This past year required UUCV to rely heavily on each other to get through the year without a minister. We had to draw on the expertise and hard work of members of the community. This includes demonstrating a great deal of patience on the part of everyone. We had a wide range of experiences in our services. Guest ministers and UUCV members led services. We lost a music director, welcomed guest musical talent and signed up our new Music Director.

Our congregation grew with new members and we lost some of our steadfast supporters to moves. Unfortunately, we lost others to the certain conclusion of all our stories.

The other day I was having supper with some friends in the dining hall at Green Ridge Village. They told me about the plight of their church. I won’t mention specifically the name of the church but, it was a liberal Christian Church. This church used to have three services every Sunday for hundreds of members. Their typical single service today welcomes 25-35 members. (Those numbers were their best guess.) They do not have enough young people in the community to hold “time for all ages” or any Sunday religious training for the youth.

I found myself comparing situations. We are gaining young families and they have almost none. We are losing our elders due to end of life circumstances. They are as well. They feel an element of hopelessness due to a shrinking congregation. I feel a great deal of optimism and hope.

However, my optimism is tempered by the recognition that new generations bring change. Change brings discomfort and disagreement. I am confident our shared values and principles will guide us through the challenges. Our elders should take comfort in knowing new generations will continue to live those shared values and principles regardless of how they choose to express them. Younger generations should honor the work of those who came before them and the sacrifices they made to pass the torch. All of us should continue to practice patience.

Focus on Finances

On June 30, 2024 we will close out our 23/24 Budget and Fiscal Year (FY) and July 1, 2024 marks the beginning of our 24/25 Budget and FY.

The 24/25 Budget was approved by the congregation by a majority vote at the Annual Meeting after the Treasurer presented an explanation of the decision making processes used in creating the budget and the congregation was given the opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns.

A few key points about the 24/25 Budget:

1. In response to the wish of the congregation to not give up anything and the decision to keep programming intact as we seek a new minister, this is a $21,000 deficit budget.

2. It will require use of savings that have been achieved during 23/24 due to not having a Minister or Music Director for much of the year.

3. In approving the 24/25 Budget we all agree to honor our pledges of support to the best of our abilities.

4. Fundraising events and opportunities are a critical component of this budget and all of us have a role to play in fundraising whether it be coming up with a new idea, planning and coordinating an event, volunteering to help with an event, or financial contributions in support of an event.

Additionally, so that everyone is aware, the 24/25 Budget provides for funding a full time minister beginning Jan 1, 2025 or HALF of the fiscal year. In the Ministry section of the 24/25 Budget, Line Item 41-Total Compensation and Benefits shows $47,936.25. This represents 6 months of a full time minister and would change to $95,872.50 when we budget for a full year of a full time minister. This will be a significant consideration when it is time for our 25/26 Budget.

The Board and Finance Committee are well aware that this means finding new income sources for UUCV. Pledges will remain our main source of income and will hopefully be increased by attracting new members. We can look into grants that might available, but it is evident that fundraising will become increasingly important to enable us to meet our financial obligations. A budget is a map of where we want to be. How we get there requires all of us to be good stewards of our resources. So, as was stated in this column last month, we are committing to creatively work together toward providing UUCV with all that we need to thrive.

If you haven’t seen the 24/25 Budget you can find in on the UUCV website under the “About” tab or get a copy from Pam during office hours. If you have questions or concerns about the budget or UUCV finances, please direct them to me or members of the Board or Finance Committee.

Thank you,

Wendy Gebb

UUCV Treasurer

July 7– "Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner" Resisting oppression while embracing our oppressors. Ben Ramirez leads the service with worship associate Lisa Balog.  

July 14 – "Miracles Can Happen...in New Jersey?!?" Join us in our dining hall for our second "brunch church" as we learn more about our history as Unitarian Universalits, and that miracles can happen, even to UU's....and even in New Jersey. Bring your favorite brunch dish to share. Pancakes will be provided. [Gluten Free pancakes will be available.] Lynn Sodora leads the service. 

July 21 - "Believe"  "I believe in a good strong cup of ginger tea,and that all these shoots and roots will become a tree, and I know I just can't help but see all of this as so very holy." - Carrie Newcomer "I believe in believe." -Ted Lasso. Rev. Chris Kapp leads the service with our teens as worship associates. 

July 28 - "The Riddle and the Mystery"  Humankind has created countless stories to try to explain the mystery that surrounds everything. That is all religion really is – people wondering about where we came from, why we are here, and what comes next. Today’s service invites us to join in that exploration. Rev. Cindy Terlazzo preaches with worship associate Susan Rimby.

Rev. Cindy Terlazzo comes to us from the Gettysburg congregation where she has been serving part time for the past 3 years. She had the delightful opportunity to intern with UUCV from 2018 – 2020. Cindy lives in York with her life partner, John Terlazzo. In addition to serving the Gettysburg UU, she also has a full time job as a social worker, serving individuals who have intellectual disabilities. Cindy and John will be moving to Rochester, NY later this summer to live closer to family and watch grandchildren grow up in every day time. She is delighted to join you to explore some of life’s biggest questions – Where Did We Come From and Where are We Goin.

Join us for in-person worship in our Sanctuary every Sunday at 10:30 am or on ZOOM. or “listen in” (without video) by telephone, by calling 646-876-9923 and entering Meeting ID 550 751 6685