Love is the spirit of this church. We inspire love at UUCP. We join this church because we love the UUCP community. We belong because the mission and the WHY of our congregation resonate with us. We covenant together to be contributing members of this Beloved Community by attending and giving to support the church.
The fact that we’re able to maintain our budget and a Charitable Trust solely through the investment of members and friends is an amazing feat that reflects our dedication. How we spend our money and our time as a congregation are indicators of who and what we love. Talking about money is uncomfortable but important. Members participating in the discussion program in December wanted to be more aware of our financial status. Being better informed about our income and our expenses at UUCP can be worry-making yet empowering. When we get clear about our budget, we take responsibility for our part in it.
Church Treasurer Erin Renfroe provides a quarterly financial report to the Board to monitor that the church is on track with the annual budget approved by the congregation. The Board also authorizes any necessary adjustments along the way. These reports are available from the Treasurer or a Board member for any curious or concerned member. The congregation, as a whole, receives budget updates twice per year. As happened in our recent Midyear Congregational Meeting, the Treasurer recaps the budget year that ended on June 30 and reviews our standing for the first part of the current budget year (July 1 – Dec 31). At the Annual Congregational Meeting, the proposed budget for the next church year will be presented for a vote by the congregation.
If our budget reflects what we value, we at UUCP value the paid personnel and contractors who help us get things done. Our minister, CRE Coordinator, Office Administrator, childcare provider, lawn care provider, and custodian each fill vital roles that we would be hard-pressed to do without. Volunteers could do some of the work these paid folks do — and volunteers have in the past performed many of these roles — but the consistency and commitment of these paid folks free up others in the congregation to expend time and energy in other areas. In many ways, it is a blessing and a relief that we are able to pay for regular services such as mowing and cleaning the building rather than having to scramble together a volunteer crew. There always is a place for volunteers to supplement the routine work by completing special projects or tending to areas in need of attention — but it’s nice to have the basics mostly covered.
As a share of our expenditures, compensation for our minister is the most significant, about 50% of our budget, including taxes, insurances, and allowances at required levels and in line with market conditions and UUA guidance for part-time UU ministers. What benefits do we in the UUCP community enjoy for the price of our minister’s compensation? According to the UUA, “…ministers are spiritual leaders who help us explore life’s deepest questions and challenge us to be our best selves.” Harvard Divinity School refers to ordained UU ministers as “ministers, educators, chaplains, advocates and activists in congregational settings and in the community at large.”
Rev. Alice has been and continues to fulfill these roles for us. She touches all the areas that top our most-valued list at UUCP: Sunday Services, CRE, Social Justice, and the building and grounds where most of it happens. Plus, she provides many priceless services, such as ministering to grieving congregants and helping us to think more deeply about covenant, mission, and vision so that we can be our best selves within our walls and in the wide world beyond.
Until next time,
Lauren Anzaldo
Board President