Personal identity is complex. It is constructed out of the inheritance we are given by our families and communities of origin…and our reaction to them. We add our own dreams and the ways they have been fulfilled and disappointed. Often “the world,” the assumptions of our society, have significant impact, not always for the good. The religious identity we inherit or claim is also part of the creation that we know, in some more global or comprehensive way, as the Self.

Claiming an identity as a Unitarian Universalist requires the willingness to accept a certain “uncertain-ness.” There is no creed of belief we can confidently use to explain who we are to others, or even to ourselves. On good days, I experience that openness as an empowering sense of possibility that is inherent in my living. But there are days, even for me, when I wish Unitarian Universalism was simpler, more concrete…something I could give myself to or submit to. In the U.S., when someone says they are Baptist, few questioning eyebrows are raised. Wrong assumptions may be made, but it is rare when the response is, “What is that?”

We, therefore, spend more time than most trying to put language around our liberal faith. We certainly do here at First Church. Over the years, I’ve asked many UU groups to work on their “elevator speeches" -- i.e., what do you say when you get the question about Unitarian Universalism as you enter an elevator on the 5^th floor and have only until ground level to respond. There is not time to recite the 7 Principles (even if you know them by heart) or give a long historical recitation of the Unitarian and Universalist traditions (even if you’ve studied them in your own religious search).

It can be helpful to read how other Unitarian Universalists have responded, how they have described our faith. In that spirit, here is one description by Ed Schempp, a lay person from New Jersey, that has always resonated with me:

“Unitarian Universalism is a fierce belief in the way of freedom and the reverence for the sacred dignity of each individual. It is cooperation with a universe that created us; it is a celebration of life; it is being in love with goodness and justice; it is a sense of humor about absolutes.

Unitarian Universalism is faith in people, hope for tomorrow’s child, confidence in a continuity that spans all time. It is trust in growing and conspiracy with change. It is spiritual responsibility for a moral tomorrow.”

I’m never that concise when I answer that question about who we are. I’m still searching for that one sentence that captures the power and beauty of our way of being religious. But I love Ed’s version:  “a sense of humor about absolutes.” Perhaps that is one thing we would do well to add to our seriousness. On those days that are not so good, perhaps laughter, as well as prayer, is a helpful spiritual response.

Blessings,

Bill

Much ministerial, staff and volunteer leadership energy has been focused on the financial challenges facing us. These include: re-financing the debt on the Buchan Building (required by April, 2013); the loss of Northwest Academy, our long standing weekday tenant in the Buchan Building (June 2013); shortfall in our Annual Fund Drive versus budget, despite the generous response of the congregation to the final matching effort (with immediate impact on our spending).

There are clearly many “moving parts” in our financial planning. Here is an overview of steps we have taken and upcoming planning/decision points:

• Bring our expenses for this year (FY12) within our income: Complete.
• Reduce pension contributions from 12% to 10% of salaries (Full Year).
• Roll-back 1 ½% Cost of Living increases for salaried staff (Effective 3/1/12)
• Reduce UUA and District Dues to FY 11 level.
• Re-configure two staff positions (Full time to 3/4- time), eliminate one part time position and one handyman position.
• Tightly control discretionary spending.

These changes, which will be on-going, help the development of a balanced budget for FY 13, but they do not cover the expense of the new mortgage on the Buchan Building.

Develop balanced budget for FY 13: Complete.

• The Board of Trustees approved the budget during their recent meeting.  It will be mailed out in the ballot packet going to all voting members at the end of this month.
• Pledge income assumptions are reasonable to conservative; increased revenues from music and adult dducation fees and revenue-generating activities are planned; we have also deferred elimination of the Learning Community fees for our pledging families. Anticipated interest cost for the re-financing (full year) have been provided.
• Costs have been reduced in a variety of ways: an additional modest but painful salary roll-back for all salaried staff and reconfiguration of three additional staff positions to less than full-time. The financial impact of these staff changes is reflected in the “Additional Adjustments” line of the budget. There will be NO salary roll-back for hourly wage earners.

Securing a new mortgage:

• Conversations with several banks (both national and local) have begun. With Board (and congregational) approval of the budget, application and negotiation can begin in earnest.
• Several groups of congregants are being asked to make pledges/contributions to reduce the Buchan debt: those who have joined the church since the capital campaign was completed; those who have recently completed their pledges; those who, for a variety of reasons, discontinued their pledge payments.

New Tenant:

• Negotiations are underway with two potential additional tenants for space in the Buchan Building for next year (FY 13). Replacing the entire rental income from Northwest Academy ($100,000/yr) for the FY 14 remains on our to-do list.

As I indicated, there are many “moving parts.”

Although we are working hard to streamline operations, you should know that there will be less staff capacity in the coming year(s). You will also see increased costs for our programming (scholarships will continue to be available) and additional fund-raising activities.

Your staff has demonstrated extraordinary understanding, commitment and patience throughout this process. Congregants will feel the impact of higher fees and reduced staff capacity, but it is the staff who are feeling the brunt of these changes directly and personally. Please hold deep thanks for their work in your hearts and understanding as we move toward financial stability and sustainability.

Through these difficult days, I remain thankful for the broad support and understanding of the congregation. There are also three groups that deserve your special thanks.

The Board Finance Committee, led by Treasurer Pat Malone, has consistently provided not only wisdom and guidance but a non-reactive and thoughtful presence that has made good decision making possible.

The new Stewardship Committee, led by Ron Yoder, is taking greater practical responsibility for our fundraising efforts.

The new Senior Minister’s Advisory Council has provided helpful counsel. Their broad view of our ministry and financial life is a great resource for me that I will continue to call on as we move ahead.

In Faith,

Bill