We made it! It’s officially spring. As I write this, the songbirds are singing their happy songs, it’s good to have them back, and it’s not too cold outside. Our house is south facing so our snow melts quickly, revealing the next project – yard work (but that beats snow shoveling).
Speaking of next projects, the Standing Committee has started work on the FY27 (July 2026-June 2027) budget. Between now and our annual meeting in June, you’ll have an opportunity to learn more details about next year’s budget through our April budget hearings, periodic updates from the Standing Committee, and the voter’s guide we publish prior to the annual meeting. We will vote on the budget in June. What will next year’s investments look like? As the Stewardship team wrote recently, “our plans for next year involve investing in worship – hiring a music director and improving our audio-visual capabilities. We also are investing in our capacity for new programs and outreach focused on social justice and building community – additional staff hours to support our volunteers who lead teams and facilitate small groups.”
Stewardship and the spiritual practice of generosity are acts of faith. And we are a generous Congregation—revenue from pledges for this year is on track, we raised over $20,000 for the Carlene Merril Fund which made us eligible for a $20,000 match for financial resources that help us support staff through expanded hours and providing a living wage and benefits, and we have had several robust fundraising events during the year. Our endowment is healthy and well managed, and we have funds set aside for addressing the long range needs for the maintenance of our sanctuary, chapel, the Carlene Merrill Kitchen, and gathering and classroom spaces and offices.
Many of you completed “why I pledge” cards at our March 15 stewardship service and we will be sharing your whys and stories during the stewardship campaign which runs through early May (Ok, I can’t miss an opportunity – you can pledge by visiting https://fpchelmsford.breezechms. com/form/stewardship2680 or stop by the table during social hour). All of us on the SC are grateful that you choose to Light the Lantern and Be the Signal Light at a time when the practice of Unitarian Universalism is so needed in today’s world.
Thank you for your generosity and the love you share with us. Have mercy,
John S. (Standing Committee Chair)