This article was in the July Newsletter, which we don't think very many
people saw.
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The economy is a mess. Many people have job INsecurity, or no job.
People have hard thoughts about where to turn, and what to do to protect
themselves and their families. This condition will be with us for a while.
So, what can people do? Where is there a place to go to that offers
relative peace and stability and a feeling of security, where time can
be spent thinking about things outside of ourselves and our immediate
needs and issues for a while. Where can we go to just share our
thoughts and know we'll be heard and carefully listened to?
One good answer is All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church. As UUs, we
are all in a similar place in our lives – that being we are UUs, who
honor and respect each other and care about each other within the
church. We are the place where we can talk about how to help each
other, and maybe how to get help.
Throughout the USA, there are many people who normally attend church of
all denominations who are no longer attending as they used to. The
consensus of opinion among church leaders (professionals like Joan
VanBecalaere at the OMD and others) is that in bad economic times people
stop going – because they feel they haven't the money to pay their dues
- to put in the plate, so to speak.
That is what this message is about. We (All Souls) want you to feel
that All Souls is a place you can go, where you can just relax, be at
peace and be an active part of our community, whether you can put
anything in the collection plate or not.
While our church is not exceedingly wealthy, we have money in savings
and CDs that we can draw on if we need to do that. Indeed, in the month
of June, we drew $2,000 from savings to cover extraordinary expenses.
The point is that we don't need YOUR money if you feel you aren't able
to give as much to the church as you want to. At some point in the
future perhaps you will be able to – and then will be fine!
BUT – we DO need YOU to be part of the church and part of our
community. We do want you to feel that, whether you can help
financially right now or not – you are an important part of us and you
CAN come to church and participate and no one is expecting any more than
that.
I don't want to ramble on too much, but I do hope to have reassured any
of our members and friends that this feels like it was written for.
Reed Richmond & LD Ball also acquired and mounted two bulletin boards on
the walls downstairs for the purpose of being a resource for our
members. One is a Help Wanted and Offered board where anyone can post
work they want to pay to have done, and anyone looking for work can get
the number and call. Likewise, anyone who has time and skills that
you'd like to make extra money from, can post a message on that board
offering your services.
The second board is for things you might have that you want to sell.
Post a note about it on the board and let people know. ( On July 11th
we have our big rummage sale for the church. There will be 100 people
come through the building that day who don't go to All Souls. If your
message about work or stuff for sale is on the board on the 11th, you
may be able to make connections you hadn't expected. Please take
advantage of this. )
There are colored papers and magic markers on the book shelf under the
one bulletin board. Grab a marker and a paper and make up an ad to
share with those who are interested.
So, in these ways, we invite you to be present and be a part of our
community. Come whether you can help financially or not, and
participate in our programs. You ARE welcome, regardless! AND – if
you need a ride – just Say So! We'll make the connections for you to
have a ride to church anytime you need one.
Thank You! See you in Church!
