We Are the Lighthouse in a Very Present Storm
It was the best of times, it was…not quite the best of times.
If you’ve spent any time recently at UU Asheville, you can feel the palpable energy. People are returning after Covid, there are kids filling our classes, we have two services with pews filling up every week – there’s laughter and goodwill in abundance. We have people reaching out to participate in our newcomer sessions and new member classes, as we show our community how we love the hell out of this world. We are making such a difference, and it feels good to be here.
And in the background, there’s another reality – that we’re working with a deficit budget. Last year, the congregation passed a moral deficit budget, placing our trust in each other and what we are beginning to do together, in this new phase of the life of the congregation.
In his Big Ask this past “Kick Off Sunday” with our giving campaign, Will Jernigan said:
“What’s the ask? Our pledge goal for 24-25 is ~$800,000, which is ~$150,000 above the pledge total for 23-24. If that feels like a big number, that’s because it is. …What excites me about this is that it is do-able, and when we each meet this ask, we will hit our goal. Some of you will choose to give more than what is asked, which is vital to help cover those who aren’t able to give as much. If you are not currently giving financially to support our church, now is an amazing time to start. AND, those who can’t meet the financial ask can help us meet our goal by showing up – helping with existing programs to offset costs, helping with the new FUNraiser events, and other examples of giving time and talent.”
Budgets are moral documents. They show what we value, what is important to us, and what we love. I believe you love UU Asheville, and what we are doing together. I believe you love each and every member of the staff, who work incredibly hard, and go above and beyond to serve this community. I believe you appreciate the volunteers and generous givers who have been keeping our UU light shining out across the valley. That’s why I believe that we will pull together and make this leap, so that we can continue the amazing work that is underway. I believe in us. We are the lighthouse in a very present storm. Let’s keep the lights on, and bring more people home.
Rev. Audette Fulbright Fulson
Lead Minister