Annual Canvass 2000 - 2001

"Certainly there are lots of things in life that money won't buy, but it's very funny - Have you ever tried to buy them without money?" - Ogden Nash

 

What Does Church Mean to You?

For some people, the greatest value of the First Religious Society is being associated with ideals of individual freedom, the use of reason, and profound respect for all people and religious beliefs.

For others, it's the terrific Young Church program - a place where their kids are learning UU values and having fun, too.

Others treasure the elegant simplicity of our marvelous sanctuary . . . the landmark steeple that defines the Newburyport skyline . . . the sense of place imparted by its 200-year-old history.

Others love the great parties. Fellowship is not in short supply here.

Others find that the greatest value is the ability to explore their spirituality in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The personal value of "our church" is as different as each individual. But defining it precisely isn't really necessary. What is necessary (and maybe not even as hard!) is defining in financial terms the equation between the value we receive and the value we should give.

How Much Should I Give?

A perennial question asked by members and friends of the church is "What should my pledge be?" Your canvasser will suggest a range, but of course, you should set the level. You might start by recalling your previous pledge and adding a percentage increase representing your dream for what our church should do-and be-now.

2000-01 Financial Goals

Financing our programs will require the following contributions to the operating fund. Reaching these goals provides a total of $190,000, representing an approximate 10% increase in our annual pledge total.

Given your financial circumstances and your commitment to the church, can you consider the Benefactor or Sustaining level pledge?

Pledge Range	# Pledges	Total $	Level
$2,500 to $10,000	11	$35,200	Benefactor
1,500 to 2,499	18	36,000
1,200 to 1,499	15	20,250	Sustaining
1,000 to 1,199	10	11,000
750 to 999	14	12,250
500 to 749	50	31,250	Basic
300 to 499	82	32,800
Less than $ 300	Many	11,250
	Total	$ 190,000

This Year's Accomplishments

• Made tangible and exciting progress on resolving our need for more space, including proposed building plans and feasibility study
• Conducted parish poll
• Strengthened personnel committee
• Increased attendance at worship services for the seventh straight year
• Strengthened ties with our partner church in Transylvania, including a visit from its minister
• Laid plans for 200th celebration
• Organized joint church choir concert (May 7, 2000)
• Met our budget goals by increasing pledging - both pledge amounts and number of people pledging.

Goals for 2000-2001

• Lay the groundwork for a capital campaign to fund new usable space for church programs and services
• Paint the entire church ($50,000)
• Define staff job descriptions and reporting relationships
• Increase staff salaries
• Search for new Religious Ed. Director
• Hire an intern minister
• Improve and expand music program
• Sponsor our minister's travel to our Partner Church in Transylvania
• Celebrate the 200^th anniversary of our church building - in style
• Continue with conservative distribution from endowment, matching trustees' advice
• Develop a Web site to further knit together our church community
• Involve more people in church activities and programs

FY 2001 Proposed Budget

Total Budget of $304,000

We are proud to be "Fair Share" contributors to the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our Church pays UUA and Mass. Bay District dues totaling $49 for each member.

Church Leadership

Staff

The Reverend Harold E. Babcock, Minister

Laurie Loosigian, Religious Ed. Director

Marjorie Killam, Parish Secretary

Barbara Owen, Organist & Music Director

Claudia Keyian, Young Church Choir Director

Julia Farwell-Clay, YRUU Coordinator

Carol Lattime, Sexton

Committee Chairpersons

Parish Linda Fuller

Adult Education Sue Creed

Building Greg Garnache

Denominational Affairs Open chair

Finance Les Ferlazzo

Historical Chris Snow, Barbara Owen

Hospitality Anne Verret-Speck

Human Services Gillian Chatfield

Membership Open chair

Ministry Bob Smart

Music Robin Lawson

Personnel David Turner

Religious Ed. Rochelle Perry-Platine

Space Needs Ron Pullins

Welcoming Congregation Peter Hope

Women's Alliance Betty Pike

Worship Rebecca Robertson

Annual Canvass Committee

John Mercer & Steve Swallow, Co-Chairs

Robin Lawson, Eric & Gen Gootkind,Scott and Rebecca Jordan, Lark Madden, Pat Skibbee, Ted Bazenas, Phil Hurzeler, Joan Lennon, Susan Ricker, Sue Creed, Chuck Kennedy, Catherine Garnache, Amy Weickert, John Harwood