NOTES FROM DAN            

On Earth Day this past month we took up a special collection to help a congregation whose quick response to an oil spill from their property into a nearby creek had put them in serious financial trouble.  Because of our efforts, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown is approximately $1200 closer to paying its cleanup costs.

This is not the first time BuxMont members and friends have come forward to help other those in need.  A few years ago, we pledged a similar amount to assist a congregation whose religious education wing had been severely damaged by fire.  Each week we give not only to BuxMont, but to other organizations in the community – not because we are under any obligation, but because we see it as part of our purpose to be a positive influence in the community.  Over the last four years, we have given away nearly $48,000 through our shared offering program..  At the same time, we have dedicated countless hours of work to better our community and our nation through community service and social action projects – all while giving our time, energy and money to keep BuxMont healthy and vibrant.

We often speak in our congregation of a culture of generosity.  My colleagues in ministry use a different term – “a theology of abundance.”  The idea is simple – rather than view ourselves in terms of what we cannot afford – a scarcity of people, of funds, of volunteers – we can choose to focus on the abundant resources we have, and invite one another to give joyfully toward a much larger whole.  It is a theology and a culture that leads with high expectations, but also that emphasizes the goodness of working together towards the common good.

At no time is this orientation more important than in years of financial challenge.  With the economy looking gloomy, this was such a year for BuxMont – and for many of our neighboring congregations.  Many of us are going through difficult times this year, and simply could not reach the same level of commitment as in previous years.  The result has left us without a clear way to fund our fair share obligation to the Unitarian Universalist Association and Joseph Priestley District – potentially breaking a 45 year tradition at BuxMont of paying our full fair share. At the same time, others have helped prevent a yet worse shortfall by increasing their giving.  When we meet for our annual meeting, we will face some difficult decisions.  (More details of the proposed budget can be found on page 4 of this newsletter).

Whatever the conclusion of the congregation in these matters, I remain convinced of the generosity and abundance in our fellowship.  I see it in the way some members who cannot give very much money make an extra effort to contribute time for special projects that have long needed accomplishing.  I see it in the way we care for others in the congregation who are going through illness, job loss or life transition.  I see it in the way we give to our neighbors – like the Pottstown Fellowship and our shared offering recipients – when there is a clear need.  When we choose to put our energy and resources into a cause or a project, there is little we cannot accomplish together. 

My prayer and my wish is this:  that we continue to grow, not just in generosity, but in the culture and spirit that encourages it, so that every need is met – for BuxMont programs, for newcomers, for our children, for our community, and for Unitarian Universalism.  May we always give abundantly to build the beloved community on Earth.

In faith,

The Rev. Daniel Schatz