Dear Members and Friends of UUCAS,

Thanks to your continued commitment, active participation, and outreach, our church is thriving in spirit and in new membership. We should all be incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made together. Below is a short list of some of the meaningful achievements we’ve accomplished as a congregation:

• Hosted a public lunch to support those dealing with anxiety after the election.
• Purchased Christmas gifts for a family recommended by the Abuse and Rape Crisis Center.
• Filled our sanctuary with love for the Transgender Day of Remembrance service.
• Donated hygiene supplies to local libraries as a result of a congregational discussion.
• Supported Endless Mountains Pride at a time when businesses have pulled their backing.
• Contributed to the community meals at the United Methodist Church.
• Strengthened our connections with the broader community – ukulele, pickleball, poster event.

Our congregation has been a cornerstone of the Valley since 1808. For more than two centuries, our members have been the foundation of its enduring presence, and witnessing 217 years of societal changes. In this time of upheaval, our calling is to be a sanctuary for those seeking solace and a voice to those who need our support.

How Your Pledge Makes a Difference
Your pledge is not just a financial commitment—it’s a declaration of your support to our shared values and vision for a better world. Your support helps us remain spiritually connected and to continue our work toward shaping a just society rooted in Unitarian Universalist principles and purposes.

We understand that everyone has unique circumstances when making financial commitments, and we hope that the pledge form will serve as a helpful guide as you make your decision.

We invite you to consider pledging as generously as you are able to and return your pledge before April 30th. You can download your pledge form here.

Please fill out and return it to the Treasurer (Su Raman) by April 30, 2025.

By US mail:   UUCAS, attn. Treasurer, 112 North St., Athens PA 18810

By email: treasurer@uucas.org

Thank you for your financial support, and for all the way you help make UUCAS a beacon of hope and action in our community.

How Much Should I Give?

This guide is based on the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) recommended “fair share” giving, which accounts for income and unusual expenses for your household. Find your adjusted income: Reduce household income by expenses related to child/elder-care, medical, education, unusually high cost-of-living, etc.. We encourage you to use the guideline as a starting point based on your unique financial circumstance.

What if my income is limited? What are some of the in-kind donations I can make? 

If your income is limited, there are still many ways to support our church. Here are some ideas:

• Gardening and Groundskeeping: Help maintain the front garden and weed along the parking lot fence. Last year, we paid someone for 6-8 hours each month during the growing season to manage plants and weeds.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Assist with tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, and scrubbing the bathrooms. Currently, we pay someone to clean the church once a month, and your help can reduce this cost.
• Zoom Audio/Visual Tech: Be a dedicated trained volunteer for a year-long commitment.
• Fellowship Coordinator: Plan, create and recruit volunteers for quarterly events.

Others: Talk to Katie or Su if you have other skills you would like to offer.

Ways to Fulfill Your Pledge

Here are several ways to make financial donations, based on what works best for you:

• Direct Bank to Bank Payments: Easiest method to send contributions. You can adjust your periodic contributions or cancel the donations anytime by contacting your bank.
• Advance Partial or Total Payment: If you want to pay in full or in part before July 1st, date your payment for July 1, 2025 so that we can credit you for the 2025-2026 church year, or if you prefer, indicate that you would like a reminder to pay in full in July.
• Checks: Mail in or put your checks in the offering plate.
• Cash Donations: Unidentified cash cannot be acknowledged. If you want us to acknowledge your donation for tax purposes, put your cash in an envelope and write your name on it before placing it on the offering plate. The greeter can give you an offering envelope.
• PayPal: Scan the QR code or click on the PayPal button on the church’s website. The church pays a fee of about 2%-3% for donations via Paypal.
• Other Financial Methods: Stock donations, IRA distributions, donor-advised funds. Contact the treasurer for more information on these options.

Whatever form your pledge takes — financial or in-kind through your time and talents — we are deeply grateful for your support. Thank you for being a valued and sustaining member.

With gratitude,
Linda, Lois, Becky, & Chris
UUCAS Pledge Team