewardship 2022-2023

The Gift of Being a Beginner

As we embark on our stewardship campaign for our upcoming 22-23 church year, I am focused on new beginnings. While we are a congregation with a long history and deep roots in Cincinnati, we are also in the midst of many first-time experiences and initiatives. In many ways we are beginners together. And being a beginner is a gift. It can be frightening and uncertain, but as we practice making new connections with new members (seeing new members and friends for the first time in person rather than over Zoom), re-imagining worship, providing video streaming as a regular part of our services (I could go on) we experience the process of learning and growing together.

Of course, there is nothing new about the need to gather pledges to support the programs and worship, mission and music, faith development, building, and grounds at Heritage. But I encourage all of us to approach this pledge drive with new eyes and a new appreciation for the support that this church community has provided over many years, and particularly the last two years.

So what is it that we can do to bring novelty and new-ness to this year’s pledge drive? We can make stewardship about more than our individual pledges, more than just a “let’s get this over with” season. We need to talk with each other about the need for pledged giving, why we pledge, and how we determine what pledge level makes sense for each of us. With each passing year we are building a community and a support network together. We are either growing and thriving or we are becoming static and, ultimately, diminishing our ability to provide the services and support that we all associate with the HUUC community.

We were successful in last year’s pledge drive in increasing the total average pledge, but we fell short in receiving pledges from all members and friends. This year, if we don’t achieve generosity as a community, that is if we don’t achieve generosity together, then we cannot make the progress we’d like to make as a growing and thriving community. An oft-cited African proverb (of foggy origin, typical of the things we call proverbs) tells us “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

And what we need to do together in our pledge drive for our 22-23 church year is meet the reality of increased costs with a pledge level that can support a balanced budget. We have been able to rely on federal Covid relief funds to support part of our budget for this year, but we cannot rely on this kind of support every year. The sooner we can return to a balanced budget that is fully funded by the pledges of members and friends, the better.

The HUUC Board of Trustees has set priorities for next church year that will allow us to meet increased costs for maintaining our facilities as well as providing fair compensation and expanded roles for our amazing staff, both ministerial and non-ministerial. If we can achieve an overall 15% increase in pledged giving we will be able to accomplish the following as a church community:

  • Increase salaries for non-ministerial staff by 5% and bring our ministerial salaries up to levels recommended by the UUA for a church of our size.
  • Increase the hours of our Church Administrator to provide better support for our members and for our weekly church services.
  • Add a Membership Development component to Laci’s role, moving her to full-time status.
  • Increase budgets for Religious Education, Youth programming, and Adult Faith Formation programming.
  • Fund a Family Ministry line item in our church budget.
  • Continue building and replenishing our Building Major Maintenance Fund.
  • Accommodate cost increases for utilities, cleaning, maintenance, technology, repairs, and more.

And now for some “pledge facts” that might help you to think about an amount to pledge towards our budget for the next fiscal year:

  • For the 2021-2022 church year, our congregation pledged $210,000, and for 2022-2023 our pledge goal is $242,000, an increase of 15% through a combination of increased pledge amounts and an increased number of pledges.
  • Over the last several years we have decreased the number of pledges while increasing the average pledge. For the 22-23 pledge drive we’re looking to increase the number of pledges from 91 to 105 or more (we received 114 total pledges for the 2019-2020 fiscal year).
  • The UUA Fair Share pledging guidelines are a great place to start, especially for first-time pledgers. These guidelines will help you to make a pledge that takes into account your specific household financial situation.

So, let us take this moment to dream big about how we support the programs and staff of this church. Pledges make up 90% of our annual budgeted income, and your pledge helps us to further live into our mission and vision. I am grateful for you each year as you say yes to this congregation, to our staff, and to our faith. We are all here because of your gifts of time, energy, and resources. Thank you for your generosity this year.

And now, it’s time to submit your pledge. The pledge form is right here on the HUUC website, just below on this page. Your pledge is secure and private.

