Dear Members and Friends of Universalist National Memorial Church,
During the next few weeks all of us at UNMC will be asked to examine our commitment to our church and make a pledge of financial support.
There’s an obvious question that I believe should be considered in the process of discerning our financial commitment. What difference does it make? A thoughtful answer to this question will lead to a level of commitment that is appropriate and feels good.
As a newcomer let me offer you my impressions of UNMC. While this congregation has been through a very difficult time over the last couple of years, there is still an impressive loyalty among core members that has allowed the doors to stay open.
This is no small thing. Especially with a relatively small membership.
There has been meaningful worship available every Sunday—and even beyond Sundays. Holidays have been celebrated; bills have been paid; pastoral needs attended to; visitors noticed and welcomed. In addition, work on the church building, UNMC’s second most valuable resource (people being the first), has continued. Further, additional programs have been offered, including training for pastoral care givers and vespers service for the neighborhood—among others. Let me say it again: this is no small thing.
My second observation is that even in the midst of keeping the doors open under difficult circumstances, the leadership of UNMC has been evaluating the situation and visioning the future. In the last two months I have heard the leaders asking the tough questions, exploring creative ideas, and planning for widespread participation in these discussions. You will be hearing more about this at the semi-annual meeting on November 14th. Your board is faithfully working on your behalf and on behalf of the future of Universalist National Memorial Church.
Having shared these impressions—I hope you see that I believe our financial commitment makes a tremendous difference. This is a critical moment in UNMC’s history. Stepping up the level of financial giving now means providing the foundation for the future.
In shared ministry,
Mary Katherine
Rev. Morn can be reached in the church office at 202-387-3411 or by email at mkmorn@universalist.org.
Posted by Kimberly Durham Bates at November 3, 2004 11:11 AM