We are halfway through our annual Pledge Drive, which ends March 30!

March 17, 2025

Dear SGUUF Members,

We are halfway through our annual Pledge Drive, which ends March 30.  Our pledge goal this year is $188,000.  So far, we have received 17 pledges totaling $50,455.  For those who have not pledged yet, we encourage you to submit your pledge soon, either online via our website, or by turning in your pledge card at church.    

Our Pledge Goal supports the following major expense budget categories:

Paid staff (personnel) is the largest part of our budget, covering 5 employees:

• Religious Professionals:  

  • Pulpiteer (minister) - Eric Hepburn  

  • Director of Religious Education - Candice White  

• Administrator - John Faber

• Child Care & Bookkeeper – Hush Childers

• Video Editing (for recorded Sunday Services) – Paula Sanders

Staff compensation includes salary and employer paid Social Security and Medicare taxes.  

The Facilities budget includes all expenses associated with owning, operating, and maintaining our buildings, and the land they occupy: Mortgage, Insurance, Utilities, Lawn Service, Supplies, Maintenance and Repairs. 

Team budgets include funds for speaker honorariums, music, coffee and food, printing and postage, and social justice projects.  

Every year we contribute to the UUA Annual Program Fund to support products and services that the UUA provides to member congregations all over the country, including our Fellowship. The amount that we contribute is calculated by the UUA based on our annual budget of expenses, the certified number of members we have, and our Geo Index (the relative cost of living in our geographic area).  

Administrative expenses include software subscriptions for 

• money accounting

• keeping track of our members and friends

• our on-line website that helps people find us

• Zoom meeting support

Other expenses include banking fees and on-line payment services.  

Our goal for this fiscal year was $150,000.  So far, this year we have received over $150,000, and project that we will receive over $190,000 by the end of the fiscal year.  Our income consists of pledge contributions, non-pledge offerings, and contributions to the RE fund. 

Major budget changes from last year include: 

• Added $30,000 for half-time salary for Director of Religious Education

• Raises for employees

• $ 5,500 increase in Facilities and Team budgets

• $ 1,000 increase in contribution to UUA

Religious Education is by far the most significant change to our budget for next year.  This year we asked for contributions of $5,000 to allow us to fund hiring a DRE for the Spring; members responded with contributions totaling over $18,000.  We used this money to hire Candice White to be our DRE, paying her on an hourly basis as a contract employee.  

Next year, we want to convert Candice to a regular employee, compensated on a ½ time basis. Religious Education is one of our most important programs – the children are our future. 

In May, the Board will hold an informational meeting after church to present the proposed budget with time for questions and answers.  The specific date will be announced later.  

If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact me or another Board member.  

Our church is growing, and your continued support is both needed and greatly appreciated!    

Rob Berthold

President, SGUUF Board of Trustees