Money Matters (October 19, 2025) — Summary
Executive Summary:
The Money Matters meeting focused on reflecting on People’s Church’s mission—leading compassionate lives through spiritual growth and just action—while confronting financial challenges and planning for 2026. The conversation was thoughtful, practical, and grounded in optimism despite acknowledging serious fiscal realities. Attendees reviewed pledge results, explored budget projections, discussed insurance increases, and brainstormed creative opportunities for outreach and growth. The tone was warm, candid, and mission-driven, with an emphasis on inclusion, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.
Overall, members expressed appreciation for the board’s transparency and shared willingness to face change with compassion and creativity. While the congregation faces a budget shortfall, participants identified this moment as a chance to reimagine “how we church” and connect more deeply with the community.
During introductions, members shared their favorite part of the church’s mission statement.
“Just action” was the most common favorite, chosen by 6 people.
“Leading compassionate lives” or “compassionate” was preferred by 3 people.
“Spiritual growth” was mentioned by 2 people.
“Growth” (in general) was appreciated by 1 person.
“The whole thing” was selected by 2 people.
Key Points & Ideas:
Pledge Overview:
79 households pledged, totaling approximately $179,708, reaching about 85% of the goal.
Goal was $210,000.
Median pledge: $1,230; average pledge: $2,621.
92% of members returned pledge forms—a strong participation rate.
Financial Challenges:
Overall expenses projected to rise 7–8%.
Insurance up 40%, UU health premiums up 19.5%.
Several generous donors passed away, leading to a $25,000 drop in pledges.
Projected $30,000–$35,000 deficit for the coming year.
Endowment income up slightly but insufficient to cover the gap.
This marks the first year in a decade the church did not meet its pledge goal.
Budget Options Discussed:
Approve a deficit budget with a plan.
Reduce expenses, though many items are fixed or limited.
Draw additional funds from endowment (“rainy day” discussion).
Explore new insurance options or possible UU self-insurance models.
Fundraising and Engagement Ideas
Supplemental fundraising beyond pledges.
Community-based events such as freewill soup suppers to engage neighbors.
Emphasis on outreach visibility—advertising in local newspapers, connecting with the wider public.
Pursue grants (e.g., Chalice Lighter grants) for programming or outreach efforts.
Engage in partnerships via interfaith collaborations and The Gamaliel Project for shared missions.
Promote the Our Whole Lives (OWL) program to attract families.
Reconnect with past members and guild participants who previously engaged with the church.
Long-Term Vision and Reflection:
Members encouraged rethinking how the church gathers—possibly shifting from traditional Sunday structures to more interactive, relationship-centered gatherings.
A call for balancing financial prudence with bold outreach, recognizing that “you can’t cut your way to prosperity.”
Recognition that church demographics are shifting; opportunities exist to appeal to younger families and other who seek inclusive community.
Acknowledgment of emotional fatigue from loss and change—but hope for growth through adaptation and creativity.
Action Ideas
Insurance Review: Explore new underwriting options or UUA self-insurance possibilities before the December budget.
Community Fundraising Events: Plan events such as soup suppers, neighborhood outreach, and interfaith collaborations.
Advertising and Visibility: Consider Gazette church ads or other local media to promote community awareness.
Reconnect with Former Members: Reach out to former OWL families and guild members.
Explore Grants: Research potential grant opportunities (e.g., Chalice Lighter).
Develop a Budget Plan: Prepare a clear, strategic plan for managing a potential deficit.
Follow-up Forum: Reconvene in November to continue discussion before passing the December budget.
Sentiment Report
Overall tone: Constructive, caring, and collaborative, with a mix of cautious realism and hope.
Positive mentions (≈18): Words like “compassionate,” “hopeful,” “grateful,” “creative,” and “opportunity.”
Negative mentions (≈7): Concerns over “deficit,” “loss,” “insurance,” and “uncertainty.”
Participants balanced frustration about financial challenges with determination to act ethically, inclusively, and boldly.
Highlights
“You can’t cut your way to prosperity.”
“Maybe it’s not a rainy day—but a rainy decade.”
“How do we rethink how we ‘church’?”
“Let’s ask Stephen King for a donation!” (his daughter is a UU minister)
Shared acknowledgement: “We’ve known this moment was coming—you can see it in the demographics.”
Conclusion sentiments included “hopeful,” “thankful,” and “concerned.”