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Filed Under: Stewardship Campaign

Pledging – Frequently Asked Questions

(Click on a question to go to the answer.)

What is a pledge?
When does the pledge drive begin and end?
What time period does my pledge cover?
What is the amount that I should pledge?
What is the average pledge amount at Heritage?
How many people pledge at Heritage?
What is the total membership of Heritage UU Church?
What is the cost to HUUC for each member?
How are financial record keeping and budgeting handled at HUUC?
Is pledging a requirement of membership at HUUC?
What if I need to change, or cannot fulfill, my pledge?

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What is a pledge?

A pledge is a promise to donate a certain amount of money to the church within the church fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.

When does the pledge drive begin and end?

This year’s pledge drive will formally begin on Sunday, March 13, and it will end during the first week of May. The Board of Trustees will use the final pledge total to finalize the budget for approval at our Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 5, beginning at 8:30 a.m. All members are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting to vote on the budget, and to vote on candidates for the Board of Trustees and other elected positions.

What time period does my pledge cover?

Your pledge that is submitted during this spring pledge drive will be in effect from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, in accordance with our church fiscal year. Pledges from new members are welcome at any time during the year.

What is the amount that I should pledge?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The UUA offers Fair Share Pledging guidelines, which offer different levels of pledging for different income levels, and the guidelines take certain expenses into account as well (kind of like deductions on your taxes). The guidelines are available here: UUA Fair Share Pledging Guidelines.

What is the average pledge amount at Heritage?

The current average pledge is $2,100 per year, and the median pledge is $1,500 per year (half of our pledges are higher than $1,500 and half are lower).

How many people pledge at Heritage?

For our 2021-2022 fiscal year we have 91 pledges, or pledge units. A “pledge unit” often counts for more than one member of our church, and we also receive pledges from many friends of Heritage who may not be formal members of the church.

What is the total membership of Heritage UU Church?

We currently have 171 members.

What is the cost to HUUC for each member?

We all share in the fixed operational costs of the church, costs such as staff salaries & benefits, utilities, office supplies, building maintenance, etc. In addition to these fixed costs, we currently pay a total of about $50 per member per year to the UUA, UU Justice Ohio, and the UU Council of Greater Cincinnati for membership in these important denominational organizations.

How are financial record keeping and budgeting handled at HUUC?

Please read a 2019 Heirloom column from Reid Hester for an explanation of our approach to budgeting and record keeping: Keeping a Finger on Our Financial Pulse.

Is pledging a requirement of membership at HUUC?

Yes, our church constitution stipulates that members are required to make an annual financial commitment in the form of a pledge that is consistent with your individual circumstances. The congregation depends upon your pledge and those of all other members to create a realistic annual budget for the upcoming year. We welcome pledges or donations from visitors and friends as well. Everyone is welcome to attend services at Heritage UU Church, whether formally a member or friend, or not, with no financial obligation.

What if I need to change, or cannot fulfill, my pledge?

You may change your pledge any time during the year. If you find your life is taking an unexpected turn, a call to the ministerial staff might be a good step, too. Whether you’re adjusting your pledge up or down, know that we will be grateful for the information, which helps us budget and manage the budget. Know that every gift is valued. To change your pledge, contact:

Filed Under: Stewardship Campaign

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Updated Policy for COVID-19

Various safeguards are in place. Masks are required for staff and volunteers working directly with children, and are optional otherwise. Persons with COVID-19 symptoms should avoid in-person meetings. You can learn more at the HUUC Gathering Policy.

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Have you visited us for a Sunday morning worship, a Virtual Vespers Service, or other event? Feel free to share your thoughts through our Virtual Guest Book. (No one will contact you unless you request it.)

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To sign up to receive the monthly Heirloom newsletter in your in-box, send your request in an email with your first and last name to:

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Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church
2710 Newtown Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45244-3511
Phone: 513-231-8634.
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