Dear Union Members and Friends,

Because of YOU, Union Church changes lives.

Every week, we witness the Spirit at work in this community:

• This year we had a record number of new members find a spiritual home among us.
• More and more children and youth are becoming active in our ministries, discovering faith that is joyful, curious, alive, and relevant.
• My preaching speaks to the urgency of our world with courage and compassion.
• Our music, that always stirs our souls, deepened this year by the gifts of our music intern program.

All of this is possible because of your generosity.

At its heart, giving is not just about meeting a budget. It is about living into a spiritual practice that frees us from fear and deepens our trust in God. Generosity reminds us that our security doesn’t rest in our bank accounts, but in the God who abundantly provides. When we give, we not only become more of who God created us to be—people of open hands, open hearts, and open lives—we also become collaborators in building God’s kingdom, heaven on earth, if you will.

This year, numerous costs of our ministry are increasing. Common Ministry continues to work to ensure that our staff salaries are just and appropriately compensate the high level of skill and dedication they provide. Utility prices continue to climb, and insurance for our historic building skyrocketed amidst industry instability. These are practical realities—and they are also the infrastructure that allows our ministries to flourish. By supporting the day-to-day life of Union Church, you are ensuring that lives continue to be changed and that God’s love continues to be embodied in this place.

If you are able, we invite you to consider increasing your pledge this year. We will need an $80,000 increase in pledges this year in order not to run a deficit budget. Every pledge is a declaration of trust in God’s abundance, and every act of generosity strengthens this community we love. Every gift matters!

Because of you, Union Church changes lives. And because of you, lives — including your own — are changed by the grace of giving.

With gratitude and hope,

Rev. Bridget Flad Daniels

Senior Pastor