Build Our Future of Possibilities and Growth: Join Our New Fundraising Initiative

Build Our Future of Possibilities and Growth: Join Our New Fundraising Initiative

As we navigate the landscape of our shared mission, we find ourselves at an exciting juncture. Our congregation has always thrived on the collective strength and creativity of its members, and now we have a unique opportunity to channel that energy into something truly transformative. We’re thrilled to announce a new initiative that invites you to be a part of something special: the UU Asheville Fundraising Team.

We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our fundraising team as we embark on a pilot project aimed at energizing and expanding our outreach efforts. This is your chance to contribute to the future of UU Asheville by helping to craft and manage innovative fundraising activities that will support our beloved congregation and increase our visibility in the wider community.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

  • Creative and Strategic Thinkers: If you have a knack for brainstorming fresh ideas and developing strategic plans, we want you!
  • Strong Communicators: Your ability to articulate our vision and engage others will be key.
  • Fundraising Experience a Bonus: While a background in fundraising is helpful, it’s not a requirement. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are just as valuable.
  • Team Players: We need at least four individuals who can collaborate effectively, lead initiatives, and manage execution.

The mission of this team will be to spearhead at least two fundraising events over the next year. These events are not just about raising funds—they are about enhancing our community presence and fostering connections within and beyond our congregation. You will work alongside UU Asheville Interns and will play a crucial role in soliciting volunteers, making strategic decisions, and ensuring the success of each initiative.

At the end of the year, the Board and team will evaluate the impact of these efforts and determine the future direction. Your involvement will not only contribute to our immediate goals but also shape the long-term vision of our fundraising activities.

If this opportunity resonates with you, we encourage you to reach out to Nancy Bragg (njbragg1@gmail.com) of the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) at your earliest convenience. Your participation can make a significant difference, and we believe that with your help, we can achieve remarkable outcomes.

Join us in this exciting endeavor and be a driving force behind our community’s growth and success. Together, let’s make a lasting impact!

With gratitude and excitement,

Monica Youngman

UU Asheville Board Member

Justice Ministry Calendar – November

Thank you to all who participated in our post carding events! We mailed over 4,000 postcards this election season. We are also grateful to volunteers offering rides to the polls, canvassing, phone banking and working at the polls during early voting and on Nov 5. 

UU Avl & UU Justice Events

UU Justice NC’s Friday Action Hour –  11:00 AM every Friday Sign up for the Zoom link & weekly Friday Action Hour promo email here.
TOPIC: TBA

Community Events

Adult Faith Formation – Programs Resume in November

NOTE: Soul Matters groups resume in November. If you are interested in joining a group let us know here.

We launched the new congregational year with the goal of living love through the practice of invitation.
“Come, come whoever you are,
Wanderer, worshipper, lover of leaving.
Ours is no caravan of despair.
Come, yet again come.” – Hymn #188
There is an additional sentence in the original poem by Sufi poet Jamal al-Din Rumi that inspired this hymn:
“Come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times.”
Perfection is not expected in our welcome. We do hold each other accountable for the covenants we make to each other as UUs. And, when we miss the mark, because we are human and we will make mistakes, we strive to stay in relationship with grace and curiosity as we explore how to mend our relationships. We invite you to explore how we are human together in the search for meaning and the co-creation of communities where all will thrive. Faith Formation at UU Avl supports us on this journey. Join in!

Faith Formation – November
1st Wednesday Dinner & Vespers next Vespers, Nov 6. 

Buddhist Sangha: regular meetings resume in Nov.

Registration open! Unitarian Universalist Views on Jesus
We gather on-line one Sunday each month for group reflection/discussion. Each month, participants will discuss a selection from “Christ for Unitarian Universalists.”
More details here.
Meeting Dates: Nov. 17; Dec. 15; Jan. 26; Feb. 9, March 23, 4-5 PM
Facilitator: Amy Wright Glenn

Adult Faith Formation Team meets monthly to plan programs and learn together, 2nd Mon., 4PM, online. All are welcome! Contact Rev. Claudia faithdev@uuasheville.org for Zoom link. We welcome your proposals for programs (use this form to propose a program).

Spiritual Deepening Groups
Covenant of UU Pagans – CUUPS. Contact: Sherry Lundquist sherry_lundquist@yahoo.com
Buddhist Sangha –  Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:30 pm in Sandburg Hall; 1st Sunday Meditation Circle, 10:15AM
Contact: Duane Bigelow duanelbigelow@gmail.com

Soul Matters Groups – Conversation Groups, UU Writers Group and Creativity Matters group explore monthly themes Oct.- June.  New groups launch in October. Contact: Rev. Claudia faithdev@uuasheville.org


2024 Auction Date!

2024 Auction Date!

Auction Time Is Coming!

It’s summer now, but our November annual auction is right around the corner!  

The date is Saturday, November 16, 2024.  Our theme this year is WELCOME TO THE UU CIRCUS!  Mark your calendars!  Get your thinking caps on to decide what you might want to offer – lead a hike, host a dinner, teach juggling lessons, provide a face-painting event, donate some home-baked yummies – the possibilities are endless!

Once again this year, we will have an online auction as well as a gala with dinner, a live auction, and a silent auction.  

Our auction serves many purposes for the congregation.  It’s the largest fundraiser outside of the annual giving drive.  Last year we contributed over $32,000 to support the congregation’s work toward connection, inspiration, compassion, and justice.  It’s an opportunity to connect and have fun at the gala.  And it’s a means for connection and inspiration throughout the year, through such events as dinners, parties, lessons, and hikes.

So, think about it!

What can YOU donate?

How can YOU help with the best and most fun committee ever?

Contact one of our co-chairs, Margaret McAlister or Marta Reese, for more information or with any suggestions or questions.

 

And watch this space for updates and info (and catalog, later): https://auctria.events/UUAVLAuction2